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

Anyone interested in becoming a professional umpire and becoming eligible to work in the minor leagues must attend one of the two umpire schools sanctioned by Major League Baseball.

Looking back on those games, I probably hustled out of position as much as I hustled into position since I really never had any real training. I was working on instincts alone.

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

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.

Most plays that are missed by the umpire are caused by the umpire not reading those cues early enough and making the proper adjustments.

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.