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Template: Umpire Blog

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Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
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The type of publishing done for this blog.
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The name of the blog
Umpire Blog
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A description of the blog
I am an umpire. Here is my blog.
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Whether this blog can be promoted on Blogger
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Whether this blog should be indexed by search engines
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Whether this blog contains adult content
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Whether Quick Editing is enabled
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Whether to show a link for users to e-mail posts
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Unit of things to show on the main page
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The number of the date header format
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The number of the archive index date format
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Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
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The number of the time stamp format
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The time zone for this blog
America/Los_Angeles
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Language for this blog
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Whether to convert line breaks into tags in post editor
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Whether to show the title field
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Whether to show a related link box in the post composer
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Whether float alignment is enabled for the blog
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The template for blog posts
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Whether to show comments
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Who can comment
ANYONE
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
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Default comment mode for posts
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Whether to show comment backlinks on the blog
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Default backlinks mode for posts
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Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
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Comment time stamp format number
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Blog comment form location
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Whether to enable comment moderation
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Whether to show profile images in comments
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List of e-mail addresses to send notifications of new comments to
mnitzani@yahoo.com
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
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Email address to send notifications of new comments needing moderation to
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
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Blog comment message
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
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How frequently this blog should be archived
MONTHLY
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Whether to provide an archive page for each post
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The type of feed to provide for blog posts
FULL
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The type of feed to provide for blog comments
FULL
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The type of feed to provide for per-post comments
FULL
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URL to redirect post feed requests to
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
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Footer to append to the end of each entry in the post feed
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Comma separated list of emails to send new blog posts to
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
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The BlogSpot subdomain under which to publish your blog
umpireblog
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The access type for the readers of the blog.
PUBLIC
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The list of emails for users who have permission to read the blog.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
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The list of authors' emails who have permission to publish.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
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The list of administrators' emails for the blog.
michael.nitzani@gmail.com
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-34727984464048930652008-05-04T21:44:00.000-07:002009-01-14T21:51:17.312-08:00yes
My life in Limbo
I'm at a point where I don't know what to do with my life. I'm umpiring almost daily now and while it pays decent for what it is, it sucks because it's no way to make a living. I mean, no benefits, and the costs of fuel and time are just not working. I have been working some high school lately, and am doing games at all levels. Personally I could get way better as an umpire and am seriously contemplating heading to umpire school again. Probably the Evan's academy for a fresh start. Today I had the privledge of working the college club championship game between Arizona and Arizona State. These were the kids that played club baseball and didn't make the big squad. They are good players and some of them might be able to play at other schools but the fact of the matter is they were they were. While it was nice to be selected to work these games, I totally messed up from the onset. The second pitch of the game grazed a the batters' shirt, and I called ball then awarded him first as he was running. I had to replay the play in my mind. Then I did a very emphatic Strike 2 mechanic. In the championship game on the bases, there were three whackers at first base, and I think I got two of them right, but judging by the reaction of the ASU players, I must have f'ed them because they got upset and the out that wasn't the baserunner would have ensured a tie game. Things are good with Katie and me. She's helping me get my butt in gear for graduate school. As a player I'm playing catcher and hitting some balls hard, and am working on becoming a run and RBI addict. But as it stands I'm whatev. Next weekend we have two games, and if we win the double header we can be a respectable 5-6. Here goes. Oh, and I'm having trouble concentrating on anything longer than 15 seconds. Thats what Vegas and umpiring will do to you.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-67914117005907051022008-08-05T22:44:00.000-07:002009-01-14T21:50:35.917-08:00yes
K, Will Wood is being a douche and giving me the runaround for USABF games. I haven't worked any, but in the mean time have learned to install flooring. It's fun stuff. Anyways, I was thinking about how I really like all the cultures in the world and think they're all very interesting. Also, since I'm making slightly libelous comments about people that give me the runaround, I'll throw in a comment about Eva Alfaro at Cal-Prop. I've never met someone that's such a meanie from the get go. If I was a renter in San Diego, I would shy away from Cal-Prop as a company. I honestly think they are evil. I'd like to show her what it's like to play cat and mouse with someone that's a little crazy and knows the rules of real estate law just enough to get in trouble. Oh, and lastly my landlord is giving me the runaround about switching units just to prevent work. I've learned people like to say no, because it makes their jobs easier. This gets me to thinking what I like about umpiring is there isn't too much runaround on the ball field. It's definite. It's fun.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-27470936968294694852008-06-20T08:17:00.000-07:002008-06-20T08:18:58.378-07:00
I don't like updating this anymore. Here's my story though. I am working in Arcadia while I'm helping my mom out for the next 6 weeks. I can't remember the last time I worked the field. I'm lobbying Will Wood for USABF games. I am returning to my roots as a man deep rooted in baseball.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-76254137240859671602008-04-14T00:31:00.000-07:002008-04-14T00:40:54.830-07:00
Hitchhiking/skateboarding umpire
One of the downsides of all the traveling I do to work baseball games is the effects it has on my van. The other day I got a flat tire in Carlsbad on the way to my game in Vista. I left early cause I wanted to clean my vehicle while waiting, and sure enough, my tire goes out. Through the joy of cell phones, I call up my partner and the auto club (I have their number memorized) and suggest he works the plate and I'll get there when I can. So sure enough with my 60 dollar check from working the game, I get to pay my flat tire , and fuel costs associated with traveling. Moreover, I had to jog about 4 miles to the game, which I did. I needed the exercise and apparently nobody was interested in picking up a hitchhiking umpire in Vista. When I got to the park, it was the top of the first inning. Apparently one of the teams couldn't arrive on time. The next day I did a Westview Frosh game. This game was fun because I had a timing play with one man, but also the kids at this level don't throw hard enough, so a batter leaned into a pitch into the strike zone and I called him out on strikes. This was fun. Because I like to James Bond things, I allow myself little margin of error to arrive places. So, I skateboarded to the field. It beats running, because I don't get as sweaty. It's like an urban glider. After the game, the kids from the winning team said some nice words and called me a "stud". Another kid and his parent walked to my car after the game to talk about umpiring, and I told the kid, if his head was on straight he'd keep playing baseball. This is what I did this weekend, and for the third week in a row I caught. Our team was short handed and what was sweet, is when I noticed the other squad stealing our signs, I gave them a cipher that was hard to figure out. Plus I did some nice things in the game, like slide head first on a stolen base attempt and come up firing on twibbers in front of the plate. This week, I have 7 games, Monday through Saturday which should be a lot of fun. I look forward to it.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com2
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-24322201683425693902008-04-08T19:58:00.000-07:002008-04-08T20:01:17.052-07:00yes
Taco Tuesday in San Diego
I love life. I've got things down where I get to umpire baseball every day for the last couple of weeks, and enjoy things in the evening. Today I worked a baseball game, and am going out for drinks and dollar tacos. It's nice to have a girlfriend that cooks! I can see us being happy together.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-48659862076489561562008-04-06T21:31:00.000-07:002008-04-06T21:49:08.174-07:00
What goes up, comes down
Part of the fun of the stock market is short selling for me. I like earning money off everyone elses exuberance. It's also a rush. But I'm not talking about the market. I'm talking about me. One of the perks of umpiring baseball and what fun would this blog be if I didn't devulge juicy details is snagging baseballs for my baseball squad. These baseballs are shared with Hoover High School (Inner City Youth Program). Most of these baseballs come from the more well off to do leagues. Or from teams whose coaches decided to give me a hard time. Even though I don't have much money, I love the fact I look forward every week to playing baseball. This week, I plan on being on the field all 7 days!!! I have high school games, youth games, and adult games. Unfortunately, on the other front, things are going poorly. My car got towed last night because I blocked someones driveway. The people want over 400.00 from me for impound fees. Plus, I have racking debts every month that are just so super annoying. I spent another 3o something dollars today looking for online information about a scam artist that took me for some money a couple years ago. I have being in the middle range and trying to do what's right. I want to do stuff that excels. I also hate it when we get rookie umpires in the adult leagues that think it's ok to make a team lose because they don't like a pitcher or a catcher or whatever. Oh, and my girlfriend has given me a bunch of crap all week. I need a night away.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-18825154239447606942008-04-01T22:16:00.000-07:002008-04-01T22:18:24.277-07:00
Baseball
Last night it dawned on me how fun things are right now. I don't have a bunch of money but I'm day trading the stock market, going out there every day umpiring. For the next couple of week's I'll be out there working at least 15 baseball games. The fun part is earning a reputation. The pay is squat, but I love it. I'm happy. I have a beautiful girlfriend. An awesome place near the water. A top notch education. What I have is priceless.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-67106235431816787642008-03-26T23:02:00.000-07:002008-03-26T23:07:40.959-07:00
I'm working a lot of games in the next couple of weeks so look for updates
Tonight I worked in Encinitas with Jay Cohen. My fear is not enough kids are playing baseball. This saddens me, but as a sociologist I realize why. Baseball is expensive, and time consuming. Plus coaches and umpires alike don't know what they're doing. Kids today live in a different world. Maybe that's just my pessimistic view. During tonights game there is a 2 hour 15 minute time rule. No new inning can start after this. Sure enough, the home team makes the last out with a minute to go. Then turn a double play on the visiting team, and come back from 4 runs down to win. It didn't help with a couple of errors, but I did make a dubious double play call when the game was looking like it was getting out of hand. We live and learn, and the lesson learned for umpires is to call it as you see it. As it is. Earlier in the day at the other field, there was some rookie umpires and I gave them a little flack about hands in pockets. It's a no-no.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-3930378301325914502008-03-22T18:39:00.000-07:002008-03-22T18:42:34.510-07:00
Spring Training
It was a lot of baseball this week. On Sunday all the games got rained out, except for mine. I worked a one man game in Oceanside. 2.65 hours, and I ended up making a gutsy call. I called the catcher out for stepping outside of the box. That got some trouble, but ultimately respect. Then I went to Spring Training in Arizona. I got a foul ball and drank and ate too much. I want to be out there. My plan is to lose 20 pounds and try out for professional baseball. This is what happened in our teams baseball game. In the bottom of the 8th inning in our game today our squad had runners on first and second, with nobody out, and the fielder goes for the slow ground ball and our runner passes him, and he tries to swipe our guy. The ball goes in the outfield, and our runner on second scores. And we have a tie ball game. The field umpire signals on the play the safe mechanic and says that's nothing, and the play proceeds. After all is settled, the home plate guy calls time, and calls our runner out, and says the ball hit our runner. He calls him out, and moves the runners back to their original positions. Instead of a tie game, our team is down one, and a rally is killed. What had ensued was the home plate umpire THREW HIS PARTNER UNDER THE BUS. In the top half of the inning, our friend the home plate guy gets hit with a baseball, and announces audibly that our catcher (me) was horrible. I use my umpire training, to make him appear as the aggressor. Our team then proceeded to earn a victory after trailing three runs in the bottom of the ninth. I got a big hit with the bases loaded and one out to knock in two runs and scored the winning run.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-75051109414704092442008-03-11T22:52:00.000-07:002008-03-11T22:56:58.045-07:00
Sunday and Today
Sunday I had a little trouble from the get go. In the first game with the Dukes, they had 10 players, and their opponents had 7. Their opponents ended up forfeiting, the Dukes got a cheap win, my partner didn't have to work a plate, and the Reds' manager had to pay the forfeit fee. In the second game, I had a little trouble getting my feet in behind the stick. I got a little slack but as the game went on, did ok. I did manage to botch a call by not saying anything. The player foul tipped a ball and hit into my mask, and I was rattled, My partner called him out, and I didn't say anything. Live and Learn. Anyways, back to working the game. A dude by the name of Monty was catching for one team, and he is a pretty good catcher. He stays still, and hides his glove to make everything look like a strike. I rang him up on a pitch over the outside corner, which I didn't want to, because of the code that catchers catch a little slack back there. Actually I owed him one because he gave me a pitch in a scrimmage game a long time ago. I'm a little upset withmyself for doing this, but we trudge along. I did a varsity game today at a small Christian School in Escondido. Game was under 2 hours which was nice.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-19926976962665950762008-03-08T19:39:00.000-08:002008-03-08T19:52:17.580-08:00
A quick update!
I spent the day in the sun. At El Cajon pony, the people there wanted to argue with me and cause trouble. Right from the get go, I didn't put up with their crap and snapped back. I made the guy walk away when he wanted to talk about a judgment call. It was a good game, and the other team won with a three homerun in the bottom of the 6th inning. In the high school game at 1 30, more of the same. There's better baseball though, and I held my own. I remember thinking during the game, I would umpire for free, (but only for my son's team, or my community). I did get to thinking today that an umpire is there to provide punctuation to a play, much like an editor to something written.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-40137038877417413952008-03-07T20:35:00.000-08:002008-03-07T20:38:52.039-08:00
Bust out the ejection Reports this Sunday
Tomorrow I'm ignoring the chance to play sloshball and instead working a high school game at Clairemont. 1 man mechanics jv. I worked their game on Thursday and things went good. It was a nailbiter, up until the bottom of the 6th. This weekend I'm working games for the So Cal Express in the adult league, and the Claremont Dukes. The last time I had these teams, So Cal Express walked off the field due to the umpires (which was me) and the Dukes had a hard time keeping their composure. I'm a little older, and a little more maturer, and if these guys leave their positions to get in my grill, they'll get the heave ho. I hope I don't have to eject people, and will do my best to hustle and make all the right calls. But if those guys want to be adult league all stars and try my patience, they'll get an angry wall.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-27371108320547311042008-03-03T19:47:00.000-08:002008-03-03T19:49:54.328-08:00
Working games this week
I got one on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and two on Sunday. Should be a good week. I'm about 7,000 dollars in debt, and have to get out of it soon. Yesterday was a good day cause I got to hang out on a ball field, and I took in 200 dollars! But please don't get me wrong. I love umpiring, and love being out in the game. Every day is a learning experience. I just need a day job now!
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-2847909872728283112008-03-02T07:59:00.000-08:002008-03-02T08:05:27.215-08:00
This weekend's baseball
I worked games on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and am working two today. I'm excited about today because I'm working by myself with a bunch of 18 year old rookies at a minimum of 100.00 per 3.25 hour game. These were all high school games, while today is adult. I'll be working on game management with an unruly bunch so this should be exciting. These are 18 year old teams that haven't been playing baseball that much and got picked up to play recreational baseball. I was renting my place out to an umpire buddy of mine this last weekend, but asked him to leave. He lost his day job, and was going to get in the hole to me. I viewed things as a write off, and suggested he get out by Monday so I can move back in there. It was nice not having to bear the burden for rent the last couple of weeks. I'm in debt right now, however it's manageable and today I want to put a nice dent into it.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-73015399974510607972008-02-26T18:36:00.000-08:002008-02-26T18:44:46.927-08:00
Shout out to the gentlemen at Pacific Umpires
There are a lot of articles on the internet that talk about watching ones image. I feel that I can go back and delete articles on this blog and do so, however that would defeat the purpose of having a blog. Anyways, Pacific Baseball Umpires first gave me my start doing high school ball, and by the end of my first year I had the opportunity to work three junior varsity games. This was neat. Last year I moved to Los Angeles and worked primarily in the Los Angeles Unit, Montrose Little League, and South El Monte Little League. I received rave reviews in South El Monte and let an older guide me incorrectly. This year I'll be working with Pacific Baseball Umpires, and San Diego Baseball Umpires and hopefully will earn rave reviews. I will strive to go hands on knees set every pitch this year and study the rules rigorously. Eat sleep and dream baseball. Ok, back to kudos. The two people I would like to mention are Dan Esqueda and Marc Rico. Dan called me out on my professionalism and how far I wanted to go when I worked my first jv game with him, and I accused Marc Rico of making statements to other umpires that I didn't cash a seasons paycheck and threatened to sue. Nonetheless, I went to a meeting, and was impressed about how me and Marc have moved on, and Dan's willingness to work with me scheduling. It's a tough job, and I plan to help him out. To end this thread, I'm going to be working a lot of games this season. Something I didn't mention was, I received an opportunity to work a division 1 baseball scrimmage at USD. It was awesome, and I know I can hang. Should be a lot of fun. I plan on going to school next Janurary.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com2
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-13790724146403755832008-02-18T13:03:00.000-08:002008-02-18T13:07:39.563-08:00
A.H.S. Alumni Game
We just played in our alumni game this year and it was a ton of fun. I saw a lot of people I haven't seen in years. The highlight for me was being able to play in it. I ended up going 1-4 wiht an RBI triple. The triple was awesome because it gave us a 2-0 lead, and it set the alumni up for a big inning. In umpiring news, I've looked into my patent idea, and I'm a little sad because I can get a design patent, but I want to get an actual patent. I feel bad for trying to trade it to the Wendelstedt School. Harry Wendelstedt is an excellent gentlemen, and I learn from him to this day. In umpiring news, it looks like I'll be working with Pacific and San Diego Baseball Umpires. I might be in Arcadia for the summer, but am undecided on that still. I'm looking forward to the season and am learning new things every day.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-38248018514385498072008-02-07T19:28:00.000-08:002008-02-07T19:29:53.266-08:00yes
I U
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-34775010947507082292008-01-19T19:25:00.000-08:002008-01-19T19:33:09.337-08:00
Upcoming Year
Happy New Year. It's been such a while since I posted. Anyways, I didn't go to umpire school this year because I didn't have enough cash. I tried to exchange my patent idea, but as it turns out, I'll just make that happen. As it stands I'll be playing baseball this upcoming season with The Wave. We lost in the playoff game last season, and I was upset because I managed it, and we made 7 errors and lost the game by a few runs. We were the best team in the season and outplayed everyone and used wood bats while other teams just used metal. This upcoming season I look to be umpiring games in the San Diego Adult Baseball League, San Diego County, and North County. My goal is to make 15,000 dollars this year because I want to go to to India, Cuba to play baseball and pay rent. My overhead is cheap and I have about 6 g's in debt. I'm going to sell 2 of my cars and keep my 69 camaro as an investment. I'll just give people cash to borrow their car. Like 15 dollars or something. I'll be posting more. I'll also be studying the rules a lot more and become an absolute rules ninja. I got a few raises this season so I should be able to hammer my debt away. I've also been doing Bikrams Yoga everyday and want to get as good as this guy. We'll see how the future pans out. Sorry about not posting. Bear with me as I'll be posting throughout the season.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-4392975241700991402007-12-19T20:43:00.000-08:002007-12-25T19:15:55.461-08:00yes
Here is why the U.S. Healthcare System Blows
Today I went into Mesa College Health Care to get a mole removed. What irks me is the whole process of removing a mole properly is upward costing of 500.00. When I went inMore to come. Plan to put on Digg for Friday night Entire story to make first page news.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-15461797416565039912007-10-09T22:38:00.000-07:002007-10-09T22:49:52.295-07:00
a few raves
So lots of umpire news. I'm really enjoying the profession right now. I've been having fun too. A while back I sent a group email to Pacific asking about health insurance for preventative purposes. I need it as, the dermatologist wants to remove an irregular mole from my shoulder. There are a lot of politics in umpiring and I am thinking of joining San Diego County umpires cause the games are closer. The last few weekends I've worked with Peter Billing. He is an damn good umpire. Sometimes I think his zone is a little too small, and he isn't vocal enough, but he is very good. I think one of the things I like umpiring is the players don't know the rules, and I've been studying them out and when they ask me things, I like to tell them cryptic answers. My goal still is to go to umpire school and land a job in professional baseball. I want to get out of debt first. I'm shoring up my act, and I think it will happen cause I'll know my rules and polish myself off better than everyone. In baseball news, the team I play for right now is 4-1. We are using all wood this season and I'm batting a cool 500 clip. We are one of the teams fortunate enough for a home field so I like to call it forrest gumping the field, and I like doing maintenance on the field and working with the guys every week. Katie calls me my teams little mascot. Last week, we defeated a team that was using all metal. In my games, I really enjoy working Barry's because they are the most hostile. The players are really fun to work with and they always get upset with calls. It elevates my game a lot. Plus working with Pete in these games is as close as I can get to professional experience. I have a lot of work to do, but I am enjoying umpiring now. As a player I do give the guys that work our games a hard time. I tell them they better bring their a game. Ernie Walker is going to have to throw me out as a player the next time he works our games. I just love being around the game.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com4
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-67802660865915637772007-09-09T21:53:00.002-07:002007-09-09T21:58:20.641-07:00
I am exhausted right now
I umpired today two games. In the first game, it was a team of all girls. I was hoping they would win. They didn't. They lost by mercy rule in 7 innings. There were a few cute girls on the team, including one girl who took a pitch squarely in the back. She was a trooper about it, and people were about to stop the game, and she got up and didn't rub it. I thought about winking at her cause I liked how she composed herself. I was total bait to those girls, cause I'm a good looking dude, and everyone else on the field was old. They play in the 38A division which goes to show what they think of the 38 a division. The second game was also a clunker. Sunday 18A, final score 20 something to nil. It was hot, and well, the level of play was no good. I think what pissed me off was the flares and farts that fell through for hits. I like using woodbats. Anyways, I went home tired and exhausted. I'm almost over umpiring baseball. It's so draininig. Actually, I hate the whole concept of work.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-5560920171505036442007-09-09T21:53:00.001-07:002007-09-09T21:53:51.490-07:00
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-65570742647063712482007-09-08T23:15:00.000-07:002007-09-08T23:22:26.465-07:00
Back to the drawing board
Real quick news. It's been a while since I've posted but it's baseball season again in beautiful San Diego. WE played our first wood bat game this year. A 1-0 squeaker over the black storm. I had 2 good at bats in 3 plate appearences getting a hit. I stayed afterwards to get crabgrass out of the field. The fun part of the game was arguing with Ernie Walker to get him to think he booted a call. I wasn't paying attention too much, but I got him to bring up doubt. I messed up my phone, but I called up Doug Roach and got 2 games for tomorrow. It's kinda late now, but I gotta wash my uniform early manana and figure out where everything is. I went out tonight with Kent and Pete Hanson. It was a good time. They both have good jobs and give me flack about not having a real job. When all is said and done, I like being me. Living in downtown La Jolla, (you can look it up on the map) having cool underground connections with bartenders, and service employees, and not paying too much for living expenses. Plus it doesn't hurt that I'm totally with kinda sorta with a super hot girl right now. I digress. I hate umpires. It's fun though, and I do a good job at it, I just hate umpires. Playing baseball is the best. I'm thinking of trying out for the Israeli Professional Baseball League. I think I can do it, cause I'm totally jew. In a kinda sorta way. Speaking of things. I'm getting back into comedy!!! whoop whoop!
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-57641128404614870622007-08-27T18:19:00.000-07:002007-08-27T18:22:50.935-07:00yes
Gotta get some money
There's more than a few people out there that owe me some money either from my own mishaps or their trying to keep it. Thats the way this world works. You should see the runaround I get from these people. I guess I hate owing people money so I pay my stuff on time when it's due. If there is a discrepancy, or I disagree I sue and let the courts decide. Eitherway I have a webhosting company that owes me a refund thats' giving me a runaround, a former landlord thats giving me the runaround about a deposit, USABF with a check I never received, a former player on my squad that wrote me a bogus league fees check, Pacific Baseball Umpires that
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-68164007178961000222007-08-13T21:56:00.000-07:002007-08-13T21:57:20.795-07:00yes
Glad this video was posted...
cause I didn't want to explain it.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-3901358830862148482007-08-09T11:00:00.000-07:002007-08-09T11:09:17.066-07:00
Instructor Mick
I'm done umpiring for the summer. I'll be headed up to Northern California, then to Nevada and then to Arizona for a prolonged umpiring stint. Lots of baseball. I'm probably going to head out as soon as our championship game is over in woodbat league. My name is Steve Howard cause I didn't register. I sure hope that the other team whose manager I know recognizes this and does a roster check. Let them handle the trophies, all I care about is beating them on the field. Oh and when San Diego baseball Umpires starts up, I'm going to help instruct other umpires the philosophy of umpiring. Lastly, I've been going back on the San Diego Adult League Message board and replacing all my old posts with spam messages and "nothing to see here", cause they wouldn't delete my account.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com5
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-57696525674964803612007-08-08T21:18:00.000-07:002007-08-08T21:29:33.579-07:00
My body wants to expire...
I've been out in the sun all day. I umpired 2 baseball games, and played in one. My partner I worked with in the USABF games was impressed with my strike zone. During the game at the pregame meeting one coach tells the other team he's going to whoop his team, and they were beating the other team the first 6 innings, but all game the other team was classy and were handing me the balls and well were pleasant. Sure enough they came down from 3 runs down, and beat the team whose coach was an aggressor during pre game by 3 runs. They were able to squeeze another inning in with 2 minutes to go before the no new inning rule. Needless to say I didn't mind working an extra 30 minutes of baseball. The second game was also pretty subdued. We played a woodbat game tonight and I went 2-2 with a walk with my new maple bat off a pretty good team. Our team is stacked in that league with hitters, and it's amazing the guys that come out when the team is doing well and in the playoffs. Where were these players when we were going out there with 6 players, our bum armed coach, and a guy's girlfriend? Coach Meiers at Arcadia High School used to call these people Mosca Verde. I wish I would have went to the 6 30 am yoga this morning. I woke up at 6 11 and couldn't get out of bed. By "bed", I mean blankets strewn about on hardwood floor in some obscure apartment in San Diego. I trip out that none of my friends know exactly where I live. Do I even have friends. Check my myspace profile. All my top "8" friends are out of San Diego. I wish I had better relations with my family. I mean I'm kinda on my own out here and it's sink or swim.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-33852957673446440842007-08-05T23:20:00.000-07:002007-08-05T23:21:46.199-07:00
Here are a few original tips for umpiring....
1. Before you get your game started set your alarm clock on your cell phone to buzz when you have 15 minutes left in the game, and when no new inning can start. This way no one will ever check you looking at your watch.2. You can go to Kinko's and shrink down the rule book to fit in your wallet at all times. When a coach gets in your face about a call he doesn't understand, you can say, Here, you can look it up, 7.11 and get your game on.3. Have a bottle of olive oil in your car. It can pimp out your shoes, or you can shave with it. Can't do that with armor all.4. At Sears they have steel toed shoes that can act as base shoes. Barring some unforseen circumstance, you can always have an extra pair of shoes.Oh, and on Saturday we played. I gave Al our umpire a hard time. I was trying to get thrown out. I went 2-3 with a splitting bat. We won 13-0 after 7.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-38491130481070168672007-08-03T09:03:00.001-07:002007-08-03T09:08:30.722-07:00
Meeting on Monday and I'm working Games on Wednesday
Well, last Wednesday we played in a woodbat league, and I did ok. 2-4 with 2 runs scored, and I threw a ball to first base from right field that almost got the guy. I almost got a stolen base, but my lead was so good(defensive indifference). Cause I was so fast. Anyways, the game ended prematurely because the guy that batter after me decided he wanted to be macho with the pitcher. I've seen that happen about 5 times this year. Three times with our team, 1 time when I was umpiring and a guy attacked the player that put a hard tag on him, and the other day. It's retarded. Monday we have our meeting and the last time I spoke with our president he intimated at making me president of our association. I thanked him and told him it's like the honor of being condominium association president, but ultimately I told him I would do it nominated. Wednesday I have games with USABF. For some reason I thought I didn't cash my paycheck with Pacific Umpires or USABF baseball and I'm getting into people's grills. Speaking of things financially, I'm doing poorly. I made some lavish expenses in the last few days. Security deposit for new apartment, rent, new paint job on van, nintendo wii, and burning man ticket. I'm trying to sell the Wii, and I got out of my lease. Hopefully I can sell my van after burning man, but nonetheless it looks great.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-41626854400161194892007-07-30T19:56:00.000-07:002007-07-30T20:02:47.769-07:00
This weekends games
I umpired all day Saturday and played softball all day Saturday. Both were exhausting. Instead of talking about how sloppy the games were on Sunday or how I would have much rather been playing baseball, I want to talk about the 190 dollars cash I made renting out the bedroom I'm subletting, and the couch in the apartment I was subletting. Apparently the woman I rented from was so concerned about a written contract, she forgot to put a no subletting clause. I did my tallies up and I made 1,100 dollars umpiring baseball this month. This more than covered my expenses, and the games were for the most part fun. The thing that made yesterday's last game was when the coach directed his pitcher to walk the opposing teams hitter in a blowout, so the kid on the mound could face his twin brother with the bases loaded at the end of the game. It was a fun matchup and definitely made the 6 hours of monotony worth it. Thats one of the beauties of baseball, and that is that anything special can happen at any time, and although the game is slow, it keeps you riveted. It's like nature designing the birds and the bees and the animals to just kinda do stuff. Baseball is nature, and a friend told me that we have exactly the percentages of the elements in Earth in our bodies, and in this essence, those that play baseball really have it in them...or something like that.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-54586215491686268212007-07-26T06:09:00.000-07:002007-07-27T22:32:41.393-07:00
Yesterdays games at Rios Canyon in El Cajon
These games sucked. Both of them went 2 hours, the site was almost 30 miles away. Fortunately I called my partner up and we carpooled there, but at the site they insisted I pay for food. Anyways, my gripes are that the teams didn't know what they were doing. The culmniation of the days events were in the second game (a game that only went 4 innings) the pitcher fielded the ball with 2 outs, and went home on a force play to first base. The inning took almost an hour to get three outs. The other team was pissing me off because they kept running "trying to get into outs". The thing about these games is the catcher was dusting off the plate. He wasn't showing me up because I didn't want to bend over. The players were trying to get into run downs and outs, and a batter stayed in the box after I rung him up cause he thought it was 2 strikes. All these on the outside look like the kids are showing me up. Ok, back to why I was working yesterday for 5 hours at 70 dollars. Just kidding, my day wasn't that grand. More like 7 hours time for fifty dollars profit. I guess if a foreigner is reading my blog, this would be good money. Oh, and the reason I took these games is because I like baseball.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com4
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-79512287489808330702007-07-27T22:25:00.001-07:002007-07-27T22:30:00.873-07:00
