This past camp was THE best ever.  The intensity we had in every session was grueling and demanding.  But we continue to learn and seek to know more every day, every week, every month, every game.  Westudy, read, watch videos, attend games seeking to be the best we can—- and thats what this camp instilled into us.  The presence of James Hoye was incredible.  One of the chosen as we called him.   A goal we as umpires talk about, dream about, wish about and then reality sets in knowing we’ll never get there BUT we strive to be the very best we can every game — whether it high school, tee ball, federation ball, recreation ball, fall ball —- a game is THE game.  The base sessions as well as the cages sessions were very instrumental in yet taking us veterans to a higher awareness of learning.  The classrooms with Matt and Gary were fabulous.  Questions and answers at its finest.  But you as the organizer accomplished  something very few people do in a camp setting as this.  As a former special forces person, I know a little about team work, camaraderie and friendship.

While  you manage to beat the heck out of us for two days, you remain friends and inspirations to us all.  Take a bow for that.  We will never be able to thank you enough for what you’ve done for us.  We are glad that we have found your magic kingdom of safes & outs, balls & strikes.   We even brought a rookie with us this year.  He was dog tired on Sunday but the best quote I heard from him was, ” … now I know why you guys are so good.”  I apologize for the length.  You ask for thoughts and I delivered.

Now — “Play Ball”!