How to Umpire Baseball and Softball » AA

Chapter Nine: Why I’m in Texas

Editor — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:40:51 +0000

April 11 I am reminded why I’m umpiring baseball games in Amarillo instead of basking on the Russian River with Donna. I work my first plate game tonight—and I’m brilliant. The energy flows unimpeded, my timing is precise. I can umpire! The game is a rout—13-0, El Paso. No matter, for I could have handled the frigging [...]

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Chapter Nine: Why I’m in Texas

Chapter Four: Fraternizing

Editor — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 16:00:09 +0000

March 17 Charlie has a facility for banter with black ballplayers that I lack with most white players. It’s as though they’re members of a secret club, with a secret language. Actually, Charlie speaks two languages. When he meets my white, middle-class parents, he sounds like Eddie Haskell greeting Beaver’s parents. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Boga. [...]

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Chapter Four: Fraternizing