Today's games at Eastlake...er, I mean Hilltop
These were fun. I got the call late last night from Will Wood to work two 16 year old USABF games at Eastlake. I got the call this morning that the site was changed to Hilltop. The first game was nice and went by real fast. I called a few balks on the pitcher because he was throwing over to first without stepping. This infuriated their manager, and my partners suggested I stop calling it. The kid gained no ground over distance. The second game was a delight. It was never really close but the coach of one team was Gary Powers, who was a former college coach. He was pulling out all the tricks in his bag. I could tell he was a good coach by his constant being in the game. He was trying to convince my partner of missed bases, his pitcher of hurt fingers to argue balls and strikes. Basically anything to get an advantage. It was three man mechanics and I had a lot of fun out there.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-88339228132927863772007-07-27T00:14:00.001-07:002007-07-27T22:25:31.628-07:00yes
Today's game at Rios Canyon
Todays' game was another blowout. The time was going good, but the team from Compton wasn't any good and the other team ran the score up. I pulled out a few tricks from the art of umpiring. Just kididng, they weren't tricks, they were mess ups, and I was working the game by myself. Mess up #1-With 2 outs, and thirty five minutes later from the start of the inning, the kids started running off the field, and I said that was three. I don't use an indicator out on the field, so the runner runs off the field. I called him out. The coach comes up to me and argues that he's trying to keep the game going. I say sure he is. The guys out. The other out in the inning was a play at the plate. It was a tag play, and I called the kid out, and the ball fell out. The coach came to argue with me, and I told him I didn't see it. Oh well, it was pretty hot out there, and the woman from the day before kept insisting I owed her daughter a dollar for my hot dog upgrade to a cheeseburger. I smiled and told her "not going to happen". I don't like working for 5 dollar an hour. That's illegal.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-73645188303688062422007-07-23T07:19:00.000-07:002007-07-23T07:30:12.186-07:00
Umpiring Ain't as fun as playing
So lots to talk about. I like posting in variable random intervals, but it's near the end of baseball season here so theres lots of baseball. On Friday night I worked the two pony games. I was a little rushed getting there on Friday afternoon. This is why:I had a moving job on Craigslist and I planned it perfectly to go to baseball practice then to my game, except I forgot my pants. Instead of practicing I had to run home, and then go to El Cajon and work 2 games. I got there at 444 for a 5pm start, and was on the field at 452. I forgot my good belt, so had to wear my skanky one. During the game, I missed a few calls, like a swinging ball and a swinging hit by pitch. The game was exciting and the team came down 2 runs in the last inning on a squeeze play. I didn't bring my A game. In the second game, I made a few good calls on the bases and was very loud and vocal, and I pimped a few calls. The next day we had a playoff game, and that was fun. I went 3-5 but struck out with runners on 1st and third with 2 outs. I struck out 7 times in 72 at bats this season, which is a good ratio, but I want to cut that in half. I'm a better player than that. We lost the game 13-12 on a controversial infield fly call, cause our baserunners didn't hear the umpire. The game was fun because we came back again from 11 runs down. I didn't have time to sulk because I had to work a game at Ecke behind the dish. I don't even remember the game. Later on that evening, I went and drank some moonshine at a friends house. It was actually my type of thing. I love secret society shit. My friend Brad flew down from NorCal for this event. And yesterday I worked two games, and one got cancelled. I still got paid for it, and making money while not doing anything is my favorite type of job. I definitely stayed in the moment. I did the first game behind the dish, and screwed up a catchers balk on a suicide squeeze play and let the play go, but I did flirt with changing a little bit of my strike signals and mechanics. In the second game, I was going big league on my mechanics by going to a knee, and being super vocal. I like hanging out and speaking up when in turn.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-16096808982875937152007-07-18T01:45:00.000-07:002007-07-18T03:58:10.083-07:00
Baseball in general
So I gotta take my real estate brokers exam again. I got 142 questions correct and I needed 150. They were very difficult questions, but I got a date slotted on August 2nd to take the test again. I called up Doug Roach and asked him to work some games. I opted for Colt at the time, but after having second thoughts, I should have worked the Pony All Star Game. I just text messaged him and asked to work the Pony All Star Game. It would be an honor and I would be thrilled to represent the San Diego Baseball Umpires. I miss Katie. Things are getting kinda crazy over in Peru. Theres a whole gray area of information that is out there and I hope their government is able to contain the aggressions of the people. Please send out good energies through the universe for her.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-65823502906691170422007-07-15T20:33:00.000-07:002007-07-15T20:40:02.291-07:00
This weekends games
Yesterday I played in a playoff game. I had a few good at bats, and gave the umpires a hard time. In my first at bat, I saw 8 pitches and worked the pitcher, and later in the game I got an 0-2 flare. During my last at bat, I blasted a double to center field and that felt good. All told I went 2-4 with a double and a single.Big Al was the plate umpire, and he was working with Darrel the black dude. There was a fun moment in the game, when I was on third base, and the pitcher balked and there was a heated exchange between me and Darrel. Al aditted it was a balk, and the next inning when I went out to base coach, he came up to me, bumped me and said, "did you bump me" with a smile. Good times. We won the game 11-7. After the game our team talked about becoming a commissioner sponsored team. 4-8 teams in our league have their fees taken care of because a commissioner plays on their squad. As a squad, we decided that we would rather pay to play than deal with uneccesary jive of playing for a screamer. Today I umpired two games, and in the first game there was a pitch that hit the batter and he didn't make an attempt to move. I called it, sold it, pimped it, and dealt with the manager. I didn't use an indicator in this game. I also called a balk on a pitcher that umpires in our association, and kept awake in the second game. I've discovered that I want to go back to pro school to hopefully get a job in professional baseball cause working more than 1 game a day is really draining.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-44220633249105649122007-07-12T13:13:00.000-07:002007-07-12T13:23:42.220-07:00
I didn't umpire Tuesday afternoon
Because I had the responsibility to get studying for my real estate brokers examination. I shouldn't have umpired on Sunday and went to the crash course instead but cies la vies. I'll probably have to take it again, but this time I'll be better prepared. Just like a possible return to umpire school. On Monday here were my gains from umpiring. 38 take home- 20 for pony registration -15 for gasoline. 3 dollars!!! Sunday I have three colt games, and hopefully I'll get some USABF games soon.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-86061289690813028622007-07-09T20:22:00.000-07:002007-07-09T20:29:15.408-07:00
There ain't no money in umpiring
Like for instance today. At 5 pm, I drove from UTC to El Cajon for a playoff game that paid $40. I'm also working there tomorrow. 2 dollar assignment fee15 dollars gasoline expenses.20 dollar pony registration fee.(I think this will cover 2 games)My f-250 is a guzzlerI left my house at 3 30 and returned at 8.` So in essence my time was 4.5 hours and I have 17 dollars to show for it. I guess I could pay taxes on this income, but there isn't a chance in hell. At least I got a free hot dog, hamburger and coke. Oh, and at the game people are prone to yell at you. They didn't yell at me today cause I did a good job behind the stick, but my partner today had a few calls that upset the fans. They were right though. Anyways, an interesting play happened in the sense there was a double play ball, where the runner running to first missed the bag, but beat the throw. A run scored on the play. What do you call the dude at first.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com6
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-76028124749561109412007-07-08T22:26:00.000-07:002007-07-08T22:39:48.636-07:00
The Summation of 5 baseball games this weekend
On Saturday our team played. I went 0-4 including my third catchers interference of the year. My stats are all whack, but now it's the playoffs and I'll start swinging the bat. We have the number 5 seed, but things should be in our favor. After the game, I was about to crash a crash course for the real estate brokers exam, but I made a commitment apparently to go to Petco. So, instead of crashing 3 hours of unbridled not having to study harder time, I went to the ball park, and it cost me over 30 dollars (7 ticket, 5 for the booze, and 4 for some dudes water I apparently drunk). It was awesome because we snuck in my buddy milk by getting a ticket stub. Apparently the ticket stub was for field level nice seats. There we got a prime time view of the third base line, and I was going crazy for Joe West's foul calls. Five things that were of note in this game. 1. My umpire school instructor Ed Hickox was working the stick (behind home plate)2. The Umpires wore black3. The big league umpires were out of position on a timing play. 4. Joe West had his cell phone on his back pocket.5. Second base guy had his hands in his pockets. 6. Joe West wasn't in hands on knees set at third base, nor was the second base guy without anybody on. Anyways this is the play where the big league guys got of position:Bases juiced. Ball to left field. Joe West goes out. second covers third. Ed Hickox was at homeplate watching the play develop at third for the timing play. The Braves then try a backdoor at first and C.B. Bucknor didn't get a good angle on the play. Between innings they talked with one another. I just got to thinking that I hate, absolutely loathe hands on knees set every pitch. I like going to it whenever I botch a call and I want to look ready. Actually I don't mind it when I'm only working one game a day. Oh, and the big league guys wear Black and Powder. None of the navy shirts. Which gets me to wondering, wny does every amateur association insist on wearing the navy blue, and why do the old guys flip out on wearing a hot color. Amateur umpires bother me with the way they go about their business. I digress. Today I worked three games. Nothing much. I got a little flack in the third game, for a few judgment calls. We almost had a triple play in this game, but the first baseman botched a throw. I guess I learned a little bit about baseball and the art of umpiring. You do it in the same way that the people before you did, and you don't stray away from things too much. the idea is that if you do it enough, crazy things will happen, and you should remember them so that way you can share with others the crazy antics of this game. By crazy antics, I mean that there is a lot of dull things, but something special can happen any moment. That is the independent variable that makes baseball so great.Tomorrow and Tuesday I have playoff games in El Cajon for Pony.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-66645476685190102192007-07-03T09:51:00.001-07:002007-07-03T09:51:40.322-07:00
Summary of this weekend's events....
On Saturday morning I was called at 8 am to work a 10 20 game. From there, I immediately jetted over to Hoover High School to play. I was slotted to get out of my game because I had a family party in Los Angeles, except our team only had 8 players, and I wouldn't allow our team to go out there short handed. So I stuck around and changed out of my umpire gear 3 minutes before game time, hoping one of three guys would show up to relieve me of my playing duties. I was relieved at 2 40 by Corbin, but not before I went 2-2 with a homerun and a single. On 2 teams, I've reached base in my last 7 plate appearences including 2 homeruns and a double. One person can make an impact on the game apparently (it should be noted that all this done was out of the 9 hole in the lineup). Anyways, I immediately jet to the train station because I have someone picking me up there, and I'm about to make it there so I call Amtrak and apparently someone got hit by a train, and though I'm barely about to make the train schedule, the reality is the train wasn't going anywhere. So, I head on down to Los Angeles, (Westwood to be exact) and show up to my family function 4 hours late. I felt a wierd vibe from my extended family, and I ended up getting kinda toasty. At one point we jumped in the pool with our clothes on. I don't think this went over too well. At around 10pm we got kicked out, and drove through Hollywood, and looked for a hotel, but there were no vacancies. So then we hung out in this parking lot until 4 30 in the morning doing stuff that could have got us arrested. At 10 54 that evening, Robert calls up 2 x and on the second time I pick up and he asks if I can work 2 games in Long Beach. I redrunkenly agree, even though I have two games in Coronado starting at 9 am. I head home around 5 ish, and pass out on the side of the road in Redondo Beach thinking that if I wake up, all will be well, and if I pass out, I'll have a shit storm. Amazingly I wake up at 6 36 and head on out. I call Robert and let him know that I won't work those games in Long Beach, and he tells me I should, but I choose self preservation and I get my shuteye. No traffic means, that I arrive at Coronado at 8 44 am for a 9am game. I work the first game behind the stick, without an indicator, and worked the second game on the bases making all the right calls. There was a third base coach that thought we missed 2 balk calls on a left handed pitcher, and he got all violent and started cussing so my partner Jeremiah Ivie threw him out. I head on home and get some sleep. On Monday, I had two games at Eastlake High School. I worked the first game behind the plate, and a situation came up where I could have used my umpire authority to get out of the game, but I made the right call. There is a 7 run mercy rule, and what would have been the mercy run to end the game was called out at the plate at a bang bang play. There wasn't really anybody in the stands to give me trouble, but it was the right call and I had to live with it. It prolonged the game an extra 20 minutes. Actually what prolonged the game was a run scoring for the losing team by me not ringing a kid up. And finally today I was asked to call up a PAC 10 umpire and explain my situation why I couldn't make it to Long Beach. I told him my car broke down and my phone was out of juice, and he tried to chastise me, and I told him circumstances were beyond my control. The truth is I'm better prepared than that, and I was lying to cover my friend's ass. This was bad judgment on my part. Nevertheless, This weekend I did a lot, and I'm still convinced that I'm one of the better baseball players in my league, and one of the better umpires in my associations too (when I'm on). It was also a good learning experience.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-55526470487766158442007-07-02T21:56:00.001-07:002007-07-02T21:56:44.383-07:00
I
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-81821753977241448612007-06-27T09:18:00.001-07:002007-06-27T09:21:42.221-07:00
There's enough money in professional baseball
Why not have three umpires at the lower levels? Just kidding, I mean. theoretically speaking, there is something latent about having a profession where you stand behind a man's ass for multiple hours at a time, and something is definitely brokeback sounding, when you tell your loved ones, "yes darling, I'm going to spend my summer traveling the country roads with some dude I don't know and sharing a hotel room with him". I mean, there should be more girl umpires.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com2
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-39130467312438373682007-06-25T19:28:00.000-07:002007-06-25T19:34:38.578-07:00
Yesterdays games at Bonita Vista
The adult leagues are all about preservation. In the first game, I got like 3 hours of sleep, and had to sleep in my truck. The girl whose house I was staying at kicked me out all passive aggresivelike. I asked her for her phone charger, and she said that she needed her phone, and I was like well, I'll put it away, and she didn't respond. So I said, fine, and went down to my car. When I got back upstairs, the hosue was locked and my shoes and shirt were still inside. I had to break in to the house and get them back. So, I work two games at Bonita Vista. I really hate going hands on knees set. I also went to the dugouts between innings. The adult leagues are about preservation. I didn't get any real calls on the bases but whatev. I was working with Roberto, and I told some guy that he couldn't argue balls and strikes with me. I told him I don't tell him how to do his job. In the second game, I got rattled a few times in the dome, on foul tips. The teams respected me cause I was loud and didn't put up with shit. THe best was a check swing that the guy pulled his bat back, and told me he didn't. I said yes you did. The nice things about the teams were to get the game going ,tehy would make outs. thanks guys. I'm working games this week Sunday, and Monday. USABF baseball. Yay!
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-2738049889943131622007-06-24T06:52:00.000-07:002007-06-24T06:57:27.708-07:00
My place in this world...
My cell needs to be a little more vibrant, and encourage those around me to be more specialized. I'm excited cause I hit a homerun yesterday. Our baseball team was down 11 runs at one point, and we were about to get mercied rule, but we kept inching back, and we tied it on my homerun in the 8th inning. The point that I was thinking about is that even if we don't try and create an impact on this world, we still do nonetheless. I'm having trouble relating this into words. Lets just say my goal is to start planting plants everywhere. Today, I'm umpiring at Bonita Vista High School. I think one man mechanics in the SDABL. This pays good money. Afterwards I kinda want to go to Cheetahs, but I've got a film shoot instead.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-54753412188826986272007-06-24T02:33:00.000-07:002007-06-24T02:44:01.582-07:00yes
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-12123026602039429342007-06-20T11:14:00.000-07:002007-06-20T11:19:43.195-07:00
The other night I worked Encinitas Little League
and worked two games. I'm really focusing on getting on hands and knees set every pitch when I'm in the field. Thats the one part I hate about umpiring. The other thing I hate about umpiring is dealing with the douche bags that post on the SDABL. There are about 5 of them that comment on everything I say, in violent disapproval (rulebook terminology)Anyways, the highlight of these games were the free pizza and hot dog I got. At one point some kid goes on the field, and throws me the ball. I take him aside and tell him to hand the umpire the ball. A few innings later he throws me the ball, and I kick it to him. Just kidding of course. The nice things about these games in comparison to the SDABL games is the fans get into it. When my timing is good, I call a strike, and I do it loud and authoritatively, they cheer or make a call. At the adult level, all the people do is complain.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-2537860669460663892007-06-17T22:07:00.000-07:002007-06-18T15:08:55.627-07:00
Sunday
Today I woke up all early. I was supposed to work at Mesa College today to do a one man, but they messed up on the times and I worked next door at Kearney with Ron. Ron can get a little sloppy out there but he's a dude that doesn't put up with baloney. He is vocal and we had an inning out there that last over 40 minutes. I pimped a balk call like always and looked at a runner funny for stealing a base up by 10 in the seventh inning. Another fun play was when there was a ground ball to second base, and the both guys were absolutely lagging (38AA) and the play was close, so I just went sold the call to have a little fun. In between games I had lunch at Cheetahs and my partner Doug Roach called me up for the second game, and was like where are you at. I was slotted to work with him at (2. 30 and 5 15) I told him, and he just laughed. I then was about to call him up and tell I'd be late cause I was busy with a . My names isn't Drew Quarrels though. The first game we did was no trouble. I made a concerted effort to go hands-on-knees-set most of the time. In the second game I had the plate, and this game took forever. I tried calling it after five, but apparently the umpire is tired isn't a good enough excuse to call the game. The game just took forever, and I took my steps to slow and speed up the game to work with the timelimit. Once again I pimped out a balk call, and even pimped an obstruction call. Nobody knew the rules. My zone felt a tad erratic this game and I knew it, and didn't appreciate it. I expect perfection. In the evening time I had a little fun with one of the players that was supposed to play in the afternoon game on the SDABL message board. I wasn't going to work the game anyways, but I thought I'd mess with them a little bit, by telling them I saw them at the ballpark and didn't want to do their game. The dude responded all y, and wah wah wah. Lol. I'm working a championship game tonight at the little league level.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-21591374627742290242007-06-17T00:05:00.001-07:002007-06-18T15:03:29.422-07:00
Yay for our team....and other stuff
Today our team clinched a playoff spot in the 18AAA Saturday division. We would have mercied the other team, except I managed to hit 0-4 with 3 GIDP's. I think it's a record. A dubious one though. The beauty of it was, at least on my last GIDP, I totally grounded into a double play with our lawyer pitcher on deck, and the bet was that if he could hit a ball solid he would get the start next week at DH. I never gave him the chance. I might be his friend, cause he's sitting on a .400 batting average. Nevertheless, our team has 8 wins, the team we beat today has 4, and the two other teams with 4 wins played each other today, and unless there was a tie, we outright clinched a playoff seed. Now if we get into second place we can earn a bye. I'm going to try and convince Allan to let me pitch. Afterwards I hung out with Big Al, the guy that umpired our game, and talked shop for a few hours. I talked with Katie who was up north for a friends graduation party and am beginning to think she is feeling the way I have always felt about her. This makes me happy. Tomorrow, I'm working at Mesa College and at Ecke Park. I should make about 160 profit on the day.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com3
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-56208591144654137962007-06-13T14:40:00.000-07:002007-06-13T14:46:18.189-07:00
Fun one in El Cajon
So yesterday I went down to Mexico before the game and got to the game just in time. I always tell people it's like professional babysitting. This was a playoff game so the baby effect was in full force. In the first inning, there was a kid that called the coach a dumbass. The coach kicked him out of the game, and the the dad yanked him out by the hair. This coach ended up getting thrown out later in the game. Then I called a balk on a pitcher cause he didn't stop when he was in his set position. The coach was all upset, and came up to me between innings, and told me he was in professional baseball and that my balk was chicken...I was chilling in right field, and I made him come to me with a finger gesture between innings. This was fun. Later on I made a call against his team he didn't like, so he whined a little bit more. There were also kids in the stands yelling out balk. When things got heated towards the end of the game, my partner threw the angry manager out of the game for aruging balls and strikes, and when the game was over we walked off to a serenade of unpleasantries.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-86119042320890910612007-06-12T07:10:00.000-07:002007-06-12T07:22:12.860-07:00
It's been a while since I've posted....and a superwhile since a meaningful entry
So here are the games and my emo rants for the last week starting from last Friday. On Friday I got kicked out of the hotel I was staying. Sleeping under a table dressing in a hallway isn't the most relaxing way to go. It was fun while it lasted. On Friday I worked a game with Doug Goodwin in El Cajon. Fun game, not really any much trouble, except one team put together a rally in the 9th inning to make it close, and my partner banged the guy for not touching home plate. This led to trouble, because it looked like he did from the manager's angle, except the plate was actually sunken. I liked working with Doug. He is a pretty good umpire. On Saturday we played a ball game. I stunk it up in the first game, and we lost by 2. I am responsible for the loss. In the second game, we did well, and I coincidentally did well. Got 3 hits in 4 at bats. I am staying at a room in Mission Hills right now. It's tidy, and I know for sure I'm paying the guys rent right now. I just needed a room to put my head over. I'm totally paying a premium for it too right now. Shoulda negotiated better. Sunday was an adventure. I worked with an umpire named Ken at Ecke Park for some colt games. Ken was a large man that looked unkempt, and said had been umpiring for 18 years. He looked real bad. He came up on every call. His strike zone was low. He rung a guy up on strike 2. Plus he smelled. He was like me before professional school. I didn't say too many assertive things cause he gave me a ride back to my domicile. Speaking of which, my bus is out of order. I took it on Saturday to Crown Point Auto for some smog work, and when I went to return it, there were parts taken out, and the timing was all off. It was undriveable, and these mechanics left me stranded. I had to get to UTC, and sure enough, I saw a girl named E there just as I was registering my complaint. She gave me a ride to The Koala party/Pimp it yourself photoshoot. It was a pretty good gathering. From there I got a ride to the ballpark with Rex Perez on his way back to Los Angeles. Yesterday I worked in El Cajon. No trouble. I got a ride there from Katie. The game was pretty smooth sailing. There was a bizarre sequence of events, where I got trouble for 2 pitches, and that was it. I worked with Ron Fisher who is a really nice guy. He gave me a ride to the transit center, which then I took the bus back to UCSD, and then got a ride back to the room I'm staying at.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-67600033217175832572007-06-07T11:27:00.000-07:002007-06-07T13:31:08.155-07:00
This week in Baseball
Tuesday night I worked a one man billable game at Emerald Pony. Fun game, had an ejection, but nevertheless handled things well. People liked me there. The ejection was some dude arguing balls and strikes. At times I wouldn't announce ball, and he said "be consistent", and I told him he couldn't say that. Then in the sixth inning, he was heated over a call, and in the top of the 7th inning, he said, "be consistent" over an an unnanounced ball. At that time he got the heave ho, and he left quietly. Today I'm working a game in Peninsula, and tomorrow, I'll be at Ecke. Tonight I'm going to the Padre Dodger game which should be fun. I've been doing my best to get ready for professional baseball. I've been living out of a hotel room the last week, and vying for the games in the most hostile areas (Sun 18a-one man, Chula Vista, South El Monte). I've also learned in school, that you should get hammered the night before, and go to work the next day. Thats what I learned from the instructors.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-82704637743756662712007-06-04T21:12:00.001-07:002007-06-04T21:12:26.549-07:00
Murphy Canyon Little League Incident Report
Tonight at Murphy Canyon Little Leage at the onset of the bottom of the 6th inning, the home team manager was taking his time announcing his changes to the score keeper. The batter was already to get in the batters box, and I had to stall the game on account of the manager. The visiting team's catcher was taking his time getting out to the playing field so the manager had plenty of time to make his changes. I told him to make his changes, and he wanted to argue with me about my duties. I insisted that he walk around the playing field on the other side of the fence to make the changes. He took his time and asked me if I had a "hot date". I stated that the game was about the kids, and not the coaches. I ordered the batter in the batters box and the pitcher to pitch. The coach walked away without incident. Where I may be wrong, is I showed disregard for the welfare of the manager, who disobeyed my order which may have irked the league president. The purpose of my words was to keep the game moving. In between the 6th and the top of the 7th inning, the manager for Murphy Canyon asked me if he could make his changes. Then a man tried to get me to come speak with him through the fence. I ignored him and stood on the first base line. After the game I tried engaging him and said, "I had a game to umpire", and he said he would be contacting Jack. I signed the scorebook, and went to the snack stand to collect my fees. I saw this man again, and I engaged him once more and asked him tell me his concerns. He stated that there was an insurance policy and intimated that he was going to call you and not have me work games at this ball park. I interjected and told him that it wouldn't ruin my career. As I was walking away, the man stated that they were paying me, and I replied back, that I'm not around to take abuse. I then reiterated this point, at his assertion again, that they were paying me. He said something about my "attitude", but I was done chatting with him and walked away from the ballpark.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com3
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-2910772847973594032007-06-03T19:29:00.000-07:002007-06-03T19:33:25.690-07:00
No trouble in Today's games
Woke up kinda early to go out to Bonita Vista. I didn't really have any trouble with todays' games. I would have stopped by a hotel for the free continental breakfast, but I packed an organic apple, nectarine, and figs. The first game I worked 1 man mechanics with a very tough audience. Sunday 18a. These kids don't really know the game, but I pimped a bunch of calls, like off the bag, catchers interference, homerun call, and a timing play with one man mechanics with an out at third base. Plus the catcher at the beginnning of the game was like, "umpires don't have to run". And then I proved him to be a liar. In the afternoon I had a partner and it was Mike Cruise. He looked very good today, and his balls and strikes were money. One call was tough, but apparently I made it right and that was a long foul ball down the right field line. Afterwards, the real fun was as I jettisoned on towards Mexico, and I went to the Duty free store to get a cheap liter of rum, but then I realized, I didn't really want to go to Mexico and walk through, and eat a taco, so I just told the guy, I decided to drive. Then I went to KFC.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-2258486578426748822007-06-02T16:52:00.001-07:002007-06-02T16:57:09.162-07:00
I haven't got a hit in over a month.....
but I'm going to try and rejoin the rage woodbat team this Wednesday for Woodbat. Last year I led all of Woodbat hitters and hit at a .650 clip. Although, it'd be fun to umpire that game too. I looked horrible as a hitter today. Next week we have a doubleheader though. As far as my umpiring observations go, I just spent 230 dollars on new gear from Honigs. New plate shoes, ball bags, hats, visor, etc...I worked 2 games for Doug Roach out in Chula Vista. I worked them partly because I need the money, and partly because I like working with him. He gets me games alone and I like the payday working one man mechanics. I didn't have trouble in either games. Coaches like my easy going, "thats a no-no" demeanor and I feel like I am getting my own style behind the plate and earning a good reputation as an umpire. In our baseball game today, the umpire working the stick botched two calls because they were foul balls off guys foots, and neither player wore shoe polish, so the ball wasn't scuffed, so the call stood. I've been around the game long enough, to know that every out counts, so next week for our double header against the Giants, I'll have my hitting shoes on and polished.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-13472996121619796202007-05-29T16:37:00.000-07:002007-05-29T17:00:02.914-07:00
I had a wild weekend...
It started Friday morning with me dodging about 20 phone calls and sleeping in. Then I picked up Robert James. Then Eddie in Compton. Then we head on down to San Diego without really a place to crash or anything. For the weekend we were assigned 14 ball games to work. They had to go to the USD ball game. I promised Katie that I would help her with some stuff. After a few hours of figuring things out we decide to go to the lamplighter in Hillcrest. The best part of the evening was some white dude that started getting all racists after a Rage Against the Machine song. Afterwards we end up crashing at Katies house in her living room, but I couldn't get to rest until about 5 am ;) at 5 45 we leaves for Lake Elsinore and arrive at 7 30 for an 8 am start. We have 6 2 hour games slotted for this day. Because I didn't like the way Robert drove my bus, I ended up driving to Lake Elsinore. The first game I was commended on my 1 man mechanics. I hustled and both coaches were impressed. My partner for the 6 games slotted on Saturday also didn't get to sleep for whatever reason so he was pretty exhausted. He convinced me to go 3 behind the stick, and 3 on the bases. Sooo....In the second game, with the Home team making a comeback down to their last out, and they steal home, and the guy is safe, except the player foul tipped it. I originally ruled him safe, but then went through the rolodex in my head, and called it a foulball. The play happened so quick I had to replay it, and when I changed the call, the manager got pretty upset. The next guy made an out. Game over. In the third game behind the plate I was super exhausted. My balls and strikes were real good, but I was resting in the dugouts between innings trying to get microsleep. The assignor talked to the both of us after the game and said we looked real tired, and gave the base guy some time off, and had me work another game in the field. After the fourth game, I ended up crashing out face first in some grassy area, and everyone at the ball park thought I was drunk or something cause my speech was slurred. I was asked not to come back and work the 6th game that day or return the next day. Instead I landed an even cusher job the next day umpiring 11 year olds in Murrietta. This one paid 35 a game, for 5 games. At this ball park we got free food, and my partner on this day wanted to work 3 plates at 1 45 time limits. These games went hassle free, and we got numerous compliments from the coaches. I had a few situations on call clarifications, but no trouble. The fun started when I went behind the plate. One team didn't like my zone, and was letting me hear it. I warned them, but they were bellyaching this whole game. They end up losing this game. In the last game of the day the guy was questioning my strike zone, and saying he didn't know where it was. He asked me what I was thinking, and I told him stuff about global warming and the ends of the universe. He said he needed me to umpire baseball, and not "save the world". I told him I would save the world 1 baseball game at a time. I also gave him a warning very nicely that he couldn't argue balls and strikes. I'm going to stray away a little bit, and just mention that I come across as a very nice guy and some people try to walk on me. I say things like, "okie dokie" and "thats a no-no". Ok, back to the game. There was a play at the plate and these guys were crying some more, and I did something that the older umpires gave me flack for. I looked in their direction and directly antagonized them. I put my hands on my eyes, and made a pouty face. This made one of the coaches go apeshit, and the others had to hold him back. This guy ended up getting kicked out of the game, and I think I might have done it when I said, you gotta go when he was confronting me. I do like the crying mimic mechanic, except I'm going to polish it off and make it a little less conspicuous. Lots of fun. Later on in this game, the coach said, "hey blue" and tossed me the ball from about 30 feet. I stayed in place and didn't make an attempt to catch it and let it roll to the backstop. Then I pointed it out to the catcher. THis was beautiful, and I got called a bunch of really bad names by the fans. The next day we worked a semi final and a championship game. In the semi final game I was working the stick, and the coaches on one team were bithing about balls and strikes and calling it both ways. (I rang up their kids on balls right down the middle, except my strike 3 call is very emphatic). To put a long story short, I was commended on this game, and people were impressed because I wasn't too tired. I gotta go to the bank now. And deposit my 400 dollars cash from the weekend. (It'd have been 545 if I didn't manage to get myself kicked off the field for sleeping face down on the grassy knoll I allegedly urinated on. -Mike
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-28234262528470566732007-05-24T22:29:00.000-07:002007-05-24T23:07:12.694-07:00
This weekend in San Diego
I'll be working 12 games total at 38.50 Saturday and Sunday with Hotel covered for both nights. I'll be traveling with 2 other umpire school educated fellows and we'll be going to the University of San Diego ball game to meet with a guy from the Pacific 10 baseball conference or something like that. I'm going to show them how to live things up in San Diego for the weekend, and I gots to find a place to stay in San Diego for the upcoming summer. I've been telling everyone my major investment this summer will be a surfboard and wet suit. But lets get to tonight and last nights game. Lots to bitch about and get off my chest. This game barely got started. One team had 7 players. One coach wanted to forfeit, but short term gains are long term losses. We get the game started a little late, and this one dragged. In the 2nd inning, one coach starts flipping out, telling me that he wanted his team to forfeit. Players start leaving the field so I tell him he's full of shit, and eject him. Then he comes after me, and says it's not about me, and this isn't my game. I tell him he's wrong, and the league president backs me up and says no forfeit. We play. Sure enough, there is some bizarre rule that says the game has to go 5 innings. We barely get through 3.5 in this time, and I call the game. I ended up negotiating a pay day for this "incomplete game". A game I had to interject 2x to get started. But I don't do it for the money (apparently) cause tonight I used my new found disinvitation from South El Monte (they wanted me to do another game, but I passed) and went to Arcadia High just in time to meet up with my former club coach Doug Mcmasters. I offered him umpire services for free on the season, and gave him 130 in cash to sponsor a player this year. Then I went home and had my mom yell at me for putting my fingers near my nose.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-22831996271795211082007-05-22T23:43:00.000-07:002007-05-22T23:46:24.344-07:00
