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.

Umpires, like players, are expected to show constant improvement each season and at each level. Inconsistent plate work and the inability to handle situations are probably the two biggest problems that minor league umpires face.

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

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

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%.

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