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.

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.

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%.

When I was 14, I played in a summer league. One night the chief umpire asked me if I would like to try umpiring. There was a Little League tournament coming up and he needed more umpires than he had.

Another way to lose control is to ignore something when you should address it.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

I set very high standards for myself and worked every game with the same energy and enthusiasm as if it were the seventh game of a World Series.

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

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

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.

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.

During the final two weeks of training, our students work simulated game situations in which our staff members role-play as players, managers, and coaches. They are given immediate feedback following each camp game.