Today....
I didn't work at Arcadia Schools cause I stayed in San Diego to do yoga this morning and go to breakfast. I almost stressed myself out coming back home to work a game in El Monte, but for whatever reason all the umpire spots were filled. Then I went to a ball game and had ballpark fare with my mom, and chatted, and I discussed with her that I was appreciative of all she has done for me, but it's time for me to move on and live my life and move down to San Diego and make things happen.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-22868769312577130862007-05-22T23:41:00.000-07:002007-05-22T23:43:43.793-07:00yes
Living Life....
I could post,
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-81616151928691290902007-05-20T21:28:00.001-07:002007-05-20T21:48:26.642-07:00
Today's games were fun.,,,
Woke up all early this morning, and barely caught the bus in La Jolla to my car in UTC. Then I proceeded to leave my wallet on the bus, along with I think my glove, and my cup. I called SPorts Authority early this morning, and had them open up an hour early so I could work games. Then I shaved walking to the field, and arrived 5 minutes before game time. In the first game there was a player that dropped a foul ball that was an easy play, and the next pitch the guy hit a homerun, so I made it a point to yell at him and berate him for trying to do his job. Just kidding of course. This is the type of behavior that is typical of the adult leagues and baseball in general towards umpires. In today's games I had a few fun situations. I could have threw a few guys out, both for arguing balls and strikes. One guy was upset at a strike 3 call, and a pitcher made a quip about a called strike on him, I think he said, "you've been sucking all day". I asked him to repeat the comment, but he stayed mum. Smart thing cause I filter all their comments out. Of the interesting plays I called. 1 interference play, a whacker at first, a another whacker "that bounded over the bag in fair territory", an infield fly. 3 of the 4 teams liked my work, an apparent 2 pitch strike out. I had a few plays where I almost got in trouble for too fast timing. Tonight at UCSD, I realized that it was an economically intelligent decision to pick up bottles and cans. There was a dumpster near the lawn where they dumped all the free waters they were giving out on Friday and the trash service comes on Monday. So, it was a little hard work, but I picked up about 900 cans out of this dumpster in a little under an hour. For all my day was worth, I made about 225 dollars cash.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-46514604855930163412007-05-19T07:04:00.001-07:002007-05-19T07:21:46.400-07:00
Sun God was fun :)
There were a lot of pretty girls that were hitting on me, which was nice, but I spent the majority of the festival with the girl I like :) This weekend promises to have a lot in store. I'm playing in a game today, then playing in our annaul sloshball game afterwards, then hopefully pass out somewhere. Sunday Morning, I'll be umpiring 2 games, 1 man mechanics at Bonita Vista. It's good stuff and I like working these games, cause they pay 90 a game, and I'm pretty good at handling my workload. I see it as a challenge.I haven't smoked pot in a good while, but I was thinking of getting a few hits before working a baseball game. Technically as a state employee, smoking pot is a no-no, but thats a rubbish idea.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-16644146913190377242007-05-17T15:20:00.000-07:002007-05-17T15:27:58.274-07:00
Life is for the living....Money is just papare with mu,nber
Soooo, I'm headed down to San Diego for the summer starting at the end of May. I'm throwing all regard to the wind, and moving down there to chase a girl. In Los Angeles they are liking me as an umpire. I could coach baseball down here in my hometown. I could umpire all summer long. I can work here as a substitute teacher, and in San Diego I cannot. But the very thing that held me back as a player will propel me into life. I was fortunate to learn at the age of 21 that money isn't everything and no matter what the life insurance companies tell you or any governmental entity tells you, the value of a life cannot be measured with a dollar amount. That means I'm on the way towards my goal. This is America. I can make money doing nothing but things I want to. I've learned that anything in the universe is possible. Oh and last night I pimped out a balk call, and told a coach with a smile he couldn't argue balls and strikes. They like me in South El Monte. I like it cause it's hostile. I am the only dude with white skin in the whole complex. It's awesome.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-6315723831400833052007-05-13T22:03:00.000-07:002007-05-13T22:10:41.045-07:00
Saturday Baseball
I blew it for our squad. Woke up at 5 something in the morning to make the commute down to San Diego. Then arrived at the wrong field. Then looked like shit at the plate, and left runners in scoring position, struck out, and had shitty swings. My arm was done for in the field. We had 9 guys, and if we didn't have me in the field, I think our team wins. Then instead of playing sloshball, I promised Robert that I would work in Montclair. I couldn't get out of it. Worked 2 minors little league games at 40 bucks a pop. The highlight of this evening was 2 things. Warning the coaches that they couldn't argue balls and strikes with a nice grin on my face. The other was fre pizza at the entertainment place down the way. On a side note, my heart is not in Los Angeles. It exists in San Diego. Not only baseball stuff. A girl that I like. A land that I love. It's easy and comfortable down here, but the storm, the challenge is in San Diego. I seem to thrive on challenge, and when I'm not challenged, I'm comfortable living at home, substitute teaching, working minors baseball games. I'll be in San Diego by the end of the month.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-81807551086821829712007-05-12T06:09:00.000-07:002007-05-12T06:12:48.529-07:00
This is my weekend....and Thursday
Thursday worked 2 games behind the stick South El Monte 13-14 year olds. Called a few balks, added ball to the count for going to the mouth, then last night went to game at Arcadia high school for league championship. My alma mater lost it. Spoke with the umpires after the game with my mom, and they rememembered me, and basically told me they wanted me, and when I told them I went to umpire school, one dude knew who I was and had a disgusted look in his eye. Today I might work in Montclair or San Diego, or even play sloshball. Tomorrow I'm trying to get a 1 man adult game (90$) in the morning while my mom's at church. I'll be at church too. :)
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-75012581723948891462007-05-10T10:59:00.000-07:002007-05-10T11:08:28.346-07:00
I've become ingrained in South El Monte Little League
Help....Just kidding of course.I worked a 7-8 year old little league game without an indicator to improve my mental game. Highlights were giving a warning to the scorekeeper for arguing balls and strikes, only forgetting how many strikes there were once (3 walk limit per inning) and getting to the first base cutout on a ground ball to second, and grinning smugly at the fans. Yesterday I worked a Lil miss softball game. No walk rule. 5 pitches players pitch. next 3 coaches pitch. I got a few arguments considering balls and strikes and pitch counts between innings. THe game took forever. In 2 hours we only got only 4 innings played. It was super boring.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-57462927126567142012007-05-07T13:14:00.000-07:002007-05-07T13:22:40.282-07:00
Ooops, the previous post was brooding...Here are this weekends games
I feel good now that I've accomplished my only goal today. Passing out on the beach.Anyways, this weekend was really good baseball. I worked a little league game on Saturday morning. 1 hour 20 minutes, and there was a play where the first baseman got off the bag early, and the coaches were about to flip out, and I said, no he's on the bag, and that was the only incident. In our game, Allan Hebbert hit 4 homeruns and a double to the wall and had like 12 RBI's. He singlehandedly made the difference and won us the ball game against our former teammates. I got 2 hits, both RBI' singles with 2 outs. One was off a fastball the other way, the other a curveball right up the middle. I caught the entire game, and the umpire working the plate was some college baseball player and didn't know anything about umpiring. I pulled off a few tricks like scuffing up the baseball when he wasn't watching and I picked it up, and whenever there was a close pitch, I would emphatically exclaim to the hitter that they had a good eye to alter his pitch calling. Vintage Mickey :)In the games I worked, there was no trouble. I worked with Roberto at Bonita Vista, and worked on not applying mechanics on obvious calls. In the second game, we started it 15 minutes late, cause I passed out in my van between games. The guys were understanding on the field, because I'm the umpire and what I say goes. The game was a great game. It was up and down, up and down, with both teams getting clutch two out hits, to pull ahead or change the scores. It was decided on a 3-2 pitch with bases loaded, 0 outs, that was low. I balled it, and the winning run came in. Obviously the losing team was upset, but Roberto (who is a damn good umpire now that he has glasses, said, "this es beisbal, not golf.")
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-47365077648202352212007-05-07T04:40:00.000-07:002007-05-07T05:22:19.239-07:00
Atittude makes the difference....
Something I was thinking about is a human being is capable of destructing ones self by thoughts alone, and stress. Conversely wouldn't a human being be able to make one live longer by changing their thinking. Today I'm going to give myself a gift for a packed weekend. I'm going to hang out on the beach and sleep there today. Umpiring is a very stressful business. I've strive to eliminate this in my life outside of umpiring, but am having a difficult time. While living at home is nice, I'm having a hard time with the following things. 1. My mom flipping out on me all the times and asking questions.2. A friend of mine trying to convince me to go in with him on getting a half million dollar loan with a shady broker thereby convincing .3. My heart is in San Diego. 4. When will I get out of debt 5. Former flings asking me "can't we just be friends", telling me, "god, why do you have to be such a prick", and "you're sad"-while constantly being around, and trying to talk jive about me to my friends. Also, consciously speaking, the following things are always in the back of my head long term:1. I'm ugly, fat, and out of shape2. I need to start making money3. Why didn't I buy the 1,000 dollars of Apple stock in 2003? (Instead I bought crap)4. What is a nation? Why taxes? Why money? Humans are destroying our planet. Why can I do to rid myself of performance anxiety. What are all the reasons the actions took place, and why are these items here? The universe expands infinitely in all directions. How can we solve global warming. When am I going to get these websites up and running? Intergalactic Property Management and Sales...5. Are humans nothing more than us being a concoction of chemicals, and are our actions, nothing more than probabilities in fulfilling our bodies chemical needs? Words are merely electrical impulses. Animals aren't not intelligent. Us humans are very abstract. Short term: 1. Was that pitch a strike.2. Where is my positioning on this3. "fuck is that a balk", "that fucker went to his mouth on the mound". 4. "did that pitch miss in", "was it outside". 5. "catcher, don't be critizing my zone. Keep your glove down, and let me see the plate". 6. "that pitch was inside. We aren't here ot argue balls and strikes". Here is the weekend recap. 1. Saturday Morning-Free breakfast-(anonymous hotel)2. Umpire little league game3. Play baseball game at Hoover high. I caught and threw out my arm. (our manager Allan Hebbert had a day for the ages. He hit 4 homeruns!!!!!!)4. Watch fight with old roomates, and hit up bar.5. pass out in van.6. Wake up early to go to Chula Vista.7. Umpire 2 baseball games (no trouble)-Although the second game got started late, cause I passed out in my van8. Hit up the comedy store in La Jolla-Get drunk on sake, hit on old cougars, and attempt to secure a place for Katie for the first 2 weeks in June. 9. Passed out in my car-sad because I don't feel my interpersonal relations are good. 10. Wake up exhausted, in my van, at the Vons Parking lot. I've had a lot of nice accomplishments in baseball. I push myself very hard in the game. I like to emulate ideas and lifestyles. For example, the last few years I had the opportunity to be like Ted Williams and get a bunch of hits for a .400 batting average on the last day of the season. 2x I failed at it, each coming up one hit short. Well, the lfiestyle I'm living right now is what it's like to be a profesisonal baseball umpire. I'm traveling far away, and adventuring every weekend. My personal relationships are strained, and asking myself, "is this for me"? My mind right now is a myriad of electrical activity. Seth Niesen in umpire school put things in perspective. The answer is 42.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-72857228133842305062007-05-04T23:10:00.000-07:002007-05-04T23:16:32.751-07:00
This weekend's umpiring
I'll probably post back Sunday Night, or maybe Monday morning. I did a game at 7 15 pm in Alhambra, and tomorrow have a game at 10 am in El Cajon, and this weekend have a double header at Bonita Vista. I'm working 28a ball games and will have the Red Wings. Last week I worked this team and threw out their starting pitcher/manager for intentionally throwing at a guy. He says he "didn't mean to", so it will be interesting from the get go. I'm working the stick because my partner will want to do the AM game. Lol. Hostilities from the getgo. Also, WAVE vs. Rage at Hoover High this Saturday. Should be a good game. The backstory is the Wave consists of three Rage players that won the woodbat season the last 2 years in a row. Should be a great game. This summer I should get into college baseball. In the game tonight, I worked with a guy that I went to Pro School with and we nailed a timing play and it was nice to work with someone with great mechanics. I've been working with a lot of old guys.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-49286481326866218922007-05-03T17:26:00.000-07:002007-05-03T17:31:08.032-07:00
I umpired minors softball last night
I used it as an opportunity to work on different plate stances. I see why umpires want good games at higher levels. I was struggling to keep awake during this one, and a few of the times my mechanics were super bad. There was a kid in the stands and I gave him my indicator, and just remembered the count for all the hitters. Actually I have about 50 metal Wilson indicators. I think I'll give them to kids to keep them in the game or something. I could umpire today, but don't want to drive out to Montclair. It's 40 dollars a game, minus gasoline expenses and time efforts it amounts to like 7 dollars an hour for my time. That's a no no. Tomorrow I have an interview with some dude that saw my resume on Craigslist that was a former umpire and wants to give me a job as a nurse register. Sounds interesting.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-60265392333450798112007-05-01T21:14:00.000-07:002007-05-01T21:20:41.758-07:00
Tonights games at Montclair
Today was a fun day. I substitute taught at a low income middle school today and then covered for my friend for his assignments out in Montclair. I just didn't have anything out there today. First off, the game was postponed half an hour, and after I got done from teaching snot noses, I needed a nap and to clear my mind, and sure enough, a woman I used to be with way back in the day comes over and just starts harassing me and getting emotional and calling me names like "prick" and "asshole". Then I start umpiring, and wasn't sure to go with the straight forward because it was little league, or if I should have gone to the side. I thought about it, and the first few innings, was a little hesitant looking out there cause my biorythms were all messed up. Then I blow a foul ball call, where the runner hit a ball that hit the catcher's glove apparently and he didn't run, and the catcher picks up the ball and throws him out. Everyone in the crowd knew what happened, and I got the silent treatment from them. Then I blew another call where the ball hit the runner out of the box and then went foul before another fielder had a chance to field it. Then I could have got out early except I botched the mercy rule. The last 5 outs were done as a courtesy apparently.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-34070263327742428222007-04-30T23:50:00.000-07:002007-05-01T00:10:59.823-07:00
I had an ejection this weekend
I worked two games at Mar Vista with Peter Billings. I blew the game when I was catching and dropped a strike 3 pitch, that a few batters later, with two outs, a guy hit a homerun. All earned but unearned runs. The game should have been closer though. I had some poor at bats and thats because I've been umpiring so long, that I forgot that there was strategy to the game of baseball. I didn't have a good approach to the plate, and I was being blatant with my pitch calls. That's as a player. As an umpire I worked two games with Pete Billings on Sunday at Mar Vista. This field is near Mexico, so it was nice to Carpool with him. Carpooling is fun because you get to go over the calls during the game. The first game was an 18A affair, that went pretty smooth. Both teams told us we did a good job and we nailed all the banger plays. In the second game, in 28a things got a little interesting. There was a play with a runner on second and no outs, and the catcher comes up and gets the guy in a run down. He applies a hard swipe tag with the ball in his glove, and loses the ball. Faced at the prospect of losing an out, the thirdbaseman, pitcher, and catcher all got up in our business, and we didn't reverse the call. They were pretty steamed. The next batter was the opposing team's pitcher, and the first pitch after I put the ball in play was behind the batter. It was a Right handed pitcher, left handed batter. After the catcher retrieved the baseball, I called time and ejected the pitcher. Naturally he was upset and made his case, but it was bogus, and I threw him out. He was the number 3 hitter. This cost his team three outs. There is a right away to argue a call, and a wrong way to argue a call. When I played this weekend, I argued a call correctly, by walking out there to discuss the call. What I hate about the adult games is they don't understand it's the managers job, and there will be three of them all over you if it doesn't go their way. Other fun things we called this game. A balk call with the left handed pitcher going to a windup with runners on 1st and third and disengaging with a motion naturally associated with his pitching motion. And...I called time and then a strike on a ball that I thought a guy swung at and it hit his hands. After the game, the losing team asked me what my name was, and said good job. I told em it was Mike Nitzani. Baseball Umpire.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com2
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-4115465979650105922007-04-27T22:58:00.000-07:002007-04-27T23:05:28.244-07:00
Tonight at South El Monte
I was set to work a minors softball game, and at the last moment, they told me to work a youth game. The score was 10-0 and it was over in 5 innings, but after the game but sides liked the way I worked and the guy in charge invited me to work there again. I just might have to take them up on that offer. The team that won gave me pizza after the game. That was cool. The game was one man mechanics. The team that lost thanked me for the good job I did. Right from the getgo there was a play at second base and it was my only play so I saw it and got right at the cutout. Seeing plays develop was something they wanted me to work on in umpire school. There was another play at third that I was right on top of.In the second game, I was thinking to myself, aghh, I'm exhausted, but then the teams were ready and I was about ready to go a second game. Sure enough, the coach for one team starts flipping out, and he takes his team off the field. "It's not about him", he said. Riiighhht. Nonetheless, I got to go home early and I got paid. Oh, and it was delightful to work tonight because the catchers knew what they were doing. I mean, I was able to get in the slot and see the entire plate.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-74767135873704681182007-04-26T19:29:00.000-07:002007-04-26T19:34:20.913-07:00
Chino Sucked
I get there, and some dude insists that he has the pony field I should have been working. Then I go to another field, do the pregame, and two dudes insist they have that game. Then I go to the softball field, where they are all waiting patiently for a 5 30 pm game. I get there, go through the pregame, learn the rules, and get shit about my zone from the get go. I ring up 2 girls in the first inning, and the third base coach between innings talks with me about my zone. I say thanks for the input. That's a warning. The next inning, I tighten my zone up, which of course goes against this dudes team, and during the innning with bases loaded and nobody out the head coach comes to me during the inning, and we chat. I tell him that he has a warning with a calm demeanor and a smirk. Then the slotted umpire arrived, and he was late cause he had a high school game or something. I wanted out of there. I like baseball.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com2
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-35583833700893685502007-04-26T12:59:00.000-07:002007-04-26T13:02:00.319-07:00
Back to Chino.....
So, I'm back to Chino tonight. The last time I was there it wasn't joyous. I got a lot of grief and had to throw that kid out, and deal with the lame ass president from the other league in Chino Hills. Anyways, I'm off there again tonight. Tonight I'm going to work on my timing, and dicktitude. This means I aint going to take grief from anybody. Especially coaches. I'm going to keep rule 9.01 c in my backpocket for sure tonight.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-38874134720728560402007-04-24T19:16:00.000-07:002007-04-24T19:20:19.513-07:00
This is why the San Diego Adult Baseball League is joyous
I love this post by our commissioner in the league. He is bascially talking smack to players in his own division. http://sdabl.com/bullpen/viewtopic.php?t=3750552&sid=7341eb10b970af3aa471d06ee19382b6Bear in mind this is the commissioer. In our league there are 8 teams, and I know for sure three of them have their registration fees taken care of because they have commissioners on their squad. They use this as a ploy and gain leverage on getting the best players while our squad is paying customers. Reminds me of Rocky 4. I went into the bullpen making waves challenging this status quo. This is why I pay the exorbirant fees to play and umpire in this league. I'm glad I'm on the team I'm on. Good guys. We play baseball. We play baseball well.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-13426162913246027882007-04-22T18:35:00.000-07:002007-04-22T19:04:22.684-07:00
I worked two games at Mar Vista High School....
I came down yesterday and the baseball game I was playing in got cancelled. This was a little sad, but I didn't let it bring me down. I just hung out at UCSD the rest of the day and worked on my websites. The highlight of my weekend was seeing Katie briefly today and giving her a poster of the famous photograph "Pale Blue Dot" to celebrate Eearth Day. BTW, I'm super gonzo over her. Tomorrow is my birthday. I'm going to try and get a reunion of my father and mother, and their respective spouses. I want to eat sushi.Anyways, today, I worked at Mar Vista high School. The first game was in the 28a division. I don't mind working these older guys. They know the game, they play it right, and they understand the umpires purpose. In one instance this game I called a ball when the pitcher went to his mouth on the rubber in a tight situation and the player asked, I explained to him, and we were jolly afterwards. Now in the second game, an 18a affair it is a different story. Here is the situation...8th inning, bases loaded, Dirtbags pitching, 2 outs, 3-2 count. The runner on third takes off, and the pitcher steps off bringing his hands over his head in a way that looked like his natural pitching motion. I B.A.L.K. him, and hell breaks loose. He questions it, naturally, and I answer him. Then the first baseman and the catcher get in my grill. I wasn't going to get ganged up on, so I said, thats it. Thats' a balk. Lets go. If they would have had their manager approach me I would explained things to him calmly and rationally. Later on, I believe the next guy hit a double, and another guy dropped a fly ball. But I am the one to blame because they "would have gotten out of this inning". Mind that the guy that hit a double, was the batter that was upduring the balk. and all of a sudden these kids are playing in a tight ball game towards the end of the game. So, these guys are irked, and when they are up, the same pitcher starts yelling out "balk". I should have banged him then and there, but wasn't sure it was him yelling but instead I stopped the game, looked over to their dugout and told them to knock it off. Anyways, to end it, I didn't feel comfortable with my zone today. Some of the pitches I was seeing had high arks, with the catchers catching the balls palm up. Or they looked like strikes coming in, but the catcher would catch them and hit his glove on the ground. I didn't call anything they caught like this, and there were lots of pitches that could have been strikes, just caught improperly. I also am a big believer in a great catcher is someone you want to work behind. The other catcher had his glove up all near his eyes which blocked my view of the outside corner. These are my qualms and I have to work around them. If I want to become a professional umpire, I've got lots of work to do. 7 months until school starts.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-28474784341155830582007-04-21T00:14:00.000-07:002007-04-21T00:21:01.644-07:00
2 games this weekend
I'm umpiring 2 adult games this weekend in San Diego. It's been a slow week. The most umpiring I did this week was at Foothills Middle School supervising coed 6th grade softball. On Wednesday, I was supposed to go to Griffith Park observatory with an old high school friend, but they changed their policies on admission. It's always been free to get in, except the only way to get in is to pay for and reserve and 8 dollar shuttle. I was a little sad about this so we went bowling instead. We had bumpers and I bowled the highest game of my life. I realized this wasn't kosher and I bowled the rest of the way left handed. On Thursday I took the train to Petco, and absolutely gorged on ball park fare with my buddy Milk. We then got plastered at Pizza Port. I watched the umpires work and observed the big league mechanics and mindset. I'm going to apply that in the adult games. Lets see what happens....
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-79636206214382082122007-04-15T19:29:00.000-07:002007-04-15T19:36:10.897-07:00
It's been a long weekend
And I'm leaving San Diego now. Was drinking until about 2 30 last night. Woke up at 5 30 am to get ready for games in Poway today. Worked 2 plates, 1 bases (13 innings). Didn't get too much grief. My partner suggested that I was a little wide with my zone working the stick. Theres' a chart somewhere with the American League strike zone. This was me today apparently. He admits that he has a shoebox for a zone. The last game was a 10 inning nailbiter. Over the course of the game, the winning team hits a grandslam with 2 outs, to take a 4 run lead, then the other team ties it up in the bottom part of the inning, then the other team comes back and ekes out a run. It was a real wild game. Ended up going 3 hours. Both my partner and I in this game made some nice calls, and there was a great crowd that was appreciative of the good work we did out there. I wanted to go to Yoga class today but couldn't due to this game being so freaking long. I remember telling that to a few of the coaches during pre game, and they gave me some good natured brief. It was a refreshing change from the SDABL.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-32705074226453845142007-04-14T18:15:00.000-07:002007-04-14T18:18:03.471-07:00
I'm still a wreck right now
We won our game today in extra innings, and I knocked in a run, and ended up catching when our starting catcher called the umpire crazy in a bizarre play where the base umpire thought we were throwing at the home plate guy. I run around all the time, never facing any music, and I look back on my accomplishments over the last year, and see nothing. I'm almost 25 years old, and I've pushed away anybody who was ever close to me. I'm almost three thousand dollars in debt and my websites/investments/choices in life have all been piss poor.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com2
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-83105730119227937622007-04-13T20:20:00.000-07:002007-04-13T20:23:53.669-07:00
I'm a wreck right now....
Why...because I've got baseball games tomorrow that I may or may not umpire at 8 am in Poway and a baseball game. I'm also expected to play in a game Saturday afternoon, and I'll be heading to a BBQ afterwards. On Sunday I'll be umpiring 3 games including a championship game in a youth tournament. The thing that has been eating me up all week is last week I overexerted myself and was too tired to do anything. I remember crashing in my car on the way back home on Easter utterly exhausted. I hope that this week, I will have something left in my tank.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-82935141190401620112007-04-12T21:51:00.000-07:002007-04-12T22:56:41.821-07:00
I've got 6 minutes to post this blog...so there'll be a little bit of time traveling...
Once again I worked Montclair little league. I worked good and efficient and the game was over in an hour and 7 minutes. The things that held the game up were the catchers with their equipment. There were no bad calls and I didn't get any grief. I just worked well, and stayed on top of things. It was a low scoring affair. I also worked today as a third grade teacher. That was fun. Tomorrow I'll be teaching woodshop to a bunch of 7th graders. Back in the day when I went to school I was on the executive path, because I wasn't allowed to use the machines cause I was so gangly and clumsy, and I had lunch in the principals office every day because I was erratic with my behavor. Now I'll be responsible that these kids don't get hurt. Seriously, I'm not allowed to handle machines. All this for 95 dollars take home. The reasons umpires are fat are because of the free food and the fact squatting messes up your knees. By the end of the game you are mentally exhausted. I'm going to lobby to pitch this weekend so I'm going to go on a jog right now. Back in the day it was impossible to jog in Arcadia because of the smog. I gotta keep up and get in good shape. I want to pitch on Saturday. I haven't done yoga since last Saturday. I'm completely gonzo over a girl. To pursue her, I have let down two different cougars to chase her. This is a no no on the pimp meter, but I don't want to be a pimp. Thats why I'm going for a jog tonight.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-65370127554833093372007-04-11T22:42:00.000-07:002007-04-11T22:52:01.198-07:00
I umpired Montrose Little League tonight
The Score of the game was 9-4 White Sox. I've made amends with the president and he is actually a pretty good manager of his squad. No trouble from him. At the beginning of the game, I told him he was in for a treat. Anyways, I looked at my indicator less than 10 times tonight which was a plus. Mostly to set the wheels correctly. I also called an obstruction and had this interaction wit h the fans. Me:Thats obstruction(players advance past the base awarded)Fan: what about the obsturctionMe: nullifiedFan: Crappy umpireOn another play at the plate, some fans questioned my judgment. I told them to get the camera out and put it up on youtube. The call was correct. And in another instance, a coach came out to argue balls and strikes with me. I didn't warm him cause it was little league, and he tried to do the motion about framing, and I told him all cool that in little league it's where the ball goes through the hitting zone. In professional rules, you look at the catcher's glove because you'll get smack if you call it other than what the catcher makes it look like. Lastly, I love how I know the rules now and the coaches on the ball field are super serious, and I think to myself these people are too serious. There's further proof on the SDABL bullpen of how serious these people are. In professional baseball, one rules intrpretation you get messed up and you're done. Thats serious.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-21640572040437612122007-04-10T22:17:00.000-07:002007-04-10T22:18:57.643-07:00
Politics in umpiring
Earlier I alluded to politics in umpiring, and lets just say that there are. This is the part of things that really sucks. For example, yesterday I drove all the way out to Los Angeles Harbor, because my supposeded partner wanted to earn an extra 7 dollars. Varsity games pay 70 for one man mechanics, and 63 for 2 man. At the meeting afterward I had to endure a lot of political mudslinging. This really sucked.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-29534321334156940662007-04-08T13:23:00.000-07:002007-04-08T13:37:54.676-07:00
No umpiring this weekend
We lost our game 7-6 in 10 innings. We had bases loaded with 0 outs twice and couldn't get a good hit. We struck out too many times. I caught, and was slinging the ball pretty good. Nevertheless this weekend was pretty adventurous.Highlights of the last 24 hours in chronological order, I ate Dim Sum, went to Yoga class, got kicked out of a party upon arrival, broke a woman's heart, went to downtown to drink and dance, discussed the cosmos, fell in love with a girl, and snuck out her window at 6 am to the amusement of her fogie neighbors.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-45515129335888221582007-04-06T12:19:00.000-07:002007-04-06T18:31:44.001-07:00
Two wild ones last night
So yesterday right before I go to my games in Chino hills I get a letter from the Wendelstedt school inviting me back suggesting that I can have the opportunity to become a professional umpire because they liked what I could do, and my attitude, but I didnt do anything to stand out in the class. I know exactly the thingS I could have done to do well and maybe I will go back. But then again baseball is a business and I was thinking of sending them a letter saying that from a business standpoint it might be best to give me a discount because I learned already from the best, and maybe I would have a better chance to go to PBUC out of the other place. Just a thought, but I like keeping my loyalties. Anyways, I did 2 pony games last night at Chino Hills. In the first game there were all sorts of people on the field giving me gripes over judgment calls. None of these people were dressed in uniforms including a slob in a USC shirt. After a while, around the second inning I held up the game and told all the coaches I wanted them in the dugouts when they were on defense. So the coach says thats not how they do it and he calls up the league president and calls time to get a cell phone out. I told him I wasnt going to talk on the cell phone while the game was happening. Then the league president comes out, and tells me thats how they do it and that its ok. I tell him thats showing me up, and I would rather not he do that. Sure enough though, he tells them its ok which completely shows me up. I should have told him that Im leaving, and that I'll just go home and he should find someone for the second game. But its not about me. Its about the players, and I'm out there in a teaching capacity. The game proceeded, and I thought about throwing the balls afterwards into the outfield, to have the coaches retrive them but I just rolled them on to each side. There were three pony rules broken. 1. Coaches must be in the dugouts at all times. 2. Coaches must be in Uniform3. There is to be no cell phone use on the field. So I get messed up while trying to uphold the rules of the game. The second game was pretty wild too. At the start of the game the scorekeeper introduces herself to me very nicely. On a tangent, if guys like to know each others names to pacify situations, I think women like to know the other persons names so they can escalate the situation. Anyways, this kid behind the plate has horrible mechanics and is trying to be a monkey behind the plate picking guys off bases every single pitch. While the pitch is coming in, he's standing up and I do my best to make the proper calls. At one point the kid looks at me, and I tell him not to look at me. This is something the umpire said when I was a kid playing baseball. His mom heard my comment and she starts getting hectic, and I tell her thats what we do at the higher levels of baseball and she says all the umpires talk to him and are friendly with him. When I umpire I try to take a professional attitude with me everytime Im on the field. In youth ball my priorities are the players and getting them developed so they can play higher levels of baseball. Anyways things got interesting towards the end. In one play a team that was up 9 runs sends their runner and he gets hurt by the ball. I thought to myself, serves him right for stealing at this moment. The kid that started off behind the plate went to the mound, and it just dawned on me today that I struck him out on three pitches looking. Anyways, he throws a pitch that that the catcher completely misses and it hits my elbow. I'm still in pain from this one, and right after I get hit, the coaches showing no concern ask me the count!!! It was 3-2 but not a priority of mine. Then the kid calls time and when time is released they try the hidden ball trick. The pitcher is on the mound, I put the ball in play, and realize he doesnt have the ball. I call a balk, and I got some crap. I told the coach (his dad) that it was a judgment call and thats how its going to be because I wanted the game to end. Then the kid makes a pitch naturally associated with his pitching motion while on the rubber so I called a balk on him, and he goes apeshit, and his father is telling him to go after the umpire and the kid throws down his glove, and starts coming after me. Thankfully someone grabbed the kid, or I would have gotten my ass kicked ala fight club style just so I could make national headlines. I have a friend and an associate that pulled stunts that earned national headlines so I would have done things Ghandi style and not fought back to get my time in the limelight. Anyways, I throw this kid out, and then his mom comes out on the field, and she asks me my age and if I had kids of my own, and I told her probably. She called me "pathetic", I threw her out of the ball game and proceeded to mess up a coaches interference play that happened in the area where I tried to break up the Sunday Picnic in the first game. But then again, I learned in the first game that the rules of pony baseball were strictly judgment. These games paid me 50 dollars a piece.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-82876560229397812542007-04-04T22:47:00.000-07:002007-04-05T00:08:10.488-07:00
Aprils Fools and Girls Softball
