Outside of umpiring, what do you do for a living?

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"I am retired. I spent 27 years in the Military. I am still active as a volunteer firefighter. I am the Chair of Fire Prevention and Life Safety for Harford County Fire and EMS Assn. Active with community advisory boards for Joppa and Edgewood. I am also on the Board of Directors for the Harford Cable Network."

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When and where did you begin umpiring?

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"I started in the Edgewood Rec program at the request of Don Myers (HCUA Secretary), in 2007.  The rest is history."

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In what year did you join Harford County Umpires Association?

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"2008."

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What's been your proudest achievement in umpiring?

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"Being on the field behind the plate at Ripken Stadium in 2016 for a high school game."

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What was the strangest situation you've ever been involved with while umpiring?

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"Having the coach on a team talking in Spanish to his players and telling the pitcher to throw at the umpire (me). My partner happened to speak Spanish. He called time and advised me what was happening. I told the coach that I knew what was going on. I told him he had to remain silent. Of course, he did not.  I had to call a Ripken official and have him ejected.”

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Funniest heckle you've heard while umpiring?

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"Being nicknamed “The Blind Umpire” by one of the Rec coaches. It was all in fun though."

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Do you have a goal that you are hoping to achieve in 2019?

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"I am hoping to do more games, if my health will let me. And of course, improve my skills. I like to improve some each year."

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What's the best advice you would give to a new umpire?

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"Be patient with the learning process. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, but recognize it and correct it as needed. Talk to your partner, as communication is the biggest key to your success. Take constructive criticism as such, not as being picked on. Watch the seasoned umpires and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be the best."

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