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.

I literally paid my way through the University of Texas with my umpiring.

My dad was a carpenter and I would work with him during the summer and umpire on the nights I wasn't playing.

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 differently.

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.

If you don't think every day is a great day try going without one.

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.