s the new season approaches for most of us, I began to think about how many games I might work this year. I have a new daughter at home and my job continues to be demanding, but I don't see myself cutting back I've been working baseball for 13 years, and each year the number of games I've worked has steadily increased. So far, I've been able to avoid getting burned out, but there have been times I thought I was getting close.

Some of the increase in my games can be attributed to working different leagues and being fortunate enough to work some postseason games. Another contributing factor for many of us continues to be the reduction in umpires contrasted with the increase in the number of games played. Whatever the reason, I think it's wise for us to examine when to say no and when to go in season 2004

Continued...