PROFOUND APOLOGIES to everyone!

[Old Nr 24]

I feel like I need to apologize for my "handle" being plastered all over this wonderful site in just a couple of days. However, there are secret and mysterious factors at work here, mainly timing. You see, I discovered the site on a Saturday afternoon late, in February as the Florida Grapefruit League is about to kick off (pitchers and catchers report this week!), and Sunday and Monday are my days off from work and my wife is out of town this weekend! Need I say more?

My old lust for things baseball and umpiring sunk their claws in me before I knew it, and I had plenty of time to explore the site, each post bringing back something to mind and fueling that fire growing in my belly, which happens each spring about this time. As you all may have already deduced, I have never been shy about shooting off my mouth and expressing an opinion, good or bad, right or wrong.

So, I ask that you bear with me for a bit until this blaze dies down, and I will do my best to cut back on my posting for a while. I don't want to become known as that old fart in Florida who always ties up the threads with his BS! But man, am I having fun and enjoying all the wonderful reading here. And I must tell you having done some umpire training in my day, a newbie could do a lot worse than learning from this site if he is unable to get into a good school! Thanks, guys, for understanding the passions.

Dave Harris

Melbourne, Fl.

[Umpire in Chief]

Not a problem at all.

[mstaylor]

Have at it Dave. New blood is always a good thing.

[Majordave]

Dave and hot air going together. (grin) From one Dave with a lot to say about umpiring to another, good to have you. So far, your "hot air" makes for pretty interesting reading.

I often feel the same when I get on a roll and write a ten page post about something that gets me fired up.

Welcome and keep on truckin'

Dave Teater

Danville, KY

[jim knight]

It was nice to log on this morning and have so much to read... most post so far have been pretty good. Welcome.

[Old Nr 24]

Thanks, everyone, for the support.

[BT_Blue]

I agree... Keep it up. Also have you given any thought to my recommendation to become an evaluator or instructor or even a board member for a local HS or College association? That way you can still be close to the game not just on the computer.

[widac]

I agree about being an evaluator. We have a guy in our association who is in his 70's and he goes to parts of several games a day looking at guys. He knows everyone and everyone knows him and he is an important part of the organization.

[LMSANS]

I agree about being an evaluator. We have a guy in our association who is in his 70's and he goes to parts of several games a day looking at guys. He knows everyone and everyone knows him and he is an important part of the organization.

We've got a dozen guys 70+ that are still doing games. They won't leave the field.