The previous posts where April Fools jokes. For sure I got two people with them. I ended up playing baseball in Pasadena that Sunday instead. When I was at the field, I didnt have a belt so I borrowed a stretchy thing that pitchers use for their arms. I originally was using long blades of grass to tie my pants up. Here is a short clip of me getting a knock. My swing looks good. Now that I am qualified as an umpire, getting games is like competing n a free market economy where supply and demand go in harmony with one another. Let me explain. There are a lot of politics in umpiring. This is because at the lower levels there are a lot more umpires qualified than jobs available. At the higher levels, there are not so many politics, however there are some. There have been a few occasions this year where I've worked with others and they asked me to keep things quiet, or not to answer phone calls, or go out to far away places. I understand what they are trying to do, but to me, this sort of stuff is like trying to make a living picking up cans. This is done at the lower levels. Anyways, tonight I was slotted to work at Montclair, but then at the last minute was informed that I would be in south El Monte little league. When I went there, I realized that I was not going to be working a little league game, but rather a girls softball game. At the field, Once again I forgot important stuff like ball bags, indicator, and a brush. I got the feeling that I forgot something, and when I get this I should go with it. I ended up getting a paint brush on the way to the field, and putting the ball in my pocket. During the game, I missed a balk when the ball went backwards with a runner on. I sold it as nothing. Earlier in the game I had a whacker down the line. There were two bases, and the lines were crooked. The ball goes over the base that the runner touches, which divides the foul line. In baseball, the bases are in fair territory, and the line goes to the side of it. The line divided this base. I sold the call. Like working South Gate, I sold the call, and I was the only caucasian looking person in the park. It's a lot different from San Diego.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-67687055849388845472007-04-04T23:04:00.000-07:002007-04-04T23:50:45.514-07:00yes
A collection of my finer moments playing the game
I've always had major league ability but upstairs I've been suspect. I never liked being exploited, and I thought that would have happened to me if I was a player. As an umpire, it's cool cause you get to be kind of crazy yet still wear a mask. There was a thread on the SDABL forum about your finest jack... T-ball-Going to big 5 and insisting that I get a glove that went on my right hand. My mom told me I needed it go on my left hand. Ever since I realized what happened, I have not listened to her since. Little League-Leading off a game and hitting a ball off the centerfield fence for what could have been my only little league homerun. High School BaseballFrosh-Closing out a game in relief against crosstown rival and the actual town I lived in Temple CitySophmore-Being on the bubble and barely making the squad to the point where I earned the top hitter award with a .475 average. Junior-Earning a gold gang shirt early in the season with a nice catch in the outfield, an assist in the field, and a timely two out knock.Senior--Going 4-4 with two homeruns and earning a month of free hitting at the batting cage in a winter ball game and barely making the team on the bubble. HS baseball-Finishing as a first team all leaguer, 2nd team all valley, and cleanup hitter on the number 1 ranked team in Southern California after barely making the team over my buddy who was bigger and stronger. Arcadia Astros-It has always been a pleasure playing for Doug Mcmasters. To this day I still donate whatever I can to this program. Citus College- Hitting over .400 as a pinch hitter. In one game we were getting smoked by RCC and their pitcher was throwing a no hitter, and I came in with 1 one out, runner on second, and swung through a fastball, but then knocked a curveball off his foot, ricocheting to the second baseman, sliding head first into first base to break up the nono and not striking out. We ended up losing the game 17-0 and the pitcher that day got drafted in the first round, and had 17 strikeouts. Sophmore year-Recovering to make the squad after being nailed in the face by a fastball the previous year. I ended up only hitting .167 in 18 at bats, but was inserted into leftfield in a tie game at Bakersfield JC and the bases loaded with two outs, and the guy hits a ball over my head. I get on my horse, and make a spectacular running catch into the ivy covered wall for bonus baseball. 2003-I tried out at UCSD as a hitter, pitcher, and ended up making the squadron as a student assistant coach. But I ended up not doing this. I threw a lot of batting practice, but ultimately ended up hurting my arm. That summer I went to UCLA, and ended up joining adult ball playing for my friend who is a scout for the Cincinatti Reds. I ended up getting a hit in 14-15 games or something and did real well. I played out at Pierce College with a guy named Jerry Owens who was a fine player. 2nd Round draft pick. 2004-I still played adult ball, but then I joined onto the SDABL in the Fall. This year I ended up going on a hitting terror. I had two 5-5 games and two 4-4 games and dazzled at UCSD with my hitting prowess. But I was cut in October, and this was probably because of my affiliation with the controversial student humor newspaper at UCSD called The Koala. In one of my party reviews at the beginning of the season, I said, "I got cut from the team today. Fuck you coach. -1 star". Anyways, I remember one of the 5-5 games was against the Wave, which is the team I play for now. They only had 8 players, and they stuck me in the 9 hole in a game at Hoover High School, and I went 5-5 with three identical peas up the middle, a triple to right, and a homerun on a 3-0 count. We ended up losing by 1, but my being there made a huge impact. Later that fall, we played the Wave in the playoffs at Barona, and the team I played on called The Rage ended up winning. That night, Emiliano met his future wife, and I returned to a burning man decompression in Valley Center and ended up getting into a while bunch of trouble for it. The next year I showed up to all the games hungover. We had moved up a division, and it took me a while to get back in the swing of things. I ended up doing well the last half of the season, and our team took the regular season in Sat 18AAA. We ended up "losing" by 1 in a playoff game where we kept the book and got things wrong. That summer we played in a woodbat league, and led in every inning of every game until the last inning. I did well in hitting. Not super great. We'd had won a championship if I played right in the last game. The next year my contract was traded to the Wave in the Spring. In the Fall, I was the only returning Rage member, and that team was an abortion. I showed up hung over at the beginning of the season and was pretty fiery. We lost a lot of games that season. In the Spring we did poorly to. We went something like 5-12. I didn't really keep count. During the last game, I refused to shake the guys hand that was talking smack the whole game on the White Storm. They ended up winning it all that year, and we played them tough. I ended up becoming the manager of the squad for the next year. During this year we went 0-2 to start off the season. Then we won our first game, and dropped the next five to start off 1-7. I kept telling everyone our stock was rising, and sure enough we won the last three games of the year in dramatic fashion. In one game, we were up, and then we were down, and then scored 5 runs in the top of the ninth to take it against the Pirates. There was a game that my mom came down on my birthday for. We were down 5 runs, and ended up pulling it off. I hit a homerun and trailing by 1 in the last inning, we pulled it off with two outs. In the last game of the season we had 8 guys show up, we were down by 10 at one point, and I tied up the game with a homerun, and hit another homerun to take the lead. We finished up my first season as manager 4-7. The next year we started strong out of the gate. I started off the season strong going 6-6 in the first game with three homeruns. We went 4-0 and in our fifth game, we crushed the Knights 17-5 but they played the forfeit card on us because we used "inelgible players". They said we were cheating, but as of now, we are solid in 18AAA and they are toiling away still in 18AA. This harmed our flow, and we missed out on the playoffs by half a game. We ended up going 10-7 this season but we did defeat the team that ended up winning it all this season. I hit a homerun in this game. We ended up playing woodbat and winning epicly in the final game of the season after being down by three in the championship game in the last inning, with 2 outs. I snuck out to the car and busted out some champagne. In my third season as manager we got smoked. We won 2 games, 1 on forfeit, and the other we defeated the other team that got sent down. We actually stayed in 18AAA. In the woodbat league, I led the league in hitting, and even played against my team in the one of the games they lost. The other game they lost , I was in Los Angeles. This season the highlight of my season so far was not being there and having the team that myself and Allan assembled over the last few years earn a victory over the Red Storm.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-78285899645751114092007-04-01T14:19:00.000-07:002007-04-01T14:24:35.114-07:00
Today was a bad day working the stick
I just couldn't cut it out there today. My partner called up Doug Roach, and Doug sent me home between games. The game was a blowout, and I god a bunch of trouble from both teams. I thought I was doing good, but the only thing I could do well was the balls and strikes. Everytime a pitch would come in, I would hear a sound, and the strike zone at the beginning of the game I could actually see a beautiful colored box. The lights would change if the pitch was a strike in a really neat fashion. As the game got longer, the zone got bigger. I was calling everything a strike, and my partner Darrell comes up to me and says, "that pitch was at least three feet outside". I also had to throw out the manager of the red team today because he got all irate after I kept calling him a little bunny. I remember tellinkg him I wouldn't agknowledge him unless he admitted he was a little bunny. I saw the devil in the stands, and today's game seemed like it took hours. EGHHH.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-14352449448788050092007-04-01T06:35:00.000-07:002007-04-01T06:38:38.354-07:00
I'm all messed up now and I got my first game in three hours!
I haven't been to sleep yet after Emiliano's wedding. I'll have pictures soon. I stopped drinking at 4 am, and I just took two hits of acid. Holy cow. What is my problem? I'm umpiring two games in the SDABL today.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-47450296863101212162007-03-30T01:07:00.000-07:002007-03-30T01:24:18.856-07:00
2 baseball games and 406.03 dollars later
At 2 30 I worked a South East Academy game vs. Los Angeles Jordan varsity game on the bases. This was an interesting affair as both teams were 0-5 going into the contest. We worked three man mechanics for a while, because of a scheduling error, but then the dude on third was like "eh" and he chilled in the stands. I nailed a play where the ball got by the left fielder-I ran in, did my pivot, watched the touches, and got into the cutout (or at least where the cutout should have been on an all dirt infield) and banged the guy out at third base. I missed adding a ball to the count when the pitcher with the bases full and a 3-2 count went to his mouth while he was looking away from the home plate guy real briefly. I didn't say anyting, and he ended up walking the guy anyways. The game ended up abruptly when a visiting hitter got nailed in the back of the head with the home team down 7 runs in the top of the sixth. Everyone wanted to go home, but this kid just laid there, and liabilities and insurance regulations, we didn't do anything as umpires. My partner convinced the game to be called. 59 dollars. Then at 4 46 I left South Gate for Montclair and arrived right at 6 30 for a youth game. The baseball gods got me because of my negative attitude recently, and the 40 year old kid that usually does minors games, took the majors. I reluctantly did the minors games, because I wanted to work on not looking at my indicator, and concentration. I also wanted to try out some new plate stances. The cliche is that neccessity is the mother of invention and as I got there, and the catcher couldn't catch the ball, I realized I didn't have shin guards on. So I worked the first 2 innings without shin guards working on my scissors stance because the catcher was using me as a back stop. I looked like a man fighting bees out there, and finally went to my car. I called a catchers interference in this game, and went the whole affair without a play at first base. Egghh. In the top of the last inning, the visiting team scored 4 to go up 1, and in the bottom, after dealing with dinkers the whole, game, with the score tied, some kid hits a homerun. I was glad cause it got me out of there. 40 dollars. Oh, and I substitute taught today-105 dollars, donated sperm, 100 dollars, filled out a report for my state "volunteer job" 102 dollars, and made .03 cents on my adult themed website. Stupid arbitrary expenses that cut down on my total margins. Cost me 2 dollars to insure my vw today, and at least 20 dollars in gasoline. Actually, I'm just kidding about this stuff. I just umpired baseball today. However this is where I should be at this time in my life.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-958143634926357602007-03-28T21:39:00.000-07:002007-03-29T13:07:22.293-07:00
The Montrose Little League President has some Splaining to do
Anyways this is what happened during tonights game at Montrose. One team had 12 players, the other 8 players, and the coach with 8 players didn't want to play because of pitch counts or something, and the coach on the team with 12 players was the league president, and didn't want to lend the other team his player because what would have happened if he lost. It was supposedly against little league rules. He gladly accepted the forfeit victory. As I walked off the field, I congratulated the children sarcastically for allowing this to happen. The question should be what would have happened if they played. I tried in vein for 25 minutes to get the game in because it wasn't about the butt-head coaches, and it wasn't about parents. It was about the players and this angered me because they all let their big egos get in the way. I didn't care about getting paid. I would write a nice letter to the little league office in Pennsylvania, but the truth is they are a fucked up organization. The amount of money they make off the kids during the world series, and the fact their rules cost money, and create an arbitrary proprietary way of playing baseball is rubbish. I wanted to put their rules on my umpire organizations website just so I can land a lawsuit and free publicity. I would fight it, just because. Actually, MLB professional rules are free and online. By posting this on my umpire organizations website, it would create an avenue for not only our umpires, but umpires throughout the world to learn the rules and get better. Little league is about the kids and not about douchebag bureacrats. (i.e. Chris Mcneese). I've decided that I am going to mail their local paper with information about this incident. Everything I learned in umpire school has been supplementary. I've rid myself of their plate stance, and out mechanics, even safe mechanics. I got what I wanted out of it, and developed my own unique style. Everytime I go to a game or watch another umpire, I pick up something new.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-35870680319618975622007-03-28T21:31:00.000-07:002007-03-28T21:39:15.090-07:00
How to put on an umpire mask
I did this video a while back because I want to show aspiring umpires how to put on a mask "properly". I hope that it helps at least one person out there.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-39915452596633297972007-03-27T08:50:00.000-07:002007-03-27T08:53:11.093-07:00
Here are the guys from our school that made it out of PBUC
Thats Professional Baseball Umpires Corporation. There were 15 slots right away, and 5 from our school made it. Brent Rice, Jordan FarrellChris Ghram Joey AmmarallGreg StanzakAll these guys were pretty quiet dudes off the field. They weren't loud mouths, or showboaters of attention. Chris and Jordan were like best friends off the field because they were always hanging out. If you want to make it in umpire school, or in professional baseball, be low key like these gentlemen, yet always look sharp. This will get you noticed.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-83458694653029058212007-03-27T08:39:00.000-07:002007-03-27T08:49:57.239-07:00
Monday's Umpiring
I base umpired Wilson vs. Belmont varsity game on the bases yesterday. My calls were crisp, and I awarded a base on an overthrow from the pitcher. One base time of pitch. I think an art that I learned is that when I am working with non umpire schooled guys, I don't say anything to them about their work. At first I wanted to be a know it all, but now I'm cool and I commend them on things they do well and I like. If they like what I do, then they can pick it up and vice versa. The game wasn't too bad. 6-1 Wilson. We had our meeting afterwards. If you are in umpiring for the money you are retarded. THIs is how my day looked. Left the house at 1 30 in the afternoon, got to the field at 2 30. Earned 59 dollar check-4 dollar assignor fees. Went to a meeting, 60 dollars association dues, you have to work 2 games for free for the association, and I finally got in last night at 9 45. Which meant I made like -10 dollars an hour after taxes, insurance, and fees. But it's like a fraternity of competent people.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-28806161620495669672007-03-27T08:38:00.003-07:002007-03-27T08:38:55.138-07:00yes
Yesterday
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-86367232718720142622007-03-27T08:38:00.001-07:002007-03-27T08:38:54.885-07:00yes
Yesterday
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-77672960059118738292007-03-27T08:29:00.000-07:002007-03-27T08:38:41.810-07:00
Last Sunday's Umpiring
We won our game on Saturday. I got 3 hits. Did some filmwork for Bryan Barton and met up with my host for the evening Amber. I finally got to rest around 2 am and woke up around 5 30. I took the bus from Hillcrest to El Cajon High School and got there around 8 30 in the morning for a 9 30 am game. Surprisingly I was the only there. AT 8 45 I call up Doug Roach saying nobody was there, and at 8 47 the first players trickle in. The game was a 10-6 affair with a few close calls, and the teams were good. I didn't get too much trouble from them. Probably cause they didn't know the rules. My partner this game suggested I blew a call. (pulled foot)...but I learned how to sell a call in school. In the next game I did the plate for a 38AA game between the Reds and the Yankees. It was a pleasure working with those guys because these guys really know the game. They arrive early, they do all the little things right. They play, and they don't give you too much shit. They do move a little slower, but it's fun baseball. For a few hours I am the old man, and these guys have regained their youth. So after the game ended at 4 45, I got a ride to the El Cajon transit center, to old town San Diego, to the Amtrak, to Union Station, then took a bus to the EL Monte Transit Center, which I almost got into a fight on, and then rode my bike and all my gear 3 miles home. I finally got to rest around 10pm.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-22172199092710260892007-03-23T22:28:00.000-07:002007-03-23T22:29:53.488-07:00
Which of these statements should have merit?
Our species is ruining our planet. I am son of God. The world is flat.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-56164535056734631612007-03-23T12:10:00.000-07:002007-03-23T12:16:09.660-07:00
Last nights game
I missed a few rotations working the varsity game at Southgate last night under the lights. I'm a little upset about this. I'm also unsure if I should call pitches strikes or balls when the catcher drops them. I had about 6 dropped pitches. I called them about half and half. I think 5 of them could have been strikes. It's my styles, and thats how I grew up playing the game. At one point the head coach comes to argue balls and strikes, and my partner this evening said that with my mask on I look tough, and withit off, I've got a smirk. Nevertheless, I warned the guy with a smug grin. This is how it goes down. Me:TimeManager: Those pitches are out...Me: We're not going to argue balls and strikes. You've been warned. Manager: ADJQ! @!$#@ Me: Go back to your position.I should have told him he had two options. One was if he continued he could go home, and if he stopped he could go back to third. Here is a video I did a while back. There was a long whiny thread in the bullpen on the SDABL page and this dude was like, surprising to see an umpire think he's god, and I was like, I am God. This is me in this video.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-30270752654612980342007-03-22T09:42:00.000-07:002007-03-22T09:54:24.718-07:00
I just got back from time traveling to 1992!
So, I am giving up my automobiles at midnight tonight. I'm going to use the extra 60 days of not working and I'm thinking of restoring my 78 volkswagen bus. I'm also thinking of really learning about gardening. In fact, I'm going to change my myspace profile to add gardening as a hobby!!!About a year ago, I signed up for a free pack of cigarettes at a bar. I gave it to the girl that I knew was beautiful on the outside, but kinda snarly on the inside. Anyways, at the local cigarette store, I trade these coupons for cool shit like packages of LEAF 92 baseball cards. I rode my bike there cause I'm not driving anymore, and gave them the coupon and they gave me a package of baseball cards. Also, I made 95 cents already this morning on my poorly constructed "erotic" website. With the money I made today, all I need is another dollar to pay off my insurance. Since a lot about umpiring is answering the question, Here is the answer. These cards are from the 91 season Tom Gordon, RHP RoyalsGary Redus OF, 1b, PirtatesBryan Smith RHP, CardinalsSid Bream 1b, BravesTim Naehring, SS, Red SoxAlvin Davis, 1b, AngelsSteve WIlson, LHP, DodgersDoug Dascenzo, CF, CubsDon Mattingly, 1b, YankeesFelix Jose, RF, CardinalsDave Howard, ss, RoyalsMike Gallego, 2b/ss, YankeesBill Doran, 2b, RedsGregg Olson, C, Braves,Frank Viola, Pitcher, Red SoxI've got a Varsity game over in southgate or something. Trouble is brewing because nobody knows whether the game is at three or 5 30 now. Holy smokes batman.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-43628532897710980532007-03-21T22:05:00.001-07:002007-03-21T22:07:01.522-07:00
Sir. You're trespassing...
You need to leave.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com6
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-7416910643840129242007-03-21T21:37:00.000-07:002007-03-21T21:58:10.616-07:00
Tuesday and Today
On Tuesday I did a Varsity game at University High School in Westwood against Fairfax. Around the 4th inning, my partner ejected a fan who was just berzerk. There was a bench on the field that I didn't see, and this guy points it out to me. I thank him and tell the home team. In the meantime he starts trying to get under my skin, telling me I'm a rookie, and some kid is going to get hurt and saying, I'm just trying to do my job. BLA BLA BLA. I say thats enough and ignore him. My partner Robert James who I went to umpire school with says, "you've got to go." And he held up the game for this guy. I just hated the fact that this dude was trying to talk with me with an agenda for confrontation. I could smell this a mile away. This is annoying. It held up the game and was trouble that was unnecessary. Even in the big leagues they have benches and bullpens on the fields. Ever been to Wrigley or the old Padre stadium. Qualcomm or something. Game ended in a rout. Today I went to a meeting for the San Gabriel youth umpires. First off, I hate the fact that all these old guys that have umpired for years look at me as a young buck, and try to tell me how to do things. Then of course they tell me the wrong method. Well not actually wrong, but an incorrect method. Tonights course of umpire politiciation came when I was at this meeting with 2 fogies, 4 bucks, and a rookie little leaguer. These guys got upset at the fact I told them I wouldn't mind getting sued by Little League for posting the rules on www.sdbua.org and that I'm a little crazy. They also said it was a four year waiting period in their organization to work varsity baseball games. I said whatever. I told them I was looking to do games in my area, and that I didn't have a car because I wanted to help stop global warming. These people looked at me like I was crazy and said that in the SGVUA umpires do things their way. Maybe I guess flinching, and ball beating runner meaning runners are out without tag meant "their way". Then they insulted my Hawaiian shirt. I told them I was interested in working 30 dollar pony games, and little league games near my house. I'm not interested in playing politics. I've also made things a little more difficult for myself by abandoning my efforts to drive. I cancelled my insurance today. I did not want to work 60 days out of the year just for the privlege of driving. I would rather spend that money on taxis' and saving it up so I can get buff, and focus on my acting, reading, and writing skills. Oh and bizarre internet fetish websites that will gain lots of revenue. Lastly I got a call from Katie tonight. I bought her a 10 day pass to yoga. She told me she wasn't sure if she was going to use it. I hope she does. I think she will like it. Yoga is hot.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-77746137780133469592007-03-20T10:24:00.000-07:002007-03-20T10:48:16.281-07:00
Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday
Every day I go out on the ball field I learn something new as an umpire. Here is what went on the last three days. Sunday I did a one man game in the adult leagues. I did pretty good. My strike zone was good sized and I made a few nice calls on the bases. On one of them a player was stealing. I called the pitch, got into position, and had good timing, because when he stepped on the bag, I punched him out. On another play a throw beat the runner to third base, but the runner made a nice avoidance of the tag. I called him safe. I knew I was right when only the pitcher was complaining, and not the third baseman. And I pimped out a foul ball that hit a batter in the batters box. What I am not so proud about is I rang up some big dude on strikes. The guy drew a line. He was full of shit, because he was so far off the plate. After the game he told me he wasn't expecting me to give the pitcher both sides of the plate....Anyways, after he did this, I told him to walk away in an aggressive tone. The next inning, I rang up another dude on strikes, and he did the same thing on me. Because I didn't throw him out immediately, this was now deemed permissable. After this strikeout, I immediately went to both players and went apeshit on them. I told them don't ever do this to an umpire again. After the game, both teams commended me on my good work. I hear a lot of things about keeping a player/manager in the game and how that is good umpiring. I'm still grasping things and I just figured out why you can't get a straight answer from any good umpire on what happens if there is a tie at the base. Anyways, I don't mind tossing people, except it requires paperwork, and that is a pain in the butt. In the second game on Sunday I nailed a few calls. One of the calls was a pitched ball going into the dugout. I called time, awarded runners the bases. It was cool. The manager asked me what was up and in a calm tone I told him, and answered his question why the runner on first was only awarded second base. Anyways, this manager was a riot act over the course of the game. He ended up cussing out one of his players who hit him with a groundball during between inning warmups, and he ended up questioning my judgment immediately on a banger at first base to end his teams rally. Then he tried to go to my partner. Fortunately my partner had his act together and told him to walk away. Then, and this is where it gets good. This guy goes into the game, gives up a bunch of runs, and is cussing and mad all over. When the game ends, which it ends on him striking out on a dropped third strike, he is out by a hair at first. He immediately goes berzerk, and gets the crowd all riled up. He then told me I was the worst umpire in the world, and he wanted my name and number. I handed him an old business card. If this dude gets all crazy, he's going to visit some sap that lives at my old address. On Monday I went to a meeting for the LA Unit. I'm not too sure if people know that I'm Harry Wendelstedt School educatated, but some of these guys look at you and get all into it. My thing is I just like to umpire baseball. I'm not interested in the politics or bullshitting. I commute all over southern California. I try to take a professional approach about me. Anyways, these guys come across as pompous by the way they talk to some of the guys. I don't respond ever to someone that treats me in this sort of fashion. Law 34 of the 48 laws of power. Act like a King. Demand to be treated like one. Although, I've always liked to refer to myself as an Ace.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-33868229287118657682007-03-17T18:59:00.000-07:002007-03-17T19:16:59.592-07:00
some jive
We lost our baseball game today. Not to say that we weren't up or anything. We were up until the last inning. With 2 outs, they scored the tying and winning runs. Thats baseball, and our team is well equipped to handle adversity. Good solid guys. As an umpire you get an inclination for the game. As an umpire you are there to preserve the integrity of the game. Being a professional umpire maybe might not be my calling. I mean, I like to have a good time, and I have never never liked the business of baseball. I've always liked the art of baseball. My favorite books growing up were never statistic books. Don't get me wrong. I can tell you who won the world series every year in it's existence. If you see me, ask me this question with a wink. The books I read were stories of teams like the Brooklyn Dodgers, The Utica Sky Sox, Shoeless Joe and the fabled retellings of Ted Williams last atbat by John Updike. Twice in the SDABL I've entered the last game of the season with a chance to hit .400. I remember in one game I was stopped short. I never let it bother me though, because that sort of personal statistic never mattered to Ted Willaims. Why should it matter to me. The field that we play our home games is where Ted Williams went to High School. In today's game I hit a ball off the fence, and all things being equal, The ball I hit today, probably shared an element of it's flight path with Mr. Williams. Back to the art of baseball. Each game I go out there I am an artist working on my trade. I don't have the ability to draw that well, but I do have the ability to perform. The way I handle a situation is an art. The way I point my strikes, or call a fair or foul ball. The way an umpire handles a close call, or ejection. This is the art of baseball. Each game I go out there and learn. I go out there and get better. I can't describe the feelings I get every week when I come down to umpire, but it's something I look forward to each week. It's a chance to harness my reputation. It's a chance to deal with adults acting like babies. It's a chance to do something perfect. Anyways, I'm excited that Katie called me up this afternoon. She's stressed out from finals and I remember what it was like to be in that position. She said that she's got plans to see a play with her mother, and I believe her. The point is that I could go around and flirt with all the girls, and chase them all, but I'm getting over it.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-72192325611476364052007-03-15T23:09:00.000-07:002007-03-15T23:39:09.064-07:00
unsure about going to Colorado
I want to, but I've been very depressed about things lately. Probably the turnout for the show and the way everything was handled. I'm sad because not only was there was a low turnout, there was a major blow to my reputation amongst my friends and San Diego comics, and whoever else knows me as a coordinator of events. Don't get me wrong. It was a fun night, but when you expect perfection, and acheive less then, dissapointment seeps in. Here is where I stayed at in San Diego this last weekend which coincidentally ended Wednesday afternoon. Friday night-Koala office, Saturday night-Esthers couch, Sunday-Davey's couch, Monday, Esthers couch, and Tuesday, Esthers couch. I think I strung myself out umpiring, putting on a show, and going out with girls. I'm done with Lindsey. She is nice, but she is looking for more, and I can't handle more with her. For some reason I'm convinced Katie hates me because she hasn't returned any of my calls since we went out Friday night. This is actually what I'm most sad about. In my mind I think I did something to upset her. I don't know what though, and this is what really saddens me. I left realizing that when we went out more money came out of her pocket than mine on Friday night. Money isn't a concern with me, and I hate myself for letting this happen. My problem is I try to do to much always. It reminds me of the time I was in fifth grade and tried to memorize "sick" by Shel Silverstein. I went above and beyond all expectations, except I flubbed the ending, which in turn translated into I knew it, and the teacher knew it. I've got a goal and walking around the earth and doing stuff, except I am working to hard to accomplish it. My current mood is sad. The reality that which we live in is what we create for ourselves.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-18727469858822809672007-03-11T23:33:00.000-07:002007-03-11T23:35:14.325-07:00
Umpire Ejection Report
Check it. Mike Nitzani from San Diego Baseball Umpires. We had a few nice ones at Madison today. Here is the ejection reports from the first game. In the bottom of the third the home team hit into a potential double play ball. the runner on first went in standing up with no adjudged intent to to break up a double play.In the top of the fourth inning with no outs and a runner on first, R1 barrell rolled into the second baseman with intent to break up an obvious double play. I called R1 out ___________and called the batter runner out. _________ then argued his case against the interference penalty. I informed him the call stood. He replied with, "You're the worst umpire this morning". At that time manager _________ was thrown out of the game. He was slow to leave the field. Top of the fifth with _____of Team ________ on second base and 2 outs and ____ empty spot coming up in the lineup, Lopez got into a run down. He was originally safe at second base but abandoned his effort to run the bases when he assaulted the fielder who applied a hard tag on him. The ______ left their defensive positions to protect their fielder. ____players came on the field to hold back their player. After the altercation the ____ players refused to continue playing despite urgings they could play with 8. As far as the second game is concerned, I would say it was testosterone packed.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-19286003192043812132007-03-11T18:55:00.000-07:002007-03-11T23:33:40.121-07:00
This Weekends Baseball Games
In the adult games this afternoon we had some wild games. In the first game I threw out a player when he said that I was the "worst umpire this morning". He was the player manager, and that was a no-no. Then had to break up a fist fight between two players. The team that had the guys ejected didn't want to play anymore. However, this is where they messed up. At the start of the game they weren't ready, they could barely field baseballs and ante up our fees. It's not like we want to come out out and deal with child like adults for free. In the second game I was working the stick, and was calling a lot of strikes. The teams took offense to my zone, and I heard it from both sides. Whichever side was down gave me flack. It ended up being a one run game. There were a lot of players that took exception and called me the best "A" ball umpire. This was an "AAA" game I informed them that they were merely recrectional players. This might have done the trick. The trouble in the first game could have been avoided if I wasn't near the home plate area. The player asked me a question and I answered him, and he didn't like the answer. Then I pointed out the tobacco in his mouth, and he got agitated because "I was going by the rules". Yeah, it's kinda my job.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-58341508928907731812007-03-08T20:59:00.000-08:002007-03-08T21:02:42.146-08:00
I worked my first varsity game today
I think it was varsity. The teams were pretty good. Here are the stats from the game. 12 innings2-1 Marshall High School over Grant High School. No complaining about balls and strikes from either side. 1 balk call. 2 hours and 30 minutes. Kinda exciting!
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-4692280773028405982007-03-07T12:14:00.000-08:002007-03-07T12:16:52.912-08:00
I'm not umpiring with Pacific for the time being
I was with an organization in San Diego called Pacific. What was nice was they used Arbiter. I will not be with them because I am liasoning managing an apartment building with my property management schooling. I am a littel sad about this because I had to cancel a lot of games. I hope that I have maintained a good relationship with the assigner. In San Diego I have a good one with my pal Doug Roach with San Diego Baseball Umpires. He calls me up and assigns me adult games. I accept them. If I've said it before, I'll say it again. I love umpiring the adult baseball games because of the hostilities, and the players. I play in the league the day before and it allows me to have wild nights and really bare down the next day.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-66068652982283512742007-03-05T02:05:00.000-08:002007-03-05T02:21:26.256-08:00
Here is my weekend in a nut shell
