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

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

I have looked back on situations and thought that I could have handled a few differently and probably better.

Professional managers, coaches, and players have a right to question an umpire's decision if they do it in a professional manner. When they become personal, profane, or violent, they have crossed the line and must be dealt with accordingly.

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.

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.