A dream come true

[kcfan102]

As some of you may (or may not know) I returned from the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring at the beginning of February. I had an extremely good camp and had I went there with professional ambitions, I would have made it to PBUC. Due to some personal reasons, I decided that professional ball was not for me. Those reasons were due to the people I have at home in my life. Those people are incredibly supportive of me and I would not want to leave them behind. But still, when I stuck around on evaluation day and saw dreams come to a crashing halt, I felt guilty because I had an opportunity to do what these guys would give up just about anything to do.

As two months past, I still catch up with people from my cage group (CAGE GROUP C!). They are all doing well. One is working extended spring training, one is waiting for a call to see which league he gets assigned to, and another just got the email today to go to the Coastal Plains League. The other member is about to start working semi-pro ball in the American Association. The only one NOT doing something big like that is me.

The other day, I was just hanging out at a friends house when I got an email on my phone from the Arbiter saying I had a new game assignment. I look at it and my jaw dropped. I had a Frank White Classic game between two Christian Academies, one in Kansas, and the other in Missouri. They play the Frank White Classic at freakin' Kauffman Stadium. I of course accepted.

I let everybody know where I was going to be. I met my partner in the parking lot and we got dressed, of course, I had the dish. When I got on the field, my heart began to race, I was on a major league field, doing a baseball game. The game went on as usual, and nothing really excited happened ( no balks, obstruction, interference, etc...) I felt my zone was solid and I never missed a rotation. As the bottom of the 7th finished both managers came of to shake my hand and I quickly left the field. I then saw the 4 reasons why I stayed home instead of going to PBUC and possibly pro ball. My mom, dad, girlfriend, and best friends were there. They drove into the city to watch me do my thing. I never felt better about my decision than that moment right there. I felt like the game at the "K" was a sign from the baseball gods that I made the right decision by not going into pro ball.

Baseball has treated me well, it consumes my life no doubt. But no matter how big of a deal it may become, it is still a game and not to be put above those that love and care for you; even when you want to chase silly dreams.

...I'm the ugly one

[amarillo]

Hey that looks Awesome! I have some great memories of watching ball in Kaufmann in fact watching the Rangers play there just me and my dad made me a Rangers fan for life. What a cool thing to get to do.

P.S. You didn't have to tell us you were the ugly one your post said you had the dish we could figure out which you are based on the plate gear better late than never

[tjthresh]

Awesome pics dude. I left KC right when the started the renovations. What were the schools? I can't tell from the pictures.

[dumbdumb]

Congrats and thanks for sharing.

Please share with us on the various topics on this forum, the current thinking about plays, positioning, interpretations, handling situations, mechanics, that you learned at the school. It is nice to hear what the schools are teaching, and the "reasoning behind" that teaching, even if we cannot put that to use for the leagues and levels we work, or even if we disagree with the things they teach and their approach. It is always nice to know the thinking behind things, to at least try and gain some knowledge and understanding.

Hopefully you can continue umpiring and reach whatever levels and games you aspire to do now.

[moblue]

I would ask how you got that assignment but I know what your answer will be: "Figure it out!" lol. Glad to see you got such a great game.

[Guest]

Isn't it an amazing feeling being able to step onto the battle grounds of a professional stadium, where you've watched your heroes do their business so often? My first experience with this was playing at Maple Leaf Gardens as an 8 year old before they closed that magnificent barn. We used the old visitors dressing room, came out the same tunnel to the ice...I remember looking up at that ceiling and just being transfixed at being there.

I had one of those moment almost exactly one month ago when I worked at the Rogers Centre. Yes the dome is a concrete jungle that is unflattering due to the multi-purpose design (hell, UFC 129 was just held there), especially when compared to the K, but it's still a friggin pro field. We changed in a cozy room out behind the RF bullpen and walked around to the visitors dugout to enter the field. We had to walk right past the door to the big boys locker room. Down the stairs, into the tunnel, up the stairs, into the dugout, and the field just explodes in front of you. For a second, I imagined all the stands in the 500 level were full, as they had been 48 hours previous when I was there for Opening Night. I'm fortunate to have had a great hockey "career" compared to most, playing in front of some vibrant and large crowds in some of the grandest junior hockey arenas in Ontario, so when there is a job to be done, I usually don't get too caught up in the moment...but as I was waiting at third base for the first game to start, I just kept looking out at left field, wondering what it would have been like on October 23, 1993, to have watched Joe Carter's home run sail over the fence and into the bullpen, from where I was standing. I am envious that your parents, friends, and girlfriend came. My parents stayed home, brother declined an invitation to work the game with us, and there is no gf these days. Though I am thankful my best friend took time off school on the second day to shoot my plate game, the assignor who gave us the games taped the first day (partially for the "wow" factor, partially for developmental analysis), and the best friend I have in the umpiring world was on the field with me.

Anyways, before I steal too much of your moment, kudos are in order to you for knowing your priorities in life. That same friend on the field with me at RC went to HW, went to PBUC, didn't get a job, went to Louisiana to get an independent job, and did. It cost him 3 months of his life and all of his money. I look at that, and go "way too much for me." But him...in his life, there is a need to be a professional baseball umpire, so he went after it.

It is a selfish man who criticizes another for chasing his dream.

If there is one thing that you are wrong about, it is feeling bad that you had the chance to do something, but passed on it, when so many people would give their world for the chance you had. There is nothing at all wrong with this. Where I would fault you, is if you half-heatedly took the spot of someone who wanted to be there. But you didn't. So that situation really should not weigh on your shoulders, at all.

So really kid...congratulations. I hope they at least drove you from the parking lot to the field in the bullpen car (no change room...seriously?!) to save you from that walk. Moments like these, you'll remember for the rest of your life.

[mazzamouth]

My last game I umpired in Missouri was at Kauffmen.. it was bad ass... I have some pics, but the guy needs to send them to me. Good job KCblue.

[SnareDrum]

Congrats on the result of all of the hard work! Stepping on to "your team's" field to go to work is simply fantastic. The K is a beautiful place and I've been to many games there as a kid and a grownup. The only bigger thrill for me would being able to do the same thing at Wrigley.

And while your feelings and worries will linger, just remember that FAMILY FIRST is always the best choice.

[Umpire in Chief]

Awesome! I am jealous.