I woke up all early and drove down to San Diego in my exhaust fume infested truck cabin. Then I went to the jv game early and the other team didn't show up. I called it after 30 minutes. I was really hoping they wouldn't show because this game was at 10 30 and I had a game to manage at 2pm. So then at San Diego High School at the site of our game and the other teams home field they have some buster that forgets the keys. We were out in the parking lot waiting, and our team used the basketball courts to warm up, and the other team used the parking lot to stand around. The stretching helped because infield outfield was abbreviated, and the other team didn't take any of it. They were still remembering the way they handled us last year. Needless to say, the game was pretty good. We ended up going up on them 3 runs, then having them tie the game, and then taking a 1 run lead, and then we tied it up, and sent it to extra innings. In the 13th inning with a new guy I was holding back basically because he was untested, made the biggest plays of the day. He held them on the mound, and then in the bottom of the inning, when the umpires said that this was the last inning becuase the sun was going down, our leadoff guy gets on base. Then our sidearming smack talking pitcher gets up, and I call an offensive conference. This is where I outmanaged the other team. Their coach Bob Allison, a league administrator was trying to tell me that it was getting dark. The umpire in me told him to knock it off. This is where and why I was manager. I told the runner and the batter to hit and run on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th pitch. We ended up getting runners on first and third, and then the newbie again came up and we sent our guy on first in motion and the new guy put the ball in play. Because we had a guy in motion, the other team's shortstop couldn't field the ball and we weon the ball game. The best parts of the ball game was also how I handled the umpires. There was a call where there was a play at first, and the runnre on first trying to take third. We ended up making this a double play and the other teams coach was livid because he was trying to say the umpire who called the play, wasn't his call. I was like coach, you're wrong. Lets play baseball. After theg ame it was Emilianos bachelor party. We ate at the Crocodile Cafe, and then got a limo. I showered up at the Mission Valley Resort jacuzzi. We went to Downtown where I got thrown out of a club, then we went to PB, and then to Cheetahs. This is where I yacked. I got blitzed in the limo. I was tripping out and I think it was the pot brownies, at how the girls were working the guys at the club. Then hammered as I was, I had them drop me off at my car in Fashion Valley. I was too messed up to drive anywherem and my phone was almost out, so I looked a few hotels in mission valley and they all wanted 160 dollars a night. Instead, I just found a table with skirting and fell asleep under it. This morning I had a game at Morse High School. I worked 1 man mechanics and worked quick. Lots of strikes, lots of outs. 5 pitches between innings. This is key. I told the teams to hustle up and to be in and out. They must have felt they got cheated, because the game managed to go so quickly. No pitching changes. I ended up with 90 dollars in my pocket. So then, I drove to UCSD, passed out, then took my truck in to get the exhaust fumes taken care of, and then took the bus back to UCSD, hoping that I would see Katie, and sure enough she manifested, but then I realized how strung out I was and she was with her friends, and I didn't want to embarass either of us. Then I took the bus to Solana Beach, passed out on a train, and instead of taking a 50 dollar taxi home, I waited at the bus stop and met a Mexican woman and her grandson, gave them girlscout cookies, paid their bus fare to El Monte and got a ride home with them. Its 2 21 am and I am about to pass the fuck out.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-82346638772511722922007-03-01T19:46:00.000-08:002007-03-01T19:53:31.502-08:00
This weekend should be a fun weekeend
I'm umpiring baseball on Saturday at 10 30 am at Torrey Pines High School. It's a one man game, but I'm really going to work quick and implement strategies to keep the game going. Actually ,it's high school ball and I think there is a time limit. I'll check. At 2pm we are having a baseball game with the San Diego Wave. I get to manage again as Allan has a hs game he has to coach. For those that don't know I managed last season and led our troops to a dandy 1-10 record. It was a tough season, but the guys are excited about this season, and between the combination of Myself and Allan we went out and got some high quality players and retained our stallions from the last few seasons. Should be a good time. We are playing the commissioners team, so it will be fun to take it on the field. Saturday night is a bachelor party for Emiliano. This should be a good time. I hope to get shitface plastered, pass out somewhere and be alive to work the stick the early morning game, and the field the later game. Last weekend I should have went down. I could have umpired and played poker, but more importantly I could have saw Katie for her 22nd birthday. I haven't really seen her or talked to her much, but she is the one that consumes my mind.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-8406810738903500902007-02-28T19:10:00.000-08:002007-02-28T19:12:59.623-08:00
Mentoring younger umpires
A guy by the name of Girard called me up this morning and asked me to work with 2 younger umpires to help them get their game on. I obliged and told him that sounds likes a plan. I seem to figure things out better when I am a teacher than when things are taught to me.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-45731339378605903652007-02-26T23:24:00.000-08:002007-02-26T23:30:05.487-08:00
Tonights meeting and other stuffall in S
THis week I had to cancel a varsity scrimmage in san diego because of the new job I landed. Thats right. I got a job as a property manager. I figure this will help me springboard my career as a guy that just walks the earth to do stuff. Before I get to that point, I have to do things, and one of them is make money residually. This means set up businessess. One of these businesses will be a property management venture. Anyways, my other jobs will be umpiring and sperm donation. My other goal is to repopulate the world. This will be one way to do it, however, I'll still save up my weekends for the old fashioned way with a condom. Once I start getting some revenue, I'll go sans. Anyways, at tonights CBUA La unit meeting, I was mesmerized at the class of the umpires invited in my group. Although they were rookies, they looked like they were high. I know I look like I'm high most of the time, but that isn't the case. These guys had bloodshot eyes, and they might be doing this job as conditions of their parole. My truck is also messed up. I was thinking of getting it fixed, and finding someone in San Diego that I could trust to store/use my truck during the week, and during the weekends, when I amtrak it down there to let me use it. I'll still be playing baseball in San Diego and umpiring on Sundays. March 13th, I'll be putting on a comedy show.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-22902436568931678022007-02-21T23:20:00.000-08:002007-02-22T08:00:45.660-08:00
I am frustrated with the way I was treated tonight by "fellow" "umpires"
After attneding the meeting and doing some ninja stuff to contact the heads of the oraganization, here is a leter I wrote to them. Gentlemen, I just moved back from San Diego to Arcadia to help my mother out. This last year in San Diego I umpired for Pacific Baseball Umpires, and San Diego Baseball Umpires Association. This last year I used my earnings from working with these organizations to attend the Major League Baseball Umpires Camp last November, and the Harry Wendelstedt School of Professional Umpiring this year. I stumbled into last Sundays scrimmage at Temple City High School as a ball player, and was informed of the meeting on Wednesday Night. During the week I found the website and it said nothing about fees, or required meetings or certification to work high school baseball this upcoming season. Nevertheless, I was excited about this organization because it offered a chance for me to work games locally. I was told the meeting was at South Pasadena High School at 7pm, so I arrived not knowing what to expect. I was sent to a classroom with first year umpires. At the beginning I was asked if I had any money to pay registration fees. I responded with an all I had was a credit card. Here is where things confused me. I was told that this meeting wouldn't count towards my certification, and that the person to collect my fees wouldn't wait, or follow me to an ATM/Bank to collect my fees afterwards. Therefore, the best I could do is sit through the meeting and maybe learn something, but it wouldn't count because the fees weren't paid. I was told that I couldn't either go during the meeting because I was required to sit through the whole two hours to get credit towards the certification but since I didn't have the money at the onset, this meeting wouldn't count. I was informed that if I attended other unit meetings I could get credit, but it was probably too late and that I would just have to wait until next year where I could attend all the meetings. I was really excited about working with this organization and this has been tempered by the way I was treated tonight. My concern is the person who I spoke with was so unwilling to work with me and offer clarifying information. As far as my schedule goes I am unable to attend Saturdays scrimmage because I made a commitment to play baseball on Saturdays in San Diego, and umpire Sundays this upcoming season. I am able to attend Tuesdays scrimmage, and I will be attending the LA unit meeting tomorrow evening. In addition, I will attend any other unit meetings in order to get caught up wherever they be in southern California. I am willing to work with the association by picking up any instructional kits during the week, and paying any dues. I hope that arrangements can be made for me to become a part of this organization this year. Yours, Michael Nitzani
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-79992231849444062032007-02-20T21:30:00.000-08:002007-02-20T21:40:42.649-08:00
I played baseball on Sunday. I can't believe today is Tuesday.
So I played ball and had a good time on Sunday. When the time came down to things, I switched and played on the other team and not the Dodger Scout Team. I wanted more playing time. My first at bat, batting in the 9 hole, I hit a shot and got robbed. This was on the first pitch, so the other team thought I was a stallion. I am. It's ok if you go to the last paragraph. Later in the game there was this dude that pitched pretty good with his left hand and his right hand. I think he played at USC. He didn't throw as hard as me. I know this because I pitched and I gassed it up. Not stunk it up. If actions speak louder than words, then I am a badass. Earlier in the game while I was playing second base, a former teammate of mine (Mike Williams) slides hard into second base. The umpire in me filed it away. When it was my time to pitch he was up and the first pitch he hits a mom shot (a long foul ball pulled that mom's like , yet are long strikes). So the next pitch, I rear back and throw, and I almost hit him. I said "sorry" but in life actions speak louder than words. I ended up walking him because I was saying things like "that pitch was pretty close..." to the umpire. I also apparently balked, and the umpire called it a balk, so I asked him to show me what I did. He didn't which is good umpiring. I didn't balk and I asked the dugout if the run that scored off me was earned on an invisible balk. The guy didn't like that either. The highlight of my pitching performance was realizing I'm a turd up there with a mid eighties fastball. So, I would just change the timing of my leg kicks to mess with the batters. I also talk smack, so after a dude fouled off a 1-2 curveball, I state to my catcher, that it's just going to set up the next pitch. The next pitch was gas that the dude swung and missed at. My pitches were timed from 55mph to 86mph.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-36190290984412680842007-02-17T19:48:00.000-08:002007-02-17T19:54:24.704-08:00
I got work in today
I worked 1 man mechanics, so everything that we learned in umpire school went out the window. I found it difficult to go back to non umpire school mechanics. From the games onset, I called strike one with an umpires school mechanic. It was nice to hear an earful on the first pitch from the alumni. This gave me a smile, but I told them to knock it off. It took a few innings for me to get into the flow of things like getting set to make calls, and being still. I wasn't comfortable with the consistency of my head and plate stance, and I could have been more of an asshole out there. I did ring up 4 guys today, and the first time I went apeshit, and everyone in the crowd was surprised. They got used to it after a while, and I think guys were striking out looking just so they could see me. This is doubtful though. Tomororw, I'll be playing baseball with the Dodger Scout Team at Temple City High School. My teammates in San Diego, are a little concerned that I'll be all anal when it comes to knowing the rules. Tomorrow will be a good test. Katie couldn't go out tonight, I didn't wash and wax my car, but I might head on down to the Union Cattle Company anyways tonight. You know, to pimp.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-45635184730604383712007-02-16T12:10:00.000-08:002007-02-16T12:19:19.055-08:00
I'm working my old high schools alumni game
10 am tomorrow. Arcadia High School.I used to play baseball one of the best baseball programs in Los Angeles County. My junior year I had such anxiety about performing, I was relegated to the bench and didn't see much playing time. My senior year, I came out of the gates, and sealed my fate when I had a 4-4 game in the Winter with 2 homeruns and earned a spot on the Varsity. I earned it over my good friend Michael O Brien thanks to Mike Parisi in his first year as Head Coach. When the season started, I still didn't start, and in the third game of the year, Evan Shahak decided it was more important for him to work at Sav On Ice Cream place than play baseball, so in our road trip to Simi Valley, I got the start in Right Field, drove a run in, and threw a guy out. The next game he was suspended, I got the start and knocked in 2 hits. As the season went on, I earned myself a starting position as the designated hitter, ended up batting cleanup the rest of the year, and we had the number 1 ranked team in Southern California. In College, I played with some guys that played against us that year and it made one of the teams season that they defeated us one game. The point is, this is my chance to give back. I'll have my shoes polished, pants pressed, and I've reawakened my powder blue shirt from a purgatory of dirtyiness for th event. I'll see if my Camaro runs, and I'll call up Katie to see if she wants to go out for her birthday. Maybe we'll go to Union Cattle Company.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-53737410320707889602007-02-13T20:18:00.000-08:002007-02-13T20:24:57.038-08:00
Something I've been really contemplating...
Like been boggling my mind the last few days. How come Jesus never did anything cosmic. According to the Mormon part of the Trilogy, He time traveled, yet back in the day, he never talked about what the moon was all about, or the universe. How was Jesus like in elementary school? When I came back home yesterday I was surprised to see a King Size bed in my brothers old room. My stepfather moved into my childhood room, and my mom thinks I'm in town for good. There are some things I want to help her with, but I don't know how long I'll stay here in town. My heart is in San Diego. I've got jobs lined up in San Diego and umpiring jobs lined up in LA. What I am doing as of now is commuting via amtrak and playing ball on Saturday and umpiring on Sundays. My weekends for the next short while will consist of leaving Friday and returning whenever strung out as hell or something to that extent. One of the reasons I'm here for a little while is I want to do some standup in Hollywood. I've got an idea to get into UCLA for Graduate School. We'll see how this plays out.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-62268403892856386572007-02-11T15:00:00.000-08:002007-02-10T08:09:35.209-08:00
I never mentioned that a lot of umpires are blind
The funny thing is what umpires get pissed off about. Like missing a call or being out of position. Stand up comics get upset about the most trivial of shit, like if someone is referencing their material improperly. It took me a while, but I finally got accustomed to people copying my style. This was done one year on Halloween, and the guy was hilarious and he scared a lot of people. 2 years later I was flattered. Oh, and a lot of umpires wear contacts. It's like the profession attracts such poor visioned people, because it's a way to let the world know they aren't blind. They just have poor vision. On the flip side, my vision is 20-15 and I still know how to miss a call with the best of them. Like for instance if I call a pitch a strike, a spectator might yell out, "Blue, what the $@^%, That pitch was at least a foot outside", I'll come right back with, "yea, you were probably right". Which gets me to my point. At umpire school, they didn't talk for too long on what constituted a strike. Therefore, in reality a strike is whatever an umpire calls it on that particular day. Play baseball with this in mind, and you will be more successful.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-45315326524695935912007-02-09T14:12:00.000-08:002007-02-08T15:20:10.617-08:00
Everything has it's purpose
On March 17th I have a tryout for the mountain collegiate baseball league. I also got to visit a friend of mine that moved out there from Arcadia a long time ago. Things should be good then. Before I leave I got to attain the umpire look, and get my body back in shape after over a month at the Deserted Inn in Daytona Beach Florida. I might not have been ready to umpire this year based on all the incompleted things on my agenda. Maybe next year I will be more polished and accomplished with these. I would also like to go to the Jim Evans Academy for umpiring, but as I've outlined before I got my work ahead of me. I am in debt to my parents, and the bank a considerable sum of money, and I need to pay these debts. My goal is that by the time next year comes around, I will have done enough things to earn residual income that I won't be missing out too much by spending another 5 weeks in Florida.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-11217256836272702322007-02-07T07:22:00.000-08:002007-02-07T07:29:16.292-08:00
Im getting out of this hole
Seriously, The Desert Inn kinda sucked as a hotel, but it wasnt that bad. The area was bad though. Everywhere I went people would always try to rip me off, or touch my pizza. Reflecting on the the last 37 days, I could have done better. I met some nice people, and I sort of see what they want in umpires. What will go unsaid about this school is race, age, and sex did play a factor in determining who went on to PBUC in Coco Florida. There were three people with black skin that got selected, and a female. Next year Ill play the Jewish Israeli heritage card. I digress, though, these people were talented umpires and I hope to see them get picked up. Today Im goign to rent a car and head on down to Cape Canaveral, and then to Jacksonville. My flight leaves tomorrow. Then its off to San Diego.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-53309117330048349392007-02-05T19:59:00.000-08:002007-02-05T20:01:30.962-08:00
So getting a job umpiring now
It's kinda bizarre. I umpired games in the SDABL last year, and this year I contacted them and they told me I needed to try out. Theoretically, if I don't make it, then the whole experience of umpiring school made me a worse off umpire. Probably not going to happen though. Just saying. Anyways, I emailed a few leagues and we'll see how things go. I'm down to try out. I don't think the instructors liked my look, or maybe the off field behavior I might have projected at the school, but this world is not made out of squares. Actually maybe it is.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-65337048984158492382007-02-04T05:32:00.000-08:002007-02-04T05:39:31.289-08:00
I didn't have "the look"
Whatever this is, I didn't have it this year. I see the guys that have the look though. In the evaluation they told me that my instincts were average and I didn't recognize things fast enough. My feetwork also didn't come on until the end. The only way I will come back is if I get my for profit websites going. Here are my grades this year. Attitude A+Coordination CInstinct CMobility B-Hustle CTiming C+Judgment C+Positioning C-Aggressiveness B-Voice C+Rules Intrpretation on the field CI've always been a slow starter and strong finisher. Do not count me out. I was If I don't get sidetracked, I can achieve my goals and maybe come back. Thank you for reading this blog. I will still update it and I will try to get picked up by some leagues back home, and start simmering for next year. Last but not least, I am accomplishing some of the things I set out to do. Because of what I brought up, The Harry Wendelstedt will have the healthier menu of the two schools with fruits and vegetables served at the meals.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-75328190803428709692007-02-03T05:09:00.000-08:002007-02-03T05:19:10.985-08:00
yesterday, today, and tomorrow
Yesterday we took the last three tests. Here is a sample question. bases loaded- 2 outs, A Pitcher balks as he is delivering the pitch, and the batter hits a base hit to center. The runner from first misses second base on his way to third. The defense appeals properly, and the runner is called out. How many runs score. The correct answer is 0. Let me know if you want to know why. I did a performance up on stage of my comedy "routine" that was heavily censored. I was told by a few of my peers not to do so, but I did anyways, and I'm unsure of the reaction I got. Anyways, I did get a few hearty laughs out of them, but maybe they were directed at me. However, I do play a character on stage. Jerry Layne interrupted me twice when I was speaking. The school is looking for guys that are a little arrogant and assholish. This is a good attribute to have. I learned that 2 of the major leauge instructors on staff including the head instructor Paul Nauert, Jerry Layne, and Mark Ripperger came to umpire school twice. If you ever are trying to learn baseball, getting instruction from Paul is the way to go. He is the best at what he does. Today we have a banquet. There will be whores de vores and nothing as formal as it has been in the 45 years past. We have class, and I was hoping we would go to the field and play ball today, but that's not going to happen because of the rains. Tomorrow morning we have our evaluation. This is where they sit down with you, go over your report cards, and let you know if they will recommend you fro professional baseball (PBUC), independent league baseball, college, or if you are a poor umpire. I thought I did well. I look good on the field, my test scores werent as high, but I handled myself well off the field. Ironically this years class was mentioned as being devoid of humor at times. I think this is my influence as being a standup comic. Comics are very serious people off stage, and I know there were times where I could have influenced the class to do things. Maybe if I get my 5 for profit websites going, I'll come back next year.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-69988451017417509422007-02-01T15:50:00.000-08:002007-02-01T15:56:55.482-08:00
I got grossed out today
And it is hard to gross me out. I went to Alfredos down the street and this dude who had bubbles on his face, handled my food with his bare hands. I threw the pizza on the floor. In baseball related news, I think today was the last day of umpire school. I've gained the reputation as one of the best baseball players in the school. This is kinda nice and lukewarm considering I don't know what happened to me here. I didn't grasp things until it was too late. This is my own fault, but I do have a grip on how to be a good umpire and I know what they are looking for. This is something that takes them 5 weeks and now I understand. Now I wonder if they will recommnend me to do minor league baseball. I kinda hate myself.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-11479115777218149152007-01-30T18:50:00.000-08:002007-01-30T19:01:30.343-08:00
nearing near the end of school.
Tomorrow might be the last day on the field with a rain forcast. today I was told that someone overheard someone else saying that I did well beind the plate, but I think I did poorly in the field. I called a no catch on my partners ball, and I looked bad on an overthrow by pivoting, and well yeah. I think the guy that rides with us Seth has a good chance of going to PBUC. So does John. They are both pretty serious, and get great test scores. Mine have been lacking. I think I got 2 "9/10's" today. This would be an A average, but in Professional baseball you need a 100 percent average. I am still trying my best. It took me a while to get an understanding of things. Maybe I will come back next year. I've been told twice that I've made a lot of improvement since Compton. One by Major League Umpire Gary Cederstrom, the other by Alex a minor league instructor. This to me means average though, and I don't want to be average. There still exists possibilities to get a job in an independent league, or a summer collegiate league. This would be a fun opportunity, however I will find this out evaluation day. This is this Sunday, and they will let you know if you are the shit, or dog shit as an umpire. I've learned a lot, I've made progress, but I don't think I've shown enough though. Tomorrow, we have a test on batting out of order. I think I understand it. I can't wait to bust it out as a baseball player/coach on the other teams just to mess with them. This could be a strategy to get games under protest at the beginning of thegame. It's a swarmy strategy though.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-90563961917173599522007-01-28T18:39:00.000-08:002007-01-28T18:45:00.141-08:00
This upcoming week
We got our last week, and although I was a little sad last week, I don't think I am in bad position. A lot of people have told me I look good on the field sometimes, and I have good demeanor. I hope that the instructors see that I learned from my boo boo and I get tough plays on the field, and I can show that I can umpire them. What's crazy is some of the guys are giving me major attitude. I think they are jealous of my care free demeanor. I get snide remarks from them at the bars, and my roomate has a thing for the girl in our class, and he is always trying to do stuff to impress her by bringing me down. I'm getting upset that he has the gall to wake me up while I am sleeping and I warned him that the next time he does so, he will find himself engaged in a fistfight. Tonight he knocked over the table trying to turn off the light because he wants to go to sleep at 8 after being in bed all day, and that I should respect a person sleeping. If I snore, there is nothing I can do about that, however when a person who is a light sleeper, has their ears cleaned professionally, and complains about my snoring and wakes me up and wants to argue over the small little trifles, well, they just won't get anywhere by choosing such small battles. My current mood is perturbed.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com4
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-25938186828043468582007-01-26T21:23:00.000-08:002007-01-26T21:26:35.317-08:00
This is how I messed up
when I was working behind the stick today, Ed Hickox was up to bat in a game and he had a 1-2 count, and I rung him up on a pitch that was a mile ugly. He wasn't pleased and this was brought up at the end of the day, and he wasn't pleased and I messed up a few things behind the plate, and I was upset with myself. Mark Ripperger told me to keep my head up, and I will, but I was pretty devastated afterwards. Looking back on things, it wasn't the right thing to do.Anyways, this is the last week of umpire school, and I am beginning to get things. I hope that I can put on an awesome showing, and earn myself a spot in PBUC. Like Harry said, if I don't, I'll only have to look myself in the mirror if I don't make it. God, I love baseball.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-43681688989386409312007-01-26T16:49:00.000-08:002007-01-26T16:50:07.634-08:00
I messed up today
I am going to get drunk now.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-57890715714636612572007-01-26T16:48:00.000-08:002007-01-26T16:49:18.734-08:00yes
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-87359427056187522082007-01-25T19:07:00.000-08:002007-01-25T19:12:17.903-08:00
I am pissed, angry, depressed, upset, etc...
I don't know if I'll be selected for the next round. In fact I highly doubt it now because I have a bunch of wrong answers on the tests. It's not like I don't know the answers, because I do, its because I have brain farts on the tests or make dumb executive decisions at the end to change answers. I read into the questions too much, and overthink things. My thinking is they don't need someone thats perfect because if there are two highly qualified umpires at a ball game, it's highly unlikely they will both get the rule wrong. This is important because if you mess up a rule intepretation you are wrong. Lately, I have had trouble concentrating as well. I look at rule book and can barely register the words. I am sad because my personal life is a mess, and I wish I can be near home and save up money for the future, but I do like San Diego and have baseball and have a lady friend down there. I am sad I gained too much weight at umpire school. I would suggest it to others though.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-70606261185651191162007-01-24T17:37:00.000-08:002007-01-24T17:46:19.303-08:00
Go time
These last two weeks are go time. I've been polishing my shoes, and folding my clothes, and basically doing what I can do to get in. I used to think that umpiring wasnt that difficult, but there are a bazillion different levels of cognitive things you need to do. You need to get in proper positioning, know the right rules to apply, watch runners, look for penalties, and be able to recall all of these all in a sudden if something out of the ordinary happens. Now thisi s the basics, I'm sure there are other things at the higher levels that they are learning and dealing with all the time. I would say that today was better than yesterday. Both days I worked innings and even though I made mistakes today like forgetting the count, balk awards etc..., I still improved, and in one instance shined when I ordered the pitcher not to pitch until I ordered them to do so and while my partner was out in the field, for the second day in a row brushed off the plate to put him in correct position. At umpire school, they watch everything, and I think this is something that I have that might set me apart from the others. They tear you down at umpire school, do a bunch of things to confuse you, then do drills, and by the end of the drill youto know what's going on. Then they keep adding stuff. 5 weeks seems to be the right curriculum, and I have learned so much out here about umpiring I had no idea existed. It's like the invisible world of germs, and snowflakes, and all that good stuff. You have to approach things scientifically. Anyways, I am having a blast out here learning about the game, and hanging out at a baseball field all day is definitely where it's at. Both me and my roomate have made friends with the girl in school, and she has already been to the other school 2 times, and we have picked up both a lot from her. She is an asset, and when we work on our own, she is the one we all go to when we don't know whats up. My next goal in umpiring is to travel to wonderful and strange places umpiring baseball, and negotiating myself out of sticky situations. I hope that each day I become a lot more polished, and can earn myself a a chance in PBUC.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-85902506644042530912007-01-22T19:57:00.000-08:002007-01-22T20:02:36.007-08:00
I've been getting too much extra food and am getting fat
And not doing as well as I should do so on tests. These are the last two weeks of school, and this is the time to make it. So far I am not pleased with my performance and this is the first day they started evaluating people. They may or may not choose to work with me, but I have made great strides in the time some of the umpires first met me in Compton. One of the nicer things about umpire camp at the Wendelstedt school is the fact we play baseball every day now. Today I got about 9 at bats, and hit about 4 doubles into the gap. It was fun just to hit the ball as far as I can. I have eaten too much food here. Tonight the bartender gave me a free chicken tender meal because I was at the bar and have a reputation of tipping. None of the other umpires do so. Greg the guy that serves the food at the field gave me extra lasagna. On days when one is not working, the specials are where it's at. I missed two questions on the test today. This is now 6 total out of 100. I hope to miss none more by the time I am done with school. I hope this shows them that I belong. Also yesterday I discovered hair spray and shoe polish will do wonders for your shoes and how to iron one's ish.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-12858878025611293052007-01-21T07:12:00.000-08:002007-01-21T14:46:43.526-08:00
I don't understand others ambitions
So, there are two more weeks left and this is where we turn it up as umpires. I've been hanging out with others and I am still trying to learn why people have the reasons for them wanting stuff. For example, everyone I met last night was pretty straight edged. Nobody had really tried Marijuana, and seem flabberghasted that I don't stigmatize it as much as others. This is because a few people have thought I smoked pot at this school because of my appearence. I have not and am willing to get tested. I'm beginning to learn all the rules now, and now the idea is to have it embedded in my subconsiousness better and quicker than others. I'm uber competitive, but I like to disarm my opponents. I think everyone does this at the school by saying things like "I'm trying to be the best umpire I can be". Egh, basically everyone here is competing for a job that will pay them chicken scratch for the next 10 years if they are lucky. The thing is I can make my money and I'll invest in other things and I've got my own plan, but I just like baseball, and roaming around the country in less than ideal living situations is ideal for me. When we play the games, I liken it to baseball purgatory. It's basically controlled situations where we make plays for the umpires. I've fucked up a few times and let my instincts take over and not run into outs, and tried to create outs at the wrong base. If I make mistakes they are going to be agressive.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-12377777804343418432007-01-18T13:40:00.000-08:002007-01-18T13:44:18.410-08:00
We time traveled again today
This time throughout time to watch classic baseball clips regarding umpires (Larry Vanover in particular). Actually this was the highlight of our day as we spent the entire time in the classroom. Turns out I am writing entire paragraphs on my test, and I might haved aced the test today except I wrote too much. The guy in back of me said he was 99 percent sure I was correct on the answer. Also, I am making friends with the chef that caters our lunches, and he grants me extra servings of vegetables. This would be nice, except last night, this is what I had for dinner. Pizza, Gyro, French Fries, spaghetti meatball, and icecream, and 1 piece fried chicken. Today I am taking it light on my meal.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-4139376519483890812007-01-17T12:58:00.000-08:002007-01-17T13:02:55.425-08:00
Time Travel
I got a little grief about time travelling to 18,000 bc to Southern Egypt. I wrote this on the sheet that says if we leave town, where did we go? Sam Holbrock (MLB umpire) asked me during a drill how Egypt was and if I was smoking some of that whacky tobackky on the 7th floor. I told him no I wasn't and I was on the fourth floor. A side note is the people they are looking for in this school are people that can be ebntrusted to administer a professional baseball game. Because the stakes are so high, and a booted rule interpretation can result in a protest and a loss of money for everybody, umpires are expected to conduct themselves to the highest of integrity and respect. Basically when you are at school, don't get stupid drunk, wear nice clothes, keep your body and face clean looking, be pleasant and a bunch of other good stuff. Basically do not be my stage persona. Remember, Bob Sagat is a completely different guy when he is not on Full House. He is a raunchy comedian. I need to have this spectrum to succeed, and am getting towards that goal.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-76329739925493163182007-01-17T12:47:00.000-08:002007-01-17T12:58:47.897-08:00
I updated yesterday morning...Here is the update for today
After our work on the field I went home and passed out. We did a lot of stuff yesterday and I was in bed by 10 pm exhausted. Yesterday we spent the day out on the field learning how balks are and they are called, and in the classroom we dealt with finishing up our responsibilities and interference. Afterwords we played a little baseball and that was a lot of fun. I asserted that I was going to be shortstop and I made 2 backhand plays at short that left me in amazement. This was done in front of the entire school, but I am not here for playing baseball. This morning I got up at 4 30 and eventually went back to bed. My roomate kept waking me up because of my snoring. This was annoying, however I think he's lying because I kept trying to turn the light on to study and he would freak out and wake up. This is why I went back to bed. Basically he's a light sleeper that doesn't make a sound. He leaves the TV on to muffle me out, and turns the air on. This makes things cooler, and I wake up with flem in my throat every morning. Nonetheless, after class today (we got a little early) we went to the pharmacy to get breathe right strips. We decided on splitting the costs, so I picked the highest quality item and the guy at the counter was giving me baseball trivia. I nailed it. Then he found five bucks on the ground. Kharma. We took two tests today. I got 9 on one and 6 on the other. On the one I got 6 on, I got all the parts right, and went above and beyond what they were looking for on the answer. The guy in back of me, must have freaked out because he marked me wrong. They are going to relook over the answers tomorrow.Lastly, in the past few days I started sharing my business and website ideas with Seth the guy that rides with us and he was impressed. He generally keeps his cool about things, but he thought I was the craziest person in the world, and he things they can succeed. This was positive reinforcement.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-2849796975748810452007-01-16T01:29:00.000-08:002007-01-16T01:43:28.736-08:00
I can't sleep too well
I think it's because I am a nice guy, or because I snore. My room is very cold because my roomate leaves the air conditioner on all night. It's like 4 25 right now and maybe my mind is in flux. I'm definitely looking better on the field right now as an umpire, but I am upset I missed another question I should have got. I don't think I am reading the questions thouroughly. I shouldn't have missed any. As it stands I'm at 58 out of 60 which is still middle of the pack. Mechanics wise on the field, I am middle of the pack, and history wise, I am towards the bottom. What I mean by history is by my background in comedy. I hate comedy, and my demeanor on the field is very serious, so serious I almost look depressed. A while back a friend of mine (Jason Baacke) used to relate to each other that watching the Emmys or any of those award shows for women, was like guys watching sports for men. Umpire school is the same way in the sense that everyone here pays the smallest attention to details in what they wear. Patent leather plate shoes are shined with windex, shirts are pressed dry cleaned, and essentially this is a 5 week job interview. In terms of looking on the field, I know my stuff decently. I need to be a step faster on the field, and look a little smoother. I know the rules, and have been staying after every day to work on mechanics. It's coming into place, and I have been studying every night. Socially, we have formed a little crew that stays after and studies together, and even has black market books in school (we have a book that Jim Evans wrote to explain situations. Jim Evans owns the other school).Basically what makes this school difficult is the fact we stand alot all day for our one rep on the field. This rep has to be perfect with our footwork, positioning, and all the sense. When we go out there we are scrutinized on these to the tee, which creates a very fine attention to detail. Everything is scrutinized, and right now a lot of people make basic mistakes they would never make, if they weren't being bombarded with all sorts of rules and things to look for. An example of this is the simple fair foul decision with no runners on. It's a certain mechanic. Different guys call it based upon if the first baseman fields it before the bag or after the bag, and where the ball lands. If the guy touches it in foul territory it is the opposite mechanic of whether the guy touched it in fair territory or if it just goes foul. All this decision making is done within a few split seconds. One has to be cognitively very strong. As for me in this situation, my engines are getting stronger. Today might be difficult as I'll be very tired. I'm going to run with Kate (the girl in camp) at 6 am because A. I can't sleep, and it's a challenge to keep up. Plus, I think it might be neat to run in a marathon one day.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-73442510597248436052007-01-14T09:58:00.000-08:002007-01-14T10:13:38.098-08:00
