In my paid writings as well as my musings on the blogs, I have often spoken of the business side of umpiring. This last season I umpired two, 10-year-old games, my first such 60-foot games in at least 10 years. It was all business, of course. Along the way, I even came to appreciate the baseball. To find out how this came about, I will need to lay a lengthy background.

I am one of the alternate assignors for my association. When the full time association executives leave town, the phone calls are forwarded to my home office, and the customers get me on the phone. I have access to all of the computer records, and my assumption of duties is transparent to the customer.

It was during one such temporary duty that I got a phone call from a desperate coach. He coached a 10-year-old travel team, and he needed an umpire for the next day. I informed him that we did not do that level of ball, for except in rare occasions, we only work 90-foot ball. He was not moved: "Peter, I need an ump — tomorrow."

Continued...