Finished the book about Sherlock Holmes. It was very interesting, giving some insights both about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and about Sherlock, Dr. Watson and the stories that I had not known. Of course, now I want to go back and read all the stories again but I'm on to something else for now:
"As They See 'Em" is the story of baseball umpires. Bruce Weber was a New York Times reporter who interviewed umpires and then actually trained to become one and umpired games from Little League to the Majors in Spring Training games. I've only read the Introduction so far but even that was interesting. He was saying that the players were reluctant to talk about the umpires because they were afraid of retaliation during a game. The back cover of the book promises that we'll learn what the umpires and managers actually say to each other during those "discussions" they sometimes have.
According to Mr. Weber, one of the first things you are taught in umpire school is how to take your mask off without upsetting your cap. It apparently is a real skill and very important so that the umpire does not look foolish or so that his cap does not land in the field of play and confuse people.
I can't wait for baseball to start and this will get me in the swing of things. I have a feeling I'm going to be paying particular attention to the umpires this season, especially when they start whipping off their masks!
How about you? Ready for baseball? Like the umpires?
My dad was a Little League umpire for many years. I remember him practicing his "STEE-RIKE" in front of the mirror.
ReplyDeleteYES! Some of them are so colorful! Thanks for stopping by, Karen!
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