So this is umpire school
So we are at the beautiful desert Inn hotel and there are common areas, and we are all getting to know each other. Last night we went to Mai Tais' and then to a strip club called Molly Browns. The reason I wanted to go the strip club was because one of the students fell in love with a stripper, and has spent 1700 dollars at that place. It's not like nobody didn't tell him. Anyways, it was fun to go out last night and a big reason some guys go out to the bar is because they want the instructors to see them at the bar. This is a big part of umpire school because as an umpire you are evaluated with the stuff you do on and off the field. I would like to think that I have changed my image. Statistically speaking, the odds are low against me. There are 11 2nd year students looking to selected to go PBUC. In addition there is another student that got released and was a AA umpire and actually used to instruct at the school. Moreover, there are 4 guys on scholarship to the school from the Compton Camp. MLB has an investment in them, and it will be interesting to see how they do well. One of the more interesting things is when another student asks you why you are in camp and what your aspirations are, I've found out we all lie to each other. Some guys will say they are here for a job, however my answer is so I can become the best umpire I can be, and we'll cross that bridge when we get there. Today is Sunday and it is requested that we tell the instructors where we are going if we go out of town. I told them I was time traveling to 18,000 BC around present day Southern Egypt. The guys know I am funny, but I am really keeping a low key around here. I do a lot of standing during the drills and demonstrations and that gets boring at times, but while doing so, this is where the learning occurs. During these drills the look on my face is bare. Next week we are getting into situations. There will be grown men yelling at me, and my experiences in college should help me out here. We are being evaluated on how we conduct ourselves in these trying situations. My thought process is here, is no matter how hectic it might be, it's nothing in comparison as what our soldiers are experiencing overseas. It's absoluately nothing in comparison, and I appreciate the tribulations our soldiers go through. They will be my inspiration this week. Good news. I'm going to invest in a video camera and will start video taping and hopefully posting to this blog. It might take a while, but I'm going to start moving into another gear in regards to this school, and hopefully distance myself from the pack (in a positive way of course)The food here is horrible. I didn't get the breakfast and dinner plan but I eat when they have buffet style foods. Basically I've become known amongst the waitresses as the only guy that tips in school when they serve us. The nice thing about doing so is the meal will be chicken tenders and french fries and I'll come around at the end of the serving period. I tell the waitresses here the food is horrible, but the service is first class. God they love me! Lastly, this is just a rant. When I was in the bar, I asked another student if I could borrow his cell phone to call my bank. He told me he left it in his room. I played it cool. Then when he thought I left, I returned saw him use his cell phone and let him know I knew and mentioned nothing more of it. I see the competitive nature and the dog eat dog aspects of this. I am not too competitive in this regard, however one thing I will do is conduct myself with class around this join.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-8622130958337607632007-01-12T17:49:00.000-08:002007-01-12T17:54:50.147-08:00
What can I add to the game of baseball
Or how can I excel in umpiring school. We are doing a lot of drills every day. I missed my first question this year. I am so pissed off about it because I know the rule, but I didn't see the word. Actually I am not that upset about it. Umpiring school reminds me of standup comedy. It seems like the bigger and older adults we are everyone seems to worry about the smallest of things. During the drills, its as if we are micromanaged on everything, and the 2nd year guys come back because I can see how they appreciate the attention. A lot of it is positive. Some isn't. For example, today during a drill I did a nono, and got yelled at so much that the guys on the field heard the instructor yell at me.What I am saying is this stuff doesn't bother me, because I like challenges, but the instructors want to guide us along. The reality check of professional baseball is it's difficult to get into, and even more difficult to stay in. The guys in the big leagues are the best of the best. I think the thing that separates me is on the baseball field, I do have some instincts that will show when I am placed in charge of the game. Instead of micromanaging everything, I think the thing would be to just let it flow in. A combination of organic, and inorganic, that is the perfect mix.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-5164600032099113402007-01-10T17:58:00.000-08:002007-01-10T18:16:51.633-08:00
Today was a good day
And by good I mean, I made some progress. At the field today we did mechanics with both umpires out on the field. In the 4 hours we were out there, we each got a round of about 6 opportunities. It was pretty long, and I went last and didn't look good. In my mind I got it for the most part though, and the body will come. I'll hopefully dream about it. My presence on the field is good, but my mechanics are still poor. This comes with time, and when I remember going to the Compton Camp thinking I knew something about umpiring I knew then and I for sure know now I was wrong. In the classroom we took a test today and I got another 10 right. I've convinced myself that I missed a question to negate the post reenforcement pause. On a similar note, I am beginning to tell others that I missed a few questions to keep them off their guard. This probably isn't the most honest thing to do, but then again it beats getting into an hour long discussion about alternate universes. At dinner tonight a 2nd year student informed us that this is a job interview from the moment they meet us. When I was at the Compton Camp, I must have not realized that because I was all over the place. Also, since the food at the hotel is horrible, one of the guys on our floor went to Outback and lent me his meal card. This was pretty rad. I made sure to make it so the waitress loves me by tipping her, and smiling often, and hopefully she'll remember that smile. I hope that from my appearence at Compton, the instructors that were there notice the change in my attitude and abilities to umpire a game of baseball. I hope they have no ill pre conveived notions about me. When people ask me why I am out here, I inform them the correct answer and that is I want to be the best umpire I can be and if an opportunity comes up for professional baseball it will be a decision to make. Albeit, a not too difficult decision. I am beginning to see the separation and the competitiveness occuring between the students. Hell I do it myself. This is the fun part, and I am looking forward to our games, and situations, because I think I will do well with my composure.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-40140585699395359282007-01-10T02:21:00.000-08:002007-01-10T02:27:24.323-08:00
Woke up early, cause I passed out early
Yesterday we went over infielf mechanics with runners on the bases and pickoffs. This was the extent of our day and I stayed after and worked with a group of students. Working with the group of students was like a trainwreck, because after everything wrong, I or others would get yelled at by a bunch of people that didn't know exactly what they were doing. Save this for the fans.If someone was doing a mathematical study on game theory, they should come to umpire school. In all probability one of us might make the major leagues, and maybe 10 of us if we are lucky will get minor league baseball contracts. This leaves 120+fish, fighting for survival and rank. It's all very interesting. I know that wherever my path leads me, I will become successful.We have another 10 question quiz on fair and foul and the definition of a force out (a runner legally loses his right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner)
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-54623987052735565862007-01-08T10:41:00.000-08:002007-01-08T10:43:19.193-08:00
two tests
We took two tests today and I aced both of them. Only 230 more questions to go. We went over mechanics with a guy on first and pickoffs and then it rained. We have a meeting in the ballroom at 2pm right now. I'm also doing baseball stuff, and will be returning to San Diego to play ball and umpire. It looks like I will have plenty of work lined up for the upcoming season.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com3
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-80511751378374902082007-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:002007-01-07T21:35:58.063-08:00yes
Sunday-Connections
Today I just hung out around the hotel a little bit. An unnamed pupil in the school spent 500 on some stripper last night and woke up this morning distraught he didn't give her more money. Me and another student showed him Craigslist, so hopefully he can get his fix a lot cheaper. Turns out I am making some nice friends. I am fortunate to have met John (roomate), Seth (guy that rides with us), and Robert so far. They say that the friendships we make in umpire school will last us throughout the years and I am not beginning to doubt this. Tonight I made a connection with a possible intern for this upcoming quarter at UCSD and I am making my plans happen. While I am making connections, I wish my actions were a little different in the month of December, because I think some of my actions made previous connections weaker. This saddens me a little, but we cannot live our life with regret. I will let my experiences inspire my arts, insomuch one day I will be able to reconnect either with them, or a new generation. Tomorrow we have 2 10 question tests. I wouldn't say I studied, but I did put things up on my wall caveman style, and have let them filter into my subconscious. This is Grandmas weekend we're a lot of people have "tragedies" and drop out of school. Ain't gonna happen here.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-54226706513931186172007-01-07T18:14:00.000-08:002007-01-07T18:16:21.428-08:00
Today was Sunday
Like Jesus and God, I did my best to rest. Also, the interesting story of the day was a 21 year old kid in school fell in love with a stripper. Pretty awesome. He spent 500 dollars on her and bought her roses. We showed him Craigslist and urged him not to fall in love.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-56998824827664747282007-01-06T20:28:00.000-08:002007-01-06T20:34:53.888-08:00
Poker and Day 5
Today we started class at 9 30 and went to the field and learned the base umpire's role in a 2 man system with nobody on. Then we went through the demos and learned the pivot. I would say that with 130 people in the class we might have had 8 reps and that was our day. At lunch I learned today that the other school has 75 pupils, and statistically speaking, one has a better change to make it to PBUC. Although, if one is good it doesn't matter, except in my position, I've always relished the wild card role. I'll just roll up my sleeves and work a little harder. Tonight I made 14 dollrs in poker, and my theory on poker is anytime you can make more money working it's not really poker. It was nice to spend an evening with some other guys in the school, and one of the dudes I was playing with turns out is on scholarship to this school. He plays it off well with Ryan the other guy on scholarship, as they are always chilling at the end of the reptition lines. When I sleep tonight I will dream of proper mechanics. Hopefully.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-57952478957989327602007-01-05T19:28:00.000-08:002007-01-05T19:34:35.750-08:00
End of Day 4
I am exhausted. Today we learned the duties of the plate umpire, and the difference between fair and foul. It's important to know the correct words to use because so much of it is important for arguments. We also learned proper footing and pivoting. Ok, there was almost a fight tonight in the bar, and yeah, I am thnking of game theory because each one of us is trying to become a professional umpire. The lesson though is don't quit your dayjob, and it's becoming apparent that some guys are snapping at the pressure and not treating others with courtesy. It's important to be a classy individual when you are out here, yet still be liked by others because in a career in professional baseball your only friend out there is your partner. Most of class today consisted of standing around and waiting your turn to do stuff. It's amazing how smooth we are supposed to be. From teaching and my experiences in leadership, it's not the best method to yell out your name with a raspy voice while yelling "one more pitch". I'm exhausted.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-75821834734339032007-01-04T19:38:00.000-08:002007-01-04T20:22:30.835-08:00
Three Days Down...
This is another long post. It describes most of what we went through today in detail. Even though we are just going through the fundamentals I am beginning to enjoy the process of learning the professional standards of umpiring. Today we had a meeting on the first section of the rules, and then we went out to the field and learned the proper mechanic on how to chase down a pass ball with runners on base, and watch first base on overthrows. Afterwards me and Jon (roomate) and Seth stayed after for extra work. I am doing my best to convince them that as long as we are here we might as well get as good as possible. Seriuosly, I've thought about getting a physical and we are supposed to have one at the start of camp, but the more I think about it the better I would feel if I gave the school a note that says if I expire that the class should just stop for 15 minutes and I wouldn't mind being buried on the field. It'd be fun! My attire in the school has now changed that I will always wear a black shirt and that will be one of the ways I will stand out. The other way is I will outwork everybody. Today I was at the mercy of my rides because they were tired of being at the field. Personally my inspiration is one of the 2 girls in the class. She is solid, and I won't let her outwork me, or outperform me. This means not leaving the field before her from now is my new goal. In the next few days we are respnsible for knowing chapter 1 of the rule book, and we were given specific things to study for. This means that our conversation in the car on the way home consisted of me blurting out the questions and answers we were responsible for. When we got back tonight ( I read another 75 pages out of The Umpire Strikes Back by Ron Luciano and passed out. When I got up I had the best idea and that was to get posters and just write the stuff we are supposed to know and hang it all over the room caveman style. Our room is going to look awesome. I shared some of my theories on life with a few of the guys and am beginning to earn a reputation as a creative thinker. This is nice. On the field it's all mechanical, and I am beginning to show some of my yoga skills. One of my goals for this year was to be able to convince someone to try Bikrams Yoga out here. It will happen. There is a process of everything and the thing to remember that I am trying to hammer in is this is a run and not a sprint. However I won't let anybody here outwork me. They trip out that I can't stand still. I can, I just like to move around when the time is appropriate. Ok here is the stuff we did on the field. For those not in baseball it is not interesting:By the time we go out there we should know how to put on our masks and take them off correctly. We also learned today that we should not backpeddle on the field ever. We are to be loud and should be losing our voices right now so that way they will come back stronger. When we go out on the field, we are to yell our names out, and be authoritative. I think though, that if you really have something important to say that you shouldn't have to say it loud. I guess I could yell, but working a year of adult ball and with little league coaches I learned how to pacify coaches from the onset (talking about my dislexia) and remaining calm. Whatever though, I'll do what the school wants. This is the baseline. The crazy thing is they had Ron Lucianos class picture and there were like 50 students. This goes well with my theory that there is an exponentially increasing population with diminishing resources. It's not too hard to figure out. It's like global warming(lol. exxon and their doublespeak disinformation campaigns). Got on a tangeant. Here is what are supposed to know. By writing it down, it allows me to hammer it down for our upcoming test. Also, we are here we might as well work as hard as we can while we can to maximize the most of our experience. Oh, and their philosophy here is they are going to throw a lot at us, confuse us, and then drag us back out, and then throw more stuff at us. I'm beginning to catch onto things pretty quick. My body isn't so quick to learn, but working out after class is beginning to really help me. Here is what we learned today:Foul pop ups/pass balls with runners on base-We don't look at the ball right away as homeplate umpire. We follow the catcher and do a drop step avoiding him. Then we call the pitch, and run and sacrifice distance over an angle to watch the ball and make sure that its playable and a bunch of other good stuff. Then we hustle back and put our masks on and get ready to go. Ground ball responsibilities-When the ball is hit in the infield and there is a play at first we take our mask off with our left hand and travel up the line to the 45 foot line if we can and stand up and watch for 4 things that the base guy might not see. The first thing we look for is to see if the ball goes out of foul territory. The second is newly added and that is if our partner goes into foul territory, the plate umpire takes the runner to second. The third is if there is a swipe tag. And the fourth is interference. I imagine also if the guys foot off the base, but that doesn't count. The things we are responsible for are the dimensions of certain objects. Then we we recite these on a test we won't be responsible to know them. My philosophy is an umpire should know everything. The Field-90 foot box60 feet to the nearest backstop from the fgouldl ines. Second base is 127 3 3/8 inches. Bases are 90 feet apart. The catchers box is 43 inches by 8 feet, the batters boxes are 6 feet by 4 feet, the three foot line is 48 feet long because it starts at 45 feet and is a three foot running lane and extends three feet past the base. If a runner goes inside or outside and in the umpire's judgment interferes with the throw, the batter/runner is out. The pitchers plate is 24 inches long and 6 inches wide and is a on a mound that slopes starting 6 inches in front of the pitchers plate, 1 inch down for every foot. It's an 8 foot circle. Not all parks have a batters box. The coaches box is 15 feet from the line, and 10 feet deep and 20 feet wide. Home base is five sided slab of whitened rubber with the corners removed. It is 17 inches long at it's longest point 81/2 inches, and then inverses frontwords at 12 inches long. The bases are to be 15 inches square, not less than three nor more than 5 inches thick and filled with soft material. Bats are to be black or brown, and the ball should be between 5 and 51/4 ounces avoirdupois made or cowhide or horsehid and not measure less than 9 inches, and more than 91/4 inches in circumfrence. The bat should not be more than 42 inches long, can be weighing anything and be only 1 piece of wood. Bats can be cupped with the indentation being no more than 1 inch in depth ,and betw2een 1 and 2 inches in diameter. The penalty for a bat that has more than 18 inches of grip substance is to remove the bat from the game. Now the stuff we have on our walls. The catchers mitt should not be more than 38 inches in circumfrence, and 15 1/2 inches from top to bottom. An oversized catchers mitt for knuckleballers is towards this size but still legal. The webs maximum size is 7 inches ,and the thumb crotch is 6 inches. First Basemans mitt or glove. Not more than 12 inches long from top to bottom. no more than 8 inches wide. the space between the thumb and finger is no longer than 4 inchesm and cannot exceed 3.5 inches at the base. Fielders Gloves No more than 12 inches top to bottom, 7 3/4 inches wide 4.5 inches at the top and 3.5 inches at tyhe bottom. Gloves are removed on complaint of the opposing manager. National Association refers to minor league baseball. Catchers are to wear earflaps to protect themselves. This is what we are responsible for knowing this day. Also, there are a lot of girls around this place. Some of them are cute, most of them are not. Although they do keep looking better every day, but none of them have compared to Lindsey or Katie so far. Yeah. Oh yeah, the breakfasts and dinner plans are amusing cause everyone keeps complaining about how bad they are. I opted out, and am eating organic fruits and vegetables. My weight is at 224 right now. Lastly I'm getting decent at taking my mask off without screwing up my hat.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-53003317479280909342007-01-03T18:56:00.000-08:002007-01-03T19:23:47.851-08:00
Towads the end of Day 2
Today I woke up early out of excitement and am grateful that the dude they paired in my room is a light sleeper. His name is Jon, 29 years old from Worcester Massachusetts. Nice guy good roomate. Throughout the school I hear some of the guys saying that we make lifetime friendships and I am not beginning to doubt it. If there was one thing I would compare umpiring school to, it would be like a sperm in a uterus looking for the egg and this process goes all the way until the major leagues. It is so competitive, yet you have to be friendly all the same to others. I was thinking of having a rules study group. Now heres the actual school stuff. We went in and did the administrative paperwork and got our liability information in to them and all that good stuff. I got to thinking that if someone really wanted to have things good here, they would figure out how to tailor clothes, and charge five bucks to tailor pants because there are a ton of guys out here tailoring their new clotches. I am a victim of that and did 2 pairs of pants. Also, one can easily stay in a room at the surrounding area for cheaper than the hotel. One could buy a bike, ride around and sell it for cheaper. It's like renting a bike the way it turns out. There are about 135+ guys in the schcool. It's kinda nuts looking at the field and all the aspiring umpires. When we got to the field we went over the basic out and strike mechanic we'll be using in school. We also went over safe's and basic plate stances. We have two homework assignments. 1. finish 3 information cards. 2. practice 15 minutes a day with safes and outs. Ordering lunch every day we have a nice selection. Hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, chicken sandwiches, and a daily special. Today it was meat loaf and there were some corny jokes about that. Speaking of corny jokes, one was told to lighten us up before we left. Here are some basic mechanics we learned.What we learned is when we are calling out we want to bring our hand back to a 90 degree angle, and go forward with it while the echo resonates after we close our fists and bring them to the stop. I mean when we finish saying "he's out", we stop as well. We "hold it, not pose it". Oh and we stand erect when we do this, and sound authoritative. When we speak and ask questions we do so in front of the class, and we say our name first. On our plate mechanics we get our foot closest to the batter and bring that arm in and tuck it in our gut to prevent injuries. Then we stabilize our bodies with our other hand. If it's a ball we yell out ball after tracking the pitch and the number of balls it is. If it's a strike we do a basic "out" mechanic. Another drill we do is we stand there and call these and afer strike "3" or ball "4" we stand back and call time. When we call time our hands go straight up and our thumbs are in and then we bring our hands back. The other thing is we learned how to take off our masks. We use our left hand always and have our indicator in there. The plate umpires duty is to CALL balls and strikes and know the outs. You don't need innings apparently. We use two or three fingers and pull out and up right above the webbing on the upper side of the mouth. Another thing I picked up is we call it "working" and the guys start distancing themselves from the pack when they come out to the field looking like umpires. The two rules we are supposed to know tomorrow (because they kept reiterating) are that you can't start a game unless there are 9 position players, 2 base coaches, pitcher is on the mound, and you have your mask on. The other rule is regarding the strike zone (horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a lin at the hollow beanth the knee cap) Each batter determines his strike zone as he is in the hitting position. Also any part of the ball comes through this is a strike. A ball that hits the ground is not a strike. Thats most of the stuff we did today.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-49379795154993921102007-01-02T19:48:00.000-08:002007-01-02T20:12:30.780-08:00
The End of Day 1
I am going to use this blog as a repository of all the information I learn in camp. It will benefit me to write it down cause there will be a lot to learn. I don't have much time on the internet but here are a few of my thoughts. We paid in line today and there was a huge line in the hallway. I got there early and that was a huge benefit cause I took care of my registration in about 90 minutes compared to people out there all day. Then I took my rental car back and drove around looking for a bank. Turns out there are no Wells Fargos in this area. Also turns out rental cars handle a lot better than f-250's or 69 Camaro's or 78 VW buses? Did I mention I am homeless when I return. Anyways, I stopped by a museum today and totally got in for free because a professor from Waca University (Jaque Jacobsen) saw my pleas of being a Telusa County resident for free admission and let me in and I attended his lecture on Pre Columbian Art. Also, there was a planetarium inside and I got to take my mind into the brighter depths of the Universe and I thought about how the chemicles in Galaxies interact compared to people and then I got to thinking everything can be divided by two or delved into, and the origins and depths of the Universe. I love that sort of stuff. Back to some juicy details. I'm Mike Nitzani, From Los Angeles, I'm in room 434, and I have a roomate. This is what I said. I got a laugh from the instructors at Umpire Camp where Paul Nauert told me that I needed to smile more. I am going to take his advice to heart, because others say he is a World Class Instructor and if I listen to him to the word, my mind can wander into the depths of the Universe. The other main interaction I had today was paying my tuition. The check accidentally said Academy which is a major "nish nish". Jerry Layne accepted the check, and stated that he was happy to see me make a "try" at this school, except I hate the word try. It denotes failure, and makes me angry, and perhaps was the right words for my personality. Also, I found out that there were two guys here on scholarship from my camp. I didn't get to see them on the field, but I know they composed themselves as classy individuals off the field so they were probably deserving. Obviously I'm biased and think of myself as deserving, but I do like fuel for my fire. Back to what Paul said and when I get into arguments I am definitely going to make it my trademark to smile during arguments. Maybe my experiences with The K hurt me financially, but it certainly helped me find myself in positions where grown people would yell at me. Oh yeah tonight I bought equipment. If I saw a person like me and I was a salesman, I would get excited. I bought a chest protector, belts, 2 pairs pants, a book, 2 shirts. Ok back to the reaches of my mind. You should stop reading now. I was watching this video where a sperm swims into an egg and it has functions and it creates a blastocyst and starts developing. Imagine the same thing on a higher level if an asteroid (like the one in 2029) hits Earth and things get crazy with dusts and all that good stuff. This is what supposedly happened in the Jurassic Era and Mice and rodents where the only things left. Well, imagine if these mice were our ancestors and look at the deviations of current animals with four legs like Bears, Dogs, Cats, and even us. I'm going to look at people and think that they are mice when I deal with them. Back to Mice. I am reminded of my experience with a girl on the train a while back named Miranda who brought her mouse with her. She was neuroscience major. I think my point is that with a degree in social engineering, I should either treat people like mice, or perform experiments on mice? Also, a while back I got an email from UCLA saying my information was compromised and to file a credit report with the credit agencies. Since then, I've made a cashiers check for 2,650 dollars, made a 500 dollar withdraw, made 2 100 dollar aTm withdraws, taken out almost 5 thousand dollars in credit and well, I'll be at zero soon. Basically I traded my 69 Camaro for collateral to fund my adventures in business, school, and immediate life. This is because a great opportuniy exists and the collection of particles I am will only be in this state for a limited of time.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-84391811885736540112006-12-22T21:00:00.000-08:002007-01-02T05:09:17.369-08:00
Some tip I got from a baseball scout and my new years resolutions for 2007
Actually my good friend Kent Hanson. He told me it's beneficial for one to state or write their new years resolutions. By doing so one has it filter into their subconscious or something. The point is I have been lagging hardcore about writing my new years resolutions so here they are. Also, I like this blog system because it allows my brother to easily email my mom my entries. It must have been difficult for him before. Whatever though. Heres the stuff I plan on doing :1. Diet- Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Note how I say vegetables first. These are paramount. The other idea is to only eat on occasions that it is offered to me. The same goes with fast food.2. Internet- My time to the internet will be limited to one hour a day. All the things that I have to set up my ninja ways to make money should be set up. The idea would be to spend an hour a day tops administering them. The other idea would be to be more efficient with my time on the internet.3. Standup Comedy-Earn my way, or sleep my way to the top on the best of. I should be able to by the end of the year produce 8 minutes of quality material on demand. 4. Brokers license-What I need for this is to take the classes and read the books to get ready for the test.5. Run automated credit. Basically I have three banks. One is for personal. The other is for business. The other is my so called "Lindsey account". I hope to have all these credit debts paid off and assets in the accounts.6. Invest money in solid stocks that will gain returns. I will invest 1,000 dollars in a nanotechnology stock, and another in a LED stock.7. Run automated monies. By the end of the year, I don't think it's outside of reach to be able to make 10,000 dollars online almost all automated. The two for profit sites I'll be running should be fully operational by the end of the year, and I'll make it a point to update and manage them in my hour a day. These processes also should be fully automated where monies will be in paypal account and I'll make it money market for a 5 percent interest rate. After March, I'll unveil a new site every three months. 8. Get my mom on automated billpay through her bank and make her life easier.9. Yoga or some sort of excercise everyday. We brush our teeth every day, why not take care of our bodies.10. Stay strong in conversations. Sometimes I have the tendency to shy away from group settings. I want to stay strong, be able to hold court when neccessary, and earn respect with my words. 11. Make others feel special around me. I should live my life like Jesus and treat people with respect and make my friends feel blessed to have me as a friend. 12. Update this blog regularly. It will be the human experience. 13. Get a dermatologist appointment, and get on a good eating plan. Instead of giving gifts at cliche occasions, I plan on giving them throughout the year to those that are special to me. I plan on being able to afford them.14. Getting a job. I plan on getting a job that will pay my bills. As cool as the idea is to live out of my car, I think I should make a better decision, provided the good lord has given me a good family that watches after me. 15. Taking the GRE and getting into a graduate school. There are two things that I can do better than any girl that got 3.5+ gpas in undergrad school. Baseball and Comedy. The idea would be to study for this test for 6 months, use the capital from the sites to help pay for a class and really do well on this test. 16. If I'm still able to play baseball next season I hope to be in good enough shape to pitch, lead the squad in hitting (clutch for sure) and contribute well to a teams chemistry. 17. Here are the launch dates for my sites:Janurary 1, 2007-www.thealternateuniverse.orgApril 2, DM properties Property Management SiteJuly 1, 2007 www.setmyrates.comOctober 1, 2007 www.gapwriter.comsdcomedy franchise...18. With the ladies, I plan on being as smooth as possible, since I'll be working out everyday and eating my fruits and vegetables, I plan on being able to give them a fantastic body with a great personality. Basically the real deal. Sorry ladies, there is only one of me right now. You will have to share. :)19. I plan on at least being able to umpire college baseball games and really having my deal together. 20. I would like to read, write, draw and act. Writings will be sweet romantic poems and short storiesDrawings will be abstractions of how I see the world,Readings will be humanity based literature like The inferno, Kama Sutra, Autobiography of a Yogi, Paradise Lost21. I plan on selling my van and my truck.These are the 21 pillars of my new years resolution. I think it covers all the bases.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com1
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-75793638965291644182007-01-02T04:55:00.000-08:002007-01-02T05:04:23.353-08:00
Management experience
If everything happens for a reason, then my experience at blockbuster new years eve happened for a good reason. When I was there I recognized the clerk from UCSD. We had sociology classes together. I remembered him because he always was off with his questions. Anyways, I asked him what he was doing working at blockbuster and he told me that he went to SDSU business school afterwards and he was trying to work himself into a managerial role. Lol, I can just imagine his dreams when he was a child wanting to work himself in a role at blockbuster at blockbuster. I digress, the point is I have a lot of experience from being thrown into the fire with umpiring and life from playing baseball and my experiences in college and I think this is my most intangible quality. It was a great experience, and I'm ready to move full speed into umpiring. Today we register and have a meeting. Also, it's 8am right now in Florida, but my body is used to west coast time. Not sure if I mentioned this, but I will be changing access to this blog after the school here in Florida.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-83321708437368559582007-01-01T17:10:00.000-08:002007-01-01T17:15:29.520-08:00
I'm in Daytona now
Today would be day 1 of my journey. I went out last night with Lindsey for new years and we ended up going to her house, and missing out on the changing of the year on TV. I woke up a few hours later, and went to the airport early (3am) and waited until 6 30, then boarded two flights-one was in Jacksonville. There it was raining so instead of taking the greyhound and a taxi, I decided that it would be a better idea to drive a rental car here. So, here I am at the beautiful Desert Inn in Daytona Beach Florida eagerly waiting tomorrow to get started. I'm pretty exhausted from traveling. Oh, and the guy at the counter is saying there are about 180 guys in camp!!!I'm glad you are reader, and I hope you enjoy this upcoming journal.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-36078692388952549782006-12-30T16:43:00.000-08:002006-12-31T16:05:38.419-08:00
Couldn't log on for a few days
So, my mom fell and tore some ligaments in her foot and I've been at home the last week. I haven't done much and I really should be in San Diego right now. The trouble is is I don't have a place to stay. There were a bunch of things I should have done in San Diego this week. It's so easy here in Los Angeles that I can't handle things. I'm anxious for umpiring school starting Janurary 2nd. I'm in this blog for the long haul. I purchased the domain name today, www.umpireblog.com for the next three years.Here is my plan for the new year. I'll be at the Desert Inn in Daytona Beach. I will leave at 615 in the morning on New Years and return Feburary 8th, 2006. I got my tickets through priceline, and realized if I would have did some prior planning I could have saved 100 dollars. This upsets me. In fact, all the coupons on the internet piss me off. I wish low rates were just around to begin with.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com2
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-65152935964625650992006-12-07T23:56:00.000-08:002006-12-30T20:56:59.567-08:00
Today was a bizarre day
There are two girls I was pursuing and on the same day both of their actions indicated to me that they were not interested in me any longer. Well, I let them break each other's hearts because the one that would have got me would have been set. Thats life.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-44280035972899157192006-12-22T20:17:00.000-08:002006-12-22T20:39:07.027-08:00
I think I am going to man up and fly to Florida.
Which means what the heyo is going on for new years?Just kidding.I have two whim de jours.One is a fat tax should be placed on all meat sandwiches in retail establishments under 2 dollars at 1 dollar.The other is well I forgot, I think it might be a ten cent tax should be levied on all plastic bags. Edit, the thought of the moment is what the hell is with cell phones? I hate the fact they always buzz in your ear when they go out, and then I hate the fact even more that you can turn them on like ten more times and they will vibrate on and off. Hello.... Hello... Hello.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-89677160542561434812006-12-19T21:07:00.000-08:002006-12-19T21:15:51.537-08:00
Way of thinking
So, I missed a payment on my line of credit. What was interesting is that I called twice and over the phone they told me nothing could be done. Today I went back to the bank and tried again, and sure enough the late payment was turned around. How it relates to umpiring is my philosophy is it is better to be late than early. This deals with everything from walking to the plate and meeting with the manager and making the right call on a tag play. This is my philosophy, however as we all know one should master timing.This weekend I hung out with three of the smartest people I have met in my lifetime. If you clock them they are off the charts smart. They see things differently. I see things differently. Their influence has certainly taken me to a different level. There is no wrong, and there is no right. Similarly, there is no such thing as a wrong call, except a non call.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-75390710469072880112006-12-19T17:17:00.000-08:002006-12-19T17:19:43.107-08:00
