I reached the point where I actually enjoyed the umpiring more than playing.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I attribute my success to my mental approach to the game. I have always been a serious student of umpiring. I enjoy studying rules, situations, and positioning.
When I did play, I tried to make the most of it.
Let's face it. Umpiring is not an easy or happy way to make a living. In the abuse they suffer, and the pay they get for it, you see an imbalance that can only be explained by their need to stay close to a game they can't resist.
Playing gives me as much good feeling now as it did when I was a bitty kid.
The first time I did a school play was the first time I felt I was good at anything at all. I just loved it.
I have to have the 'umph.' I've got to feel it, because if it's not getting through to me, the audience sure as hell aren't going to feel it either.
The sheer complexity of writing a play always had dazzled me. In an effort to understand it, I became a critic.
I had the opportunity to do what I enjoy.
If I disliked managing, I liked umpiring even less.
Doing a play is so fulfilling. Words cannot describe how I feel when I finish doing a play.