Athlete Quotes

Most plays that are missed by the umpire are caused by the umpire not reading those cues early enough and making the proper adjustments.

Minor league umpires are evaluated in their respective leagues each year and rated numerically. This enables umpires to know where they stand and helps them make prudent career decisions.

Looking back on those games, I probably hustled out of position as much as I hustled into position since I really never had any real training. I was working on instincts alone.

I set very high standards for myself and worked every game with the same energy and enthusiasm as if it were the seventh game of a World Series.

I reached the point where I actually enjoyed the umpiring more than playing.

I personally developed the Academy training program. All our training is based on solid educational principles. We present the material in four training formats: lecture, demonstration, drill, and implementation.

I literally paid my way through the University of Texas with my umpiring.

I learned a valuable life lesson that summer. You should find something in life that you really enjoy and seriously consider making that your life's work.

I have looked back on situations and thought that I could have handled a few differently and probably better.

I had a great first year and Mr. MacDonald was my biggest supporter. He gave me the encouragement I needed that first year to get my career started on a positive note.

I attribute my success to my mental approach to the game. I have always been a serious student of umpiring. I enjoy studying rules, situations, and positioning.

Game management is accomplished by staying constantly alert and then reading and reacting to potential problem situations before they materialize. It all boils down to paying attention to details.

During the final two weeks of training, our students work simulated game situations in which our staff members role-play as players, managers, and coaches. They are given immediate feedback following each camp game.

As a youngster, I played in Little League, Pony League, and all sorts of amateur baseball programs growing up.

Anyone interested in becoming a professional umpire and becoming eligible to work in the minor leagues must attend one of the two umpire schools sanctioned by Major League Baseball.

After one year in the Texas League, the American League bought the rights to my contract. They optioned me back to the Texas League for the 1970 season.

Umpires, like players, are expected to show constant improvement each season and at each level. Inconsistent plate work and the inability to handle situations are probably the two biggest problems that minor league umpires face.

Managers have very tough jobs. I always respected their job but demanded respect in return.

As a whole, the managers today are different in temperament. Most have very good communication skills and are more understanding of the umpire's job. That doesn't mean they are better managers. It just means that I perceive today's managers a bit differently.

If you don't think every day is a great day try going without one.

Another way to lose control is to ignore something when you should address it.

If you really know... what you want and how to get there, then everything else really falls into place.

If I look good then I feel good and if I feel good, then I'll fight good.

I've thought about it a hundred times. I even buy bridal magazines sometimes. I want David Tutera to do my wedding.

I'm obsessed with getting married, but I don't even have a boyfriend.

I thought that when I won the Olympic trials I was going to be the happiest person in the whole world. And I was happy. But it wasn't like I thought it was going to be. I had already imagined it in my head so many times. It was real before it happened.

I look forward to continuing to be a role model to women across the country and helping them have confidence in all they do in the ring, on the court or in the game of life!

I don't have to think. My only job is to show up and win.

As an athlete, confidence makes me more competitive and helps me perform better.

I used to be so aggressive, but after a while I started learning. It's not that I know how to adapt, but I know all styles of fighting so I can change my style of fighting to whatever it needs to be. That just comes from years of training and a lot of sparring partners.