My weekend in San Francisco
In the last 6 years I have made 5 trips to San Francisco, and they have have been crazy adventures. This last trip was definitely interesting and a really fun time. The way that the events progressed over the weekend was certainly an intersting adventure. I learned that the mind is a very strong object.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-73185026424063636132006-12-14T11:50:00.000-08:002006-12-14T11:53:03.729-08:00
So, I'm lagging a little bit in studying right now
But I'll get there. This weekend should be a fun one. Headed up to Northern California to see some friends. My websites are looking good and I'll put a link up to them soon. I was thinking, what good are all the jewels and monies in the world if you are dead. The lesson learned is don't do stuff that kills you.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-87216524233830139062006-12-13T09:55:00.000-08:002006-12-13T09:58:52.257-08:00
Dawsons Creek
It needs to be known that when I went to high school, I never was as sophisticated as the characters in the show. The words I used were "it was cool" and "hey". God, there were a lot of asian people in my hometown. Actually, I like having cable TV. After enough sappyness of "Dawsons Creek", I flipped the channel to see Chuck Norris kicking some tail. There are many things on the internet that incorrectly document how much a pimp Chuck Norris is. They underexaggerate his pimptitude.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-74093246965572362312006-12-13T09:36:00.000-08:002006-12-13T09:39:01.244-08:00yes
What did the SAT show me?
There are two ways to advance in life. One is to know the system, the other is to be the most educated. The dude that is the top of the federal reserve (Bernarke) had this theory that those that rise in bureacracies are the ones that have the least trouble. This is a scared and timid way to do things. The ones that should rise are the ones that know the ins and outs of something because they have caused the trouble.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-91684273502203187642006-12-13T07:27:00.000-08:002006-12-13T07:39:21.872-08:00yes
The Lorax is a work of Genius
If you have not read the Lorax, I suggest you read it. Here is a brief synopsis. I don't think the world today is a responsible world. I think the costs of two things in America are too cheap. The first is Oil, the other is food. I I would like to see anybody that lives on a substantial part of land, to plant a fruit tree, or grow some sort of embodiment from the land. Amtrak goes all over the country, and they are also heavily subsidized by the goverment. Why can't they transport fruits all over the country?I suggest that you purchase the lorax or go to a library to read it. It's short reading. Any child will like it for a Christmas gift, or even better yet appreciate it that you took the time to read it to them.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-28457470498944810602006-12-12T06:03:00.000-08:002006-12-12T06:50:19.126-08:00yes
The more things change the more they stay the same
I would say that I am a classic guy. I love the classics and appreciate History with the best of them. I like knowing the events in the past, because these lead to the events in the future. I'm also a condescending prick.Yesterday I saw the nativity story with my mother. I think my experiences over the last six years has taught me to look at things with skepticism. A perfectly rational explanation is Mary "lay" with someone else. When she returned Joseph was obviously torn about it, but how feasible is her explanation? To save her life from stoning she said it was "divine intervention"! Well, maybe it was divine intervention, but then again maybe Joseph was just a super pimp. I've met enough women in my lifetime to know that the majority of them are out of their minds. Maybe Joseph realized that his wife had doubts about their arranged marriage and did go off and have a good time, and she came back to him, and he thought to himself, "I don't care about the past, she is still the best out there and I don't think I can do better". We will have a beautiful life in the future. I guess I would have liked to see some skepticism to Mary's story of divine intervention by people in her village by even looking down to see if she had her hymen in tact. Maybe her mom knew she was promiscuous, maybe it didn't need to be done, because of Mary's tendency to make fibs. Maybe Jesus was God reincarnated because he was conceived by blowjob? Maybe Mary had some Rohypnol? I know that I grew up with a lot of praise and I'm a total narcissist.If Hollywood has the tendency to sensationalize films, it's not in the best interest of Christianity for a movie to be made on the subject. I guess that one dude at the carnival is right. Jesus is the best film ever made. (Actually there are a lot of gaps in this sentence. The story is I was at the fair one time and this dude comes up to me and is like, what is the best movie ever made, and I tell him, "I'm pretty sure it's the Godfather" and he corrects me and tells me it is Jesus. So I get a copy of the film and it's a while later, and I only have an hour to watch it, and and the movie is an hour and a half so I put it in double speed, and while wathcing the film I became inspired. I learned that back in the day there were plants and fruits all over and Jesus could just walk and pick up some grapes along the path and totally eat them. This inspired me to go out and plant fruit all over the Earth. My theory on the matter is that anybody that does not love Jesus has obvious mental problems. ) It would seem like the idea for Hollywood to really indoctrinate Jesus into the mainstream again would be to undersensationalize the movies, so that way parents can go to the films with their children, and then be like, thats hollywood. Jesus did so much more. I guess the reason I am posting this on myspace is because there is a bigger audience than my other blog. Also, it's not really baseball related. This makes me wonder how well Jesus would fare if he played baseball. In my shitty opinion I would say that he would hit .344 lifetime, and hit a homerun in his last at bat.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-78589200271883596622006-12-11T04:31:00.000-08:002006-12-11T04:37:47.363-08:00
It's tough being "tough"
I've made some posts in this blog and I write such mean things and they totally mask what I really think. I think my actions are predictable to an experienced psychologist. Like a mask when I am out on the field, I seem to hide my true feelings, emotions, whatever even in the public eye. I do this well in Standup comedy, and I do it in my online persona. I know that bad things can happen off the field, but when I step onto a baseball field, it's a santuary and any emotion I have is wiped off my face. Right now, I have some anxiety about umpire school in Janurary, and looking at things, I've severed a lot of my relationships over the last few months. I think a better way to describe it is, I've made it difficult for people to be around me. I push myself very hard, and strive for difficult goals. I hope to have two of my websites monetized by the end of the year. One of them is www.thealternateuniverse.org, and the other is a secret for now.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-11560199631345181362006-12-10T10:18:00.000-08:002006-12-10T10:22:15.872-08:00
I dunno...
Maybe I'm a fool. Maybe, I'm really smart. My mind reverts back to Katie as either the one that got away or the one that never was. The reasons I liked her, I do not quite understand. When I found out that other guys were courting her, and she seemed accepting of their offers, it was a natural reaction to get all upset and angry, and bring my game up one notch. I don't like the word "game" though in relati0n. I dunno. I think I will consider her the one that never was.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-18473591985611967722006-12-08T11:10:00.000-08:002006-12-08T14:41:09.534-08:00
Barry Bonds signed to a salary of 16 million dollars per year
which is about 100,000 dollars per game, 20,000 per at bat. The thing that gets me about this is he is not even in the top five highest paid players in baseball. In comparison the umpires make tops 3 to 4 thousand dollars per game. Tops.I think the fans are left to pay for this and this seems pretty expensive. I think that with 81 home games, each fan is responsible for paying 6 dollars for the privlege just to watch Barry Bonds play so he can have his salary. I'm sure there are other considerations that figure into the mix. Hot Dog.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-68167647707526277632006-12-03T22:25:00.000-08:002006-12-06T10:32:16.483-08:00
So I'm going to be studying the rules up until Janurary
Here is a site with random quizzes. To be a big league umpire, I should get these right all the time. If you have any other random quizzes or quirky rules or even links that would help one understand the rules, list them here.http://www.macroweb.com/cgi-bin/qzscore.plhttp://www.baseball-rules.com/and of course, the venerable and oft changinghttp://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/official_info/official_rules/foreword.jsp
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-5593636316960961492006-12-03T22:28:00.000-08:002006-12-03T22:29:26.939-08:00yes
It's easy to go back home
and the only reason I'm staying in San Diego is for a girl I am pursuing. I guess it makes no sense to live in a car here when I can get a room back home, but I guess I want to be close to her, but not in a too creepy sort of way.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-7069363112499149232006-12-03T15:51:00.000-08:002006-12-03T15:53:47.432-08:00yes
A rule I don't understand
Today I was at the beach going over the rule book and I stumbled across the rule about a runner breaking up a double play. It was bizarre because it was the same thing, yet it controdicted itself. This is in the runner section. Another rule I'd like to see happen is if a ball is going foul, and a player throws their gear at it deflecting it, and then catches it, I'd like to see an umpire rule on the call. The rule only talks about a fair ball, and I'm sure an umpire can make 9. c..
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-224879038626902932006-12-03T15:48:00.002-08:002006-12-03T15:51:27.150-08:00yes
Why do they call them Fans?
This is something I learned from my new friend Doc. Doc is a dentist that I met when I was moving out of my place in La Jolla. I didn't actively seek someone to take over my lease, but I met Doc when he stumbled by my place and we started talking baseball. Doc is writing a book about the 1907 Cubs and in it he has a chapter where he talks about two interesting things. The first is that fans are called "fans" because back in the day they were "fanciers" of baseball. Other things he talked about in his book, was the fact there have been numerous elected officials in the history of our great country, but never once has an umpire on any level been found to have thrown a game. Albeit, back in the day they did have the tendency to rule in favor of the home team if they didn't quite see the play...
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-82502043384770309612006-12-03T15:48:00.001-08:002006-12-03T15:48:31.012-08:00yes
jobs with benefits.
The benefits that umpiring has or in particular my jobs next year will be the fact it pays good enough to live on the beach (In La Jolla) out of my car and allows me to do my yoga and pick fruit off trees (like oranges) and most importantly, on Saturdays when I do play baseball or practice with my guys I sometimes have a ball left over in my ball bag, and this seems to happen more when coaches give me an earful.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-81925621675721834472006-12-03T02:21:00.000-08:002006-12-03T02:40:33.062-08:00
My arm might be different and other random jive
When I was at UCSD, I threw out my arm throwing batting practice. In high school and college I was blessed with a strong arm, and even after college I did a little bit of pitching. I remember staring down batters and just going after them. That was fun. Today I went out and got a massage on my arm, and when I rotate my arm, the crack that was there is gone. I haven't thrown a baseball in a few weeks, but it would be a good idea to and I think my arm is ready for some light toss. When I get back from the umpiring school, I will go and play baseball once more with the San Diego Wave. We play in the 18AAA division (the highest division of recreational baseball in San Diego) and it should be pretty good. This will be my seventh season of baseball with Allan (new manager) as a teammate. Allan is probably the most ferocious hitter in the SDABL and I am also one of the best hitters. Hopefully we will have good teammates and chemistry around us. It's getting late, and I didn't want to drive out to the Pomona Car show just yet. There might be a bunch of drunks on the road, and I'm not too good at driving a stick shift just yet. My idea is to go out and get 1,000 dollars in parts and pimp the ride out, and live in it for a while. Then track all the money I've spent on the car, and increase the value of it. I think taking real estate courses helped me out in understanding the idea of using credit to purchase the car, pimping it out, and then reselling it at a profit.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-13624386329727303372006-12-02T14:33:00.000-08:002006-12-02T14:47:45.924-08:00
Introduction
My name is Michael Nitzani. I am a baseball umpire. I've played baseball since the age of 5 years old and played through college. For over a year I managed a baseball team in the San Diego Baseball League called the San Diego Wave. I also umpired in the same league on Sundays. I joined an umpires association in San Diego and have been doing youth ball for a little over a year. I aspire to be around the game as long as I can. I've purchased a 78 Volkswagen Bus and plan to live out of it and use the facilities at the yoga studio to groom properly. I'm attending the Harry Wendelstedt baseball school at the beginning of next year (Janurary 2007). I received positive praise from the instructors at the Major League Umpires Camp in Compton and I believe I can rise to become a major league umpire. This blog will reflect on myself and my experiences in this journey ahead.
Michaelmichael.nitzani@gmail.com0
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-24939282694785283072008-11-10T13:04:00.000-08:002008-11-10T13:04:32.344-08:00
Great work.
Great work.
Carrieannhttp://zeniainsurance.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-63839522517112581002008-06-05T19:34:00.000-07:002008-06-05T19:34:24.190-07:00
Welcome Umpires Tired of paying too much to gear u...
Welcome Umpires Tired of paying too much to gear up? Well this site will be the answer for you. We carry top of the line gear for a fraction of the price. We carry everything you will need to be set for the season. Can you imagine how it would feel to be able to purchase the best gear and be set for the season for as little as $400.00. We are talking about,chest protectors, leg guards, face mask, pants, shirt and Jacket. Also throw in the brushes, indicators ball bags that is a serious saving for you. We at Referee & Umpire Depot knows that the Umpire works hard for his money and we believe that you should be able to keep more of your hard earned money in your pocket. Now the economy is getting tighter and tighter we all have to be careful with our money. This site is going to make that possible for you to accomplish! Visit this site often because new items are added all the time. If you don't see what you want give me a call and I will do my best to find it. Diana 817-807-1641 refereeumpiredepot@live.comI PROMISE IF YOU CAN FIND GEAR CHEAPER I WILL PRICE MATCH
www.umpirestoreonline.comnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-39190600454875926852008-06-05T19:28:00.000-07:002008-06-05T19:28:46.216-07:00
Umpires Tired of paying too much to gear up? Well ...
Umpires Tired of paying too much to gear up? Well this site will be the answer for you. We carry top of the line gear for a fraction of the price. We carry everything you will need to be set for the season. Can you imagine how it would feel to be able to purchase the best gear and be set for the season for as little as $400.00. We are talking about,chest protectors, leg guards, face mask, pants, shirt and Jacket. Also throw in the brushes, indicators ball bags that is a serious saving for you. We at Referee & Umpire Depot knows that the Umpire works hard for his money and we believe that you should be able to keep more of your hard earned money in your pocket. Now the economy is getting tighter and tighter we all have to be careful with our money. This site is going to make that possible for you to accomplish! Visit this site often because new items are added all the time. If you don't see what you want give me a call and I will do my best to find it. Diana 817-807-1641 refereeumpiredepot@live.comI PROMISE IF YOU CAN FIND GEAR CHEAPER I WILL PRICE MATCH
Referee & Umpire Depothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435311942901606071noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-30597284510644440852008-05-04T21:56:00.000-07:002008-05-04T21:56:28.712-07:00
umpiring baseball. 26 years old.
umpiring baseball. 26 years old.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-44897612755788100882008-05-04T13:33:00.000-07:002008-05-04T13:33:05.273-07:00
do you have a job? how old are you? just intereste...
do you have a job? how old are you? just interested
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-65867161846548202492008-04-29T22:00:00.000-07:002008-04-29T22:00:38.984-07:00
they won. mike got 2 hits and the first runs batt...
they won. mike got 2 hits and the first runs batted in!
lalobahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14253653768463268077noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-47700753390301960092008-03-07T14:22:00.000-08:002008-03-07T14:22:37.450-08:00
that mention appearances
that mention appearances
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-20359129202474841452008-03-04T11:31:00.000-08:002008-03-04T11:31:29.084-08:00
hey, here is the site i was talking about where i...
hey, here is the site i was talking about where i made the extra cash, I was making about $900 extra a month...check it out ..
jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15075953977091579003noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-59825151626684098812008-03-03T09:51:00.000-08:002008-03-03T09:51:30.014-08:00
please tell me the articles you speak of
please tell me the articles you speak of
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-47489187734071301072008-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:002008-01-26T10:14:06.028-08:00
Glad to see you posting again. Hopefully all will ...
Glad to see you posting again. Hopefully all will work out for you financially. I know how breaking into baseball either as a player or umpire sometimes starts with a vow of poverty.Take Care,Warrenwww.umpire-empire.com
Warrenwww.umpire-empire.comnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-18297568326827626612007-11-16T19:31:00.000-08:002007-11-16T19:31:28.388-08:00
You know the funny thing about it is that 11 years...
You know the funny thing about it is that 11 years removed from the game and I would use the same title for your blog. If you like reading, check out Amazon for the titles..."The Best Seat in Baseball, but you have to stand...The Game as the Umpire sees it...Written by Lee Gutkind...Written in 1975 and I thought it was a classic, in the day, but gives a great perspective of what the game was really like...the other, is "The Boy's who would be Cubs...Written by Joseph Bosco...A perspective of the minor leagues as a player and team in the Midwest League in 1990, with the Cubs organization in Peoria Illinois, when I was there...Not trying to deter you from your decision, but these were the things that helped me make my decision. Best of luck and keep in touch
Yerout19http://www.blogger.com/profile/04185541944532299287noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-53055119527187831172007-11-16T18:50:00.000-08:002007-11-16T18:50:53.651-08:00
thanks for the comments. I have a long way to go,...
thanks for the comments. I have a long way to go, but I think I'll be ready to go in Jan. 2009.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-67704255356602827912007-11-16T18:44:00.000-08:002007-11-16T18:44:34.454-08:00
If you have the opportunity to go...GO! But you m...
If you have the opportunity to go...GO! But you must differentiate yourself from player and umpire. I spent 8 years in the minors from 89-96 and it is a grueling process. Had I stayed in for a couple of more years...'99...I might have had a shot. Laz Diaz played in the Dodger organization before making the transition, and he made the switch. It didn't come without a lot of problems and things that he was able to overcome. You cannot think about being an umpire, if you are truly a player. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to umpire in the big leagues and it is awesome...for me on the east coast, as I am sure it is on the West, there are a number of towns that you would like to forget, in the lower minor leagues. But you have to be willing to give up everything to travel and experience a lonely life. If you are young...Go for it!
Yerout19http://www.blogger.com/profile/04185541944532299287noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-63217511662660203382007-11-06T02:57:00.000-08:002007-11-06T02:57:41.826-08:00
A foul tip can't rattle your dome because the catc...
A foul tip can't rattle your dome because the catcher caught it.A foul BALL however, can do it.
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-794128281193103962007-10-23T12:37:00.000-07:002007-10-23T12:37:02.856-07:00
So are you going back to umpire school this Jan.??...
So are you going back to umpire school this Jan.??
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-38184186797124830372007-10-09T22:47:00.000-07:002007-10-09T22:47:10.403-07:00
I appreciate the kind words.
I appreciate the kind words.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-77244455271791304202007-10-09T22:41:00.000-07:002007-10-09T22:41:15.265-07:00
This one's easy - The runner is out. He must touch...
This one's easy - The runner is out. He must touch the bag before the fielder with the ball.Had this happen in a JC game some years ago. Talk about pissed off coaches. :)The first base coach was a stand-up guy, and told his head coach the runner, indeed missed first base. Problem solved.
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-24963881452990558302007-10-09T22:31:00.000-07:002007-10-09T22:31:20.335-07:00
I've umpired from minors in Little League to Divis...
I've umpired from minors in Little League to Division I NCAA, to College post season, and some legitimate semi-pro games.For years a I'd get a couple NCAA buddies and we'd do LL All-star games as a crew. The teams appreciated the quality. The players ate it up. The fans appreciated the obvious quality improvement. There wasn't a time when we didn't receive free food. Not once. Unprofessional? Give me a break. The leagues were always very gracious and appreciative.Even in the regular season, before I was asked to do NCAA ball, every LL in which I umpired, (I was chief for a season one year) umps were given a meal and a drink after their game. Most LL umps aren't paid. The few that are, aren't paid enough to matter. Free food is a simple act of appreciation.
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-67964040626579219912007-08-09T15:11:00.000-07:002007-08-09T15:11:55.871-07:00
please post the details of the woodbat championshi...
please post the details of the woodbat championship game.
just a dudenoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-49887463059453536692007-08-09T14:44:00.000-07:002007-08-09T14:44:29.445-07:00
P.s. we're playing in a championship game for our ...
P.s. we're playing in a championship game for our woodbat league. Let me know if you want to make it. Details haven't been posted yet as to location.
nitzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334691957023774222noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-84465650380350222242007-08-09T14:43:00.000-07:002007-08-09T14:43:51.824-07:00
This is a video of me working a game by myself. A...
This is a video of me working a game by myself. Adult League Style. http://youtube.com/watch?v=-BdqBEgUEFEHere is a video of me hitting in a game in Pasadena California. http://youtube.com/watch?v=jE9GPs9uRAQ
nitzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334691957023774222noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-16994077218979262432007-08-09T14:33:00.000-07:002007-08-09T14:33:09.744-07:00
noooooooooo. i wanted to see you ump just once.......
noooooooooo. i wanted to see you ump just once....or play.any games before you leave?
just a dudenoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-66496549988774403512007-07-30T09:43:00.000-07:002007-07-30T09:43:02.585-07:00
pro umpires get free beer and food. Thats why the...
pro umpires get free beer and food. Thats why the reason they're all large when they get to the bigs.
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-72800269450081026912007-07-30T09:23:00.000-07:002007-07-30T09:23:13.839-07:00
You keep making comments about not getting free fo...
You keep making comments about not getting free food, as if you deserve it. You're getting paid to umpire the game! Talk about unprofessional.
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-41732884384382636712007-07-26T14:48:00.000-07:002007-07-26T14:48:06.474-07:00
"cies la vies"???Try "c'est la vie".
"cies la vies"???Try "c'est la vie".
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-75820518385003226392007-07-11T06:25:00.000-07:002007-07-11T06:25:25.858-07:00
I don't really understand your answer. Check out t...
I don't really understand your answer. Check out this thread on the subject. http://www.sdabl.com/bullpen/viewtopic.php?p=26548#26548
nitzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334691957023774222noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-15697879111824079602007-07-11T05:54:00.000-07:002007-07-11T05:54:05.530-07:00
assuming there are no outs F3 catches the ball an...
assuming there are no outs F3 catches the ball and touches the bag the runner is out " the runner must beat the ball to the bag" if the runner never touched the bag the runner is out. If F3 catches the ball but pulls his foot off before catching the ball because he thought the runner touched the bag then the runner is a no call unless an appeal and the run counts. now already one out. F3 receives the ball but does not touch 1st. then you have the one out at second, a safe runner at 1st, and a score at the plate provided you allow enough time for any appeals and the play stands at the next pitch. But what F3 pulls his foot off the bag?
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-26101766138545955932007-07-10T07:06:00.000-07:002007-07-10T07:06:14.691-07:00
That sounds right, but the question is even on a b...
That sounds right, but the question is even on a bang bang play and with a force in line? I wouldn't make that call at the plate at all if the play was a force.
nitzerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334691957023774222noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-64104328414793970882007-07-10T05:40:00.000-07:002007-07-10T05:40:22.577-07:00
You make no call at first.Dude at first is safe un...
You make no call at first.Dude at first is safe unless a coach or defensive player appeals.
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-6786670602610266512007-07-03T20:34:00.000-07:002007-07-03T20:34:47.142-07:00
I'm rooting for you!
I'm rooting for you!
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-44760549615341438922007-07-03T07:41:00.000-07:002007-07-03T07:41:03.886-07:00
?
?
avid umpire blog readernoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-5652702675459199622007-06-30T07:07:00.000-07:002007-06-30T07:07:15.150-07:00
I'm working on it, Nitzani.
I'm working on it, Nitzani.
a girl umpirenoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-55345897488672948492007-06-25T14:04:00.000-07:002007-06-25T14:04:38.412-07:00
I am going to Jim Evans. Good school. Good Luck!...
I am going to Jim Evans. Good school. Good Luck!
Chirsnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-26403060630551656362007-06-24T21:42:00.000-07:002007-06-24T21:42:20.148-07:00
contemplating. If I do, I'm going back to the Wen...
contemplating. If I do, I'm going back to the Wendelstedt School.
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-85564972736247764242007-06-24T21:36:00.000-07:002007-06-24T21:36:53.446-07:00
Are you going back to umpire school in 08 Mike?
Are you going back to umpire school in 08 Mike?
Chrisnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-52937250328136802272007-06-06T07:34:00.000-07:002007-06-06T07:34:48.557-07:00
Nitzani! Eating the continental breakfast at a ho...
Nitzani! Eating the continental breakfast at a hotel where you're not staying is STILL WRONG! Things haven't changed!But I love you anyway. I'm writing to a friend I haven't written to since before umpskool, and I'm telling her about you and John's "Odd Couple" dynamic, and it's pretty damn funny. I'm a little sad that the world will never again witness you guys sharing the same living space for a month.
Katenoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-69039772033537178762007-06-05T21:53:00.000-07:002007-06-05T21:53:14.213-07:00
I know that Ken Kaiser was a professional wrestler...
I know that Ken Kaiser was a professional wrestler but what does that have to do with you?
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-79928175264450608622007-06-05T14:14:00.000-07:002007-06-05T14:14:45.614-07:00
If you saw her too, you wouldn't get any sleep eit...
If you saw her too, you wouldn't get any sleep either. And for your records, fromer major league baseball umpire Ken Kaiser was an ex professional wrestler.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-77920356734648348702007-06-05T02:48:00.000-07:002007-06-05T02:48:24.113-07:00
I just watched your videos on youtube and read you...
I just watched your videos on youtube and read your blog entries and you seem like a very obnoxious and unprofessional umpire. I find it difficult that you attended umpire school and would be irresponsible enough not to get any sleep before a day where you had 12 hrs of games scheduled. I hope for your sake if you are serious about umpiring you grow up a little.
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-37257674722223210732007-05-30T04:47:00.000-07:002007-05-30T04:47:43.405-07:00
This is sweet.
This is sweet.
leninawww.aliciapoet.comnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-83220366737008825472007-05-01T21:45:00.000-07:002007-05-01T21:45:33.866-07:00
Thanks for the support. I gotta come up with a wa...
Thanks for the support. I gotta come up with a way to filter out the players all day long.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-70836894478981820212007-05-01T21:01:00.000-07:002007-05-01T21:01:45.289-07:00
i wish people knew how taxing it is on your mind t...
i wish people knew how taxing it is on your mind to umpire a cut-throat baseball game.i wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Pensblog Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200098834127429747noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-3657461553859143482007-04-27T15:46:00.000-07:002007-04-27T15:46:28.610-07:00
Hi Chris, I would if I could. Eventually I took y...
Hi Chris, I would if I could. Eventually I took your criticisms to heart. :) I'm actually playing baseball tomorrow at San Diego High School at 1pm, and I'm getting there via mass transportation.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-28183286284108790472007-04-27T14:00:00.000-07:002007-04-27T14:00:21.730-07:00
Remeber me?... I posted some comments a few weeks ...
Remeber me?... I posted some comments a few weeks back? Anyway, I am working @ Quakes Stadium (Rancho Cucamonga)tommorow @ 8am and 11am. Swing by if you can! Chris
Chrisnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-82894762599228997042007-04-21T00:21:00.000-07:002007-04-21T00:21:45.559-07:00
Thanks for the kind words Kate. You rule!
Thanks for the kind words Kate. You rule!
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-81723762481857004852007-04-20T23:58:00.000-07:002007-04-20T23:58:20.147-07:00
Yeah, me too. But you're my fave scammer and I st...
Yeah, me too. But you're my fave scammer and I still think you're gonna be on the cover of either Money, The Economist, or Time one day...if you want.
Katenoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-52709715297480167292007-04-15T02:03:00.000-07:002007-04-15T02:03:34.810-07:00
Dude I LOVE that Bryan barton guy!
Dude I LOVE that Bryan barton guy!
Bryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15436312839779086581noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-55259040665110416322007-03-28T21:58:00.000-07:002007-03-28T21:58:27.196-07:00
The pitch I rang up Mr. Hickox in School was at le...
The pitch I rang up Mr. Hickox in School was at least 2 feet outside. But I lived with the call. Actually you make some pretty good points. Thanks Chris.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-40561857437318362662007-03-28T21:40:00.000-07:002007-03-28T21:40:22.518-07:00
ok....good luck buddy. With that attitude, you wi...
ok....good luck buddy. With that attitude, you will never make it past youth ball. You probually rang up Eddie Hickox on the same pitch @ school.
Chrisnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-36158996369682533712007-03-28T21:25:00.000-07:002007-03-28T21:25:05.541-07:00
If I called a pitch that is legitimately a strike ...
If I called a pitch that is legitimately a strike a ball, I'll still get shit from the other team. It's a dictatorship out there, especially in one man mechanics, and if I call it a strike, it's a strike. This is the other definition of the strike zone:The strike zone is defined as whatever the umpire calls it on that particular day. I did not seek advice from you. Like all shitty umpires, this is a chance to showcase my skills. Watch the video again. It's a god damn strike, and I called it as such, even though the ball had a parachute attached to it.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-40192644116633400002007-03-28T20:09:00.000-07:002007-03-28T20:09:45.130-07:00
ok..... Why can't some umps just take some quality...
ok..... Why can't some umps just take some quality advise? At "school", they teach tracking the ball all the way to the glove. If you want to get technical, the ball may have cross at the bottom of the zone. I am tellin ya that if you keep calling that pitch a strike, you are going to have some sh!thouses. Just slow down, track the ball properly, you will learn that that pitch is down and you will ball it. I know that you just got back from school and you are ready to take on the world. In time, you will "simmer down" We all do. Chris
Chrisnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-39261057781382573812007-03-28T15:48:00.000-07:002007-03-28T15:48:07.672-07:00
Chris, Take a closer look at the pitch and freeze ...
Chris, Take a closer look at the pitch and freeze frame. The pitch crossed the plane of the plate right above the knees as the better was ready to hit. By rule this is a strike. Especially when the pitcher can barely get the ball over with out it looking it looking like a parabola.
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-59341843273364477452007-03-28T09:53:00.000-07:002007-03-28T09:53:56.286-07:00
On the last pitch you called a strike, that ball l...
On the last pitch you called a strike, that ball looked down. Make sure you track the ball right to the glove. The catcher caught that ball rear the ground and he "pulled" the pitch. Good timing and proper use of eyes will help you develope a consistant and "fair" strike zone. Good luck! Chris
Chrisnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-65625563793122916222007-02-10T08:09:00.000-08:002007-02-09T14:15:51.043-08:00
Hi...I am happy to read your blog, and to have it ...
Hi...I am happy to read your blog, and to have it as a testimonial!I enjoyed meeting you and please send em your other sites so I can have a look as well.Joan
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-90403714087558293402007-02-08T15:20:00.000-08:002007-02-07T07:29:14.953-08:00
Good luck. All the best to you.
Good luck. All the best to you.
Aliciahttp://aliciapoet.livejournal.comnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-14359601174031318122007-02-01T07:10:00.000-08:002007-02-01T07:10:50.729-08:00
Have you ever been ass raped by Dave Pallone? If s...
Have you ever been ass raped by Dave Pallone? If so, did you enjoy it?
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-22177550118624769302007-01-29T14:45:00.000-08:002007-01-29T14:45:01.619-08:00
It sounds like your only thinking about yourself M...
It sounds like your only thinking about yourself Mikey.
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-90632488511573387012007-01-29T08:56:00.000-08:002007-01-29T08:56:09.273-08:00
Sounds like you're homesick, Mikey. Maybe this wi...
Sounds like you're homesick, Mikey. Maybe this will cheer you up: as soon as you get home I'll take your money in a friendly poker game again. If that doesn't make you want to come home soon, I don't know what will.
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212268253373814802noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-57712907843035126412007-01-26T21:34:00.000-08:002007-01-26T21:34:53.447-08:00
Just friends with the girl in class? I'm dissapoi...
Just friends with the girl in class? I'm dissapointed, Mikey. Did you show her your yoga skills?
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212268253373814802noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-77153717079549088832007-01-10T02:32:00.000-08:002007-01-10T02:32:09.838-08:00
I'll check it out. I've wasted too much money fly...
I'll check it out. I've wasted too much money flying 1 way.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-3869210280774608622007-01-10T02:30:00.000-08:002007-01-10T02:30:46.529-08:00
Also outsmart them :) You Kevin would especially...
Also outsmart them :) You Kevin would especially like this school with your arguing background. This is the best part of umpiring. I would suggest for you to come out hitters figure out how to hit the ball that comes from behind their ear.
Michaelnoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-24166552293775481262007-01-09T18:55:00.000-08:002007-01-09T18:55:07.292-08:00
You aced both tests? Maybe I should look into tha...
You aced both tests? Maybe I should look into that school...Glad to see you're doing well--keep it up!
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11212268253373814802noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-71599592694807537252007-01-09T10:54:00.000-08:002007-01-09T10:54:44.637-08:00
Good luck Mike. I like your work ethic. Outwork ...
Good luck Mike. I like your work ethic. Outwork 'em all!!!
Enoreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-88401370245515030362007-01-04T02:20:00.000-08:002007-01-04T02:20:51.962-08:00
Cheapflights.com is pretty good.
Cheapflights.com is pretty good.
aliciapoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237543290376332924noreply@blogger.com
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2225766798692525023.post-91115280322771831242007-01-04T02:10:00.000-08:002007-01-04T02:10:02.220-08:00
I feel blessed to have you as a friend.
I feel blessed to have you as a friend.
aliciapoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237543290376332924

