Looking back on those games, I probably hustled out of position as much as I hustled into position since I really never had any real training. I was working on instincts alone.
The Florida State League was considered the top A-league back then. You played in the spring training parks of major league teams, traveled throughout some great cities in Florida, and the pay was the best in A-ball.
As a whole, the managers today are different in temperament. Most have very good communication skills and are more understanding of the umpire's job. That doesn't mean they are better managers. It just means that I perceive today's managers a bit dif...
My dad was a carpenter and I would work with him during the summer and umpire on the nights I wasn't playing.
If you don't think every day is a great day try going without one.
I had a great first year and Mr. MacDonald was my biggest supporter. He gave me the encouragement I needed that first year to get my career started on a positive note.
My main objective is to prepare candidates for professional baseball; however, the majority of our graduates will go home as much better qualified amateurs.
I learned a valuable life lesson that summer. You should find something in life that you really enjoy and seriously consider making that your life's work.
After one year in the Texas League, the American League bought the rights to my contract. They optioned me back to the Texas League for the 1970 season.
Another way to lose control is to ignore something when you should address it.
As a youngster, I played in Little League, Pony League, and all sorts of amateur baseball programs growing up.
Game management is accomplished by staying constantly alert and then reading and reacting to potential problem situations before they materialize. It all boils down to paying attention to details.
I have looked back on situations and thought that I could have handled a few differently and probably better.
I literally paid my way through the University of Texas with my umpiring.
I personally developed the Academy training program. All our training is based on solid educational principles. We present the material in four training formats: lecture, demonstration, drill, and implementation.
I reached the point where I actually enjoyed the umpiring more than playing.
I set very high standards for myself and worked every game with the same energy and enthusiasm as if it were the seventh game of a World Series.
Minor league umpires are evaluated in their respective leagues each year and rated numerically. This enables umpires to know where they stand and helps them make prudent career decisions.
Most plays that are missed by the umpire are caused by the umpire not reading those cues early enough and making the proper adjustments.
No one respects the umpire's job more than I do; but, if I were a manager, I would probably be ejected three or four times a season fighting for my team.
