Getting back on the field

[Umpire in Chief]

Earlier I wrote my 2011 season in review post. But I may have to ammend it a little.

I'm doing great, had the extra bone removed from my ankle and have recovered quickly overall. Actually, I was virtually without pain immediately after the surgery. My wife made me take my pain meds the day of and the morning after the surgery. 2 days after my surgery I felt too good and over did it and didn't keep my foot elevated long enough and had some mild swealing which caused some discomfort.

But since then all is fine. I've been doing significant walking using my "Moonboot" for 2 weeks now.

In my post-op today I was given permission to begin transitioning from my "moonboot" to regular shoes. I asked when I can resume normal activity he said probably another week or two. Perfect timing because I'd already accepted a HS Showcase for 10/1 .

I'll be doing the dish that game.

I've also been assigned a HS Fall-ball game for 10/8.

That will be 2 months w/o a game and I've had the shakes.

I'm giddy like a little kid to get back out there so I am going to get about a month of fall ball in.

I am really glad not only to get back on the field but I love using fall-ball for trying out new mechanics and techniques and I have a couple of things I want to work on/ try out. Fall-ball is as much a skill development time for umps as it is for players who want to try a new position, modify their batting stance or swing.

[sdix00]

I am really glad not only to get back on the field but I love using fall-ball for trying out new mechanics and techniques and I have a couple of things I want to work on/ try out. Fall-ball is as much a skill development time for umps as it is for players who want to try a new position, modify their batting stance or swing.

"Put your seat belt on. I wan't to try something. . . Saw it in a cartoon once, but I am pretty sure it will work."

- Stephen Wright

Seriously, though. Great news!!

[JaxRolo]

Great News!!! Don't over do it!!!! Be careful!

[Umpire in Chief]

Well I had my first games in just over 2 months yesterday. All went well but maybe in hindsight 2 was too much for my first post op adventure. But if felt good to get back out there. My foot was tender after two, and I was more fatigued than I thought I should be after 2. I had good mobility and use of my ankle even though I intentionally was going at 70% or so as not to over do it. My plate job went pretty well except for the second to the last pitch only went about 58 feet and the catcher couldn't get anything on it, and it went straight into my gut.

I was a little disoriented on the field a bit in that from behind the plate the field looked so small, and this was a sizable HS field. But from the bases the field seemed huge. I think it is from only watching baseball on tv.

These were supposed to be showcase games, but it was pretty obvious why there were no scouts there. Between the 2 teams there was only one player who I thought would have a legitimate shot at paying at a higher level.