I don't like updating this anymore.

Here's my story though.

I am working in Arcadia while I'm helping my mom out for the next 6 weeks. I can't remember the last time I worked the field. I'm lobbying Will Wood for USABF games. I am returning to my roots as a man deep rooted in baseball.

Hitchhiking/skateboarding umpire

One of the downsides of all the traveling I do to work baseball games is the effects it has on my van. The other day I got a flat tire in Carlsbad on the way to my game in Vista. I left early cause I wanted to clean my vehicle while waiting, and sure enough, my tire goes out. Through the joy of cell phones, I call up my partner and the auto club (I have their number memorized) and suggest he works the plate and I'll get there when I can.

So sure enough with my 60 dollar check from working the game, I get to pay my flat tire , and fuel costs associated with traveling. Moreover, I had to jog about 4 miles to the game, which I did. I needed the exercise and apparently nobody was interested in picking up a hitchhiking umpire in Vista. When I got to the park, it was the top of the first inning. Apparently one of the teams couldn't arrive on time.

The next day I did a Westview Frosh game. This game was fun because I had a timing play with one man, but also the kids at this level don't throw hard enough, so a batter leaned into a pitch into the strike zone and I called him out on strikes. This was fun. Because I like to James Bond things, I allow myself little margin of error to arrive places. So, I skateboarded to the field. It beats running, because I don't get as sweaty. It's like an urban glider. After the game, the kids from the winning team said some nice words and called me a "stud". Another kid and his parent walked to my car after the game to talk about umpiring, and I told the kid, if his head was on straight he'd keep playing baseball.

This is what I did this weekend, and for the third week in a row I caught. Our team was short handed and what was sweet, is when I noticed the other squad stealing our signs, I gave them a cipher that was hard to figure out. Plus I did some nice things in the game, like slide head first on a stolen base attempt and come up firing on twibbers in front of the plate.

This week, I have 7 games, Monday through Saturday which should be a lot of fun. I look forward to it.

What goes up, comes down

Part of the fun of the stock market is short selling for me. I like earning money off everyone elses exuberance. It's also a rush.

But I'm not talking about the market. I'm talking about me. One of the perks of umpiring baseball and what fun would this blog be if I didn't devulge juicy details is snagging baseballs for my baseball squad. These baseballs are shared with Hoover High School (Inner City Youth Program). Most of these baseballs come from the more well off to do leagues. Or from teams whose coaches decided to give me a hard time.

Even though I don't have much money, I love the fact I look forward every week to playing baseball. This week, I plan on being on the field all 7 days!!! I have high school games, youth games, and adult games.

Unfortunately, on the other front, things are going poorly. My car got towed last night because I blocked someones driveway. The people want over 400.00 from me for impound fees. Plus, I have racking debts every month that are just so super annoying. I spent another 3o something dollars today looking for online information about a scam artist that took me for some money a couple years ago.


I have being in the middle range and trying to do what's right. I want to do stuff that excels. I also hate it when we get rookie umpires in the adult leagues that think it's ok to make a team lose because they don't like a pitcher or a catcher or whatever. Oh, and my girlfriend has given me a bunch of crap all week. I need a night away.

Baseball

Last night it dawned on me how fun things are right now. I don't have a bunch of money but I'm day trading the stock market, going out there every day umpiring. For the next couple of week's I'll be out there working at least 15 baseball games. The fun part is earning a reputation. The pay is squat, but I love it. I'm happy. I have a beautiful girlfriend. An awesome place near the water. A top notch education. What I have is priceless.

I'm working a lot of games in the next couple of weeks so look for updates

Tonight I worked in Encinitas with Jay Cohen. My fear is not enough kids are playing baseball. This saddens me, but as a sociologist I realize why. Baseball is expensive, and time consuming. Plus coaches and umpires alike don't know what they're doing. Kids today live in a different world. Maybe that's just my pessimistic view.

During tonights game there is a 2 hour 15 minute time rule. No new inning can start after this. Sure enough, the home team makes the last out with a minute to go. Then turn a double play on the visiting team, and come back from 4 runs down to win. It didn't help with a couple of errors, but I did make a dubious double play call when the game was looking like it was getting out of hand.

We live and learn, and the lesson learned for umpires is to call it as you see it. As it is.

Earlier in the day at the other field, there was some rookie umpires and I gave them a little flack about hands in pockets. It's a no-no.

Spring Training

It was a lot of baseball this week. On Sunday all the games got rained out, except for mine. I worked a one man game in Oceanside. 2.65 hours, and I ended up making a gutsy call. I called the catcher out for stepping outside of the box. That got some trouble, but ultimately respect.

Then I went to Spring Training in Arizona. I got a foul ball and drank and ate too much. I want to be out there. My plan is to lose 20 pounds and try out for professional baseball.

This is what happened in our teams baseball game.

In the bottom of the 8th inning in our game today our squad had runners on first and second, with nobody out, and the fielder goes for the slow ground ball and our runner passes him, and he tries to swipe our guy. The ball goes in the outfield, and our runner on second scores. And we have a tie ball game. The field umpire signals on the play the safe mechanic and says that's nothing, and the play proceeds.

After all is settled, the home plate guy calls time, and calls our runner out, and says the ball hit our runner. He calls him out, and moves the runners back to their original positions. Instead of a tie game, our team is down one, and a rally is killed.

What had ensued was the home plate umpire THREW HIS PARTNER UNDER THE BUS.

In the top half of the inning, our friend the home plate guy gets hit with a baseball, and announces audibly that our catcher (me) was horrible. I use my umpire training, to make him appear as the aggressor. Our team then proceeded to earn a victory after trailing three runs in the bottom of the ninth. I got a big hit with the bases loaded and one out to knock in two runs and scored the winning run.