My New Brother in Phoenix

[adieste]

A quick shout-out to my newest best bud, Ken Botelho. I mentioned in a prior posting that I was going to be in the Phoenix area on a Cactus League vacation, and that I wouldn't mind getting in some games. Ken got right on it. Good news-bad news joke coming. Good news is that I got a few games assigned. In fact, 3 days after rolling into town, I worked nine 14U USSSA games this weekend, and have games scheduled two weeks out. I'm going to have to work hard at not working hard, ie getting to see some MLB spring training games. My plan is to see a game per day Monday - Friday, and work games on the weekends. However, it looks like I may be doing high school games during the week as well. Let's see ... MLB game 1-3pm, tear out of the park and make it to the nearest high school by 3:45 ... doable? Anyway, it's almost like surf and turf ... tough to get too much of a good thing. Ken Botelho ... he da' man!

[adieste]

PS: We had dinner together when I got into town, and he insisted on picking up the check ... killer BBQ joint across the street from my hotel!

[KenBAZ]

Just part of my secret plan to lure more umpires here to AZ to take some of these games that otherwise I'd have to take! Seriously, I really enjoy meeting other members of the board. We have a lot in common and I learn from everyone I talk with. I'm looking forward to another visitor from UE in the next few weeks. I'd like to hear from anyone who is planning on being in the Phoenix area. Please let me be a resource.

[Majordave]

I want to echo Mr. Dieste's comments.  Ken is a helluva guy.  We had a nice afternoon lunch talking umpiring when I was there.  He was prepared to assist me with games, introductions, etc. if I moved there.  I almost did.  I was about 7-10 days away when my current contractor job for the Army materialized and interfered with my plans to move to Tempe/Phoenix, be warm, poor and happy while umpiring and working odd jobs.

[Umpire in Chief]

Welcome!