My Son

[soapbox]

My 14 year old is stepping up this year. Got him his first complete set: Inside chest protector, own mask, with official uniform. His first game tonight with the new gear. I think he's going to be a fine umpire. He listens well and is training under our very own TH3 from the group.

[Welpe]

Good for him! I started at 13 and the experience was quite valuable in growing up I think. Best of luck to him!

[Stan W.]

Outstanding!!....My son umpired during some summers in college and I enjoyed umpiring with him very much.............great memories........im msure he will be head and shoulders above his peers from the start.....

[sdix00]

Many fathers and sons diverge a little during the high school years.

Umpiring has allowed me to spend more time with them than ever. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[boyinr]

I got my son playing golf at an early age. I figured if he wanted to play my chances were better of getting out of the house. As he got older the opportuinty to spend at least 4 hours uninterupted hours with him was the best. That was until he had to start giving me stokes!!!!

[yawetag]

Dad and I shared bowling when I was in elementary and middle school. When I got into high school and my "bowling weekends" turned into "marching band weekends," we switched to golf on Monday afternoons -- he'd take a half-day off each week and we'd go shoot 9 holes. Never did that well, but it was great to be out there.

[BT_Blue]

Good for him! I started at 13 and the experience was quite valuable in growing up I think. Best of luck to him!

I too officially started at 13 years of age. This is year number 18 with a two year break right in the middle. Part of me wishes I didnt take the break. Other parts of me are glad that I did. Made me realize how much I missed it.

[Welpe]

At least you didn't take a 9 year break.

I'm officially back tonight!

[KLAH316]

My picture is of me and my then 13 year old when we worked our first game together. It was a LL Fall Ball Game.

Great moment for a father!!

(He thought I was corny having a picture taken but I was so proud!)

[MT_Blue]

Very nice! I was one of those that followed in my old mans footsteps as well! its always exciting to see younger generations getting involved...god mine started going on 10 years ago... either way Congrats, and i can say it is one of the most fun bonding experiences i had with my dad i hope you find it that way as well!

[scrounge]

Great stuff. My 17 yr old did rec league stuff the past couple of years but took the state certification class this year. He's now official! In fact, here's a pic of him preparing to take his very first pitch as a certified umpire.

[JaxRolo]

Great stuff. My 17 yr old did rec league stuff the past couple of years but took the state certification class this year. He's now official! In fact, here's a pic of him preparing to take his very first pitch as a certified umpire.

Nice!!

Not to go off subject but I hated when a batter stands like that!

[scrounge]

Great stuff. My 17 yr old did rec league stuff the past couple of years but took the state certification class this year. He's now official! In fact, here's a pic of him preparing to take his very first pitch as a certified umpire.

Nice!!

Not to go off subject but I hated when a batter stands like that!

I usually do too, but this was one team where I would give them a pass, on this and a few other things. It's an inner city middle school team where it became painfully obvious that a good number of kids may never have even played baseball before. No exaggeration. They only had 9 kids, the catcher didn't even know what "balls in" meant. They only had one coach - an immensely patient guy trying to do everything by himself. I chatted with him a bit after the game - the team only had one practice and he's literally teaching them the game from square one. And in reality, he's doing a lot more than coaching baseball. The sad probability is that he may be one of the only male role models a lot of those kids have.

[BT_Blue]

Its just bad hitting form... some kids (like the one above) just dont know better. Its instantly noticeable but nothing you, as the umpire, can do about it.

[Bob Bainter]

Very nice! I was one of those that followed in my old mans footsteps as well! its always exciting to see younger generations getting involved...god mine started going on 10 years ago... either way Congrats, and i can say it is one of the most fun bonding experiences i had with my dad i hope you find it that way as well!

My dad HATED baseball when I started...I started at 17...he still doesn't care for baseball, unless I was working a game...Mom, Dad, my Aunt...they always traveled to Louisville and Indianapolis in the International League...even came to Altoona all the way from Illinois once in the Eastern League...but since my mom doesn't want to fly, they never made it to my two favorite towns: Portland (EL) and Pawtucket (IL)...love that East Coast!

[BT_Blue]

Wife isnt to fond of baseball and same with my parents. Trying to get people to take video or photos of me while working is darn near impossible.