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 reached the point where I actually enjoyed the umpiring more than playing.

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.

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

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.

As a youngster, I played in Little League, Pony League, and all sorts of amateur baseball programs growing up.

Managers have very tough jobs. I always respected their job but demanded respect in return.