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.
I literally paid my way through the University of Texas with my umpiring.
I reached the point where I actually enjoyed the umpiring more than playing.
My dad was a carpenter and I would work with him during the summer and umpire on the nights I wasn't playing.
My main objective is to prepare candidates for professional baseball; however, the majority of our graduates will go home as much better qualified amateurs.
Our students learn more in 30 days than one could learn in 30 years without our training. To really maximize your potential as an umpire, you need to get a solid foundation as soon as you can.
Professional managers, coaches, and players have a right to question an umpire's decision if they do it in a professional manner. When they become personal, profane, or violent, they have crossed the line and must be dealt with accordingly.
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.
The vast majority of people who watch baseball can properly call 95% of all plays that happen on the field. My job is to teach you how to call the other 5%.
