WOW!! It's been quite a ride

[Typhoon]

I just came to the realization that I have been umpiring for 50 years. I started when I was in the Canadian Armed Forces. I was playing for the base team and the manager asked me if I would umpire an intramural game. I did it and absolutely enjoyed the experience and as a bonus I got paid for it. I was hooked. For the next 30-35 yrs I was basically a Smitty, didn't know any better. I still remember those LL triple headers as a vol umpire. Then I joined an organization that stressed Professionalism, Education and progression as an umpire. We had the UIC for all of Canada in our organization. I learned a whole lot from him. He's the one who told me to keep a copy of the rule book in the bathroom and use the time in there to good advantage. Now I am the guy people come to when they need a clarification. This year I turn 70 years old, and have already done HS varsity and 18U baseball games. I have also done some unlimited ladies softball. I was asked to UIC an Intermediate provincial tournament this year but I had to turn it down because I have to have a triple bypass in the near future. I am already planning to buy a West Vest Platinum for after recuperation. I figure to be on the shelf for 6-8 weeks but plan to be ready for College ball in the fall. I don't plan on retiring any time soon.

[JaxRolo]

Bravo!!!! :notworthy:

[JaxRolo]

So did you invent baseball?! :wave:

[Richvee]

Good luck with the surgery. My mom had valve replacement a year ago at 80 years old and within 2 months she felt better than she had in years. Best wishes to you!

[NoCal Blue]

Congrats...and we all wish you a successful procedure and speedy recovery.

[OHUMP]

Good luck on the surgery congrats on 50 years

[Fittske24]

Outstanding story!

[Umpire in Chief]

Best wishes and keep it up!

[sdix00]

That was inspiring!

Thanks!

[grayhawk]

My wife had a quad bypass 18 months ago and she is doing great! I am sure you will fair just as well. I can't wait to see your post on your first game back.

[LMSANS]

Before I finished my training 8 years ago, I had a quadruple bypass. My association wouldn't let me take the test, so I had to re-do the class the next year. I was using a soft CP. I was working a college wood bat league, when a foul ball hit me in the chest (about 13 months after my surgery & before U-E). The next day I went online & ordered my first hard shell CP. The hit didn't really hurt, but it did scare the hell out of me. As a point of reference, I didn't allow myself to sneeze for 4 months immediately after my surgery...afraid all my parts would fall through the hole in my chest.

My point - get throught the hard part and as soon as your ready, get back on the field & make sure you have the right equipment!

[Jeremy_UEFL]

Give this man a medal! Talk about a grind, definitely deserve a lot of praise and respect. That is a lot of work put into something. Congratulations, you should celebrate once you recover! I'm sure that will be by umpiring your 51st season .

[Jocko]

Salud, Amigo!

[Typhoon]

Thanks for all the encouragement, I find out on Friday the date for the surgery. He's not sure whether it will be a triple or quad bypass.

He'll decide when he is in there. In the meantime I have a double header softball game tomorrow and an U14 baseball game on Thur to think about.

Tony

[Welpe]

Typhoon you're an inspiration. I can only hope to have such a long, successful career. God bless you on your surgery and recovery. I will be praying for you.