was fortunate enough to be selected to work the North Carolina Western Regional Dixie Majors and Pre-Majors tournament this past summer. Our umpiring association really worked hard during that tournament, for we were short on help and long on game.

The tournament was not different from any other tournament I've worked in the past: We had our share of good games and bad games, great plays and bad plays, with a few good arguments to round out the action. The most refreshing part of this tournament came only after I had reflected on three separate incidents that involved catchers. See if you come close to the conclusion I reach after you finish this piece.

Send the idiots home