I surprised Budd

t takes a lot to surprise Budd. He's been working at the upper levels of amateur ball for several years. His clinics for North Texas Sports Officials, for Wayne Moore, are filled with detail. Meticulous play examples spice Budd's lectures. More than a few beginning umpires are happy they listened to him. He is just as tickled that he listened to Jim Evans. Like me, Budd preaches that Jim Evans is the best umpiring teacher in the whole world.

Every now and then, I surprise Budd. Usually it's the situation that provides a surprising challenge. That's what happened at a TCL game the other night. We use a three-umpire crew. I was on third. Budd was at first. And, one of our friends potted the affair.

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