Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Joe Whitefield announces retirement

By Joe Whitefield

Many years ago I was sitting around with Jack Miller, George Eshelman, Buddy Brown, Ray Sullivan and we were all talking on the subject of When Is It the Right Time to Retire? There were thoughts of when it isn’t any fun, when you’re in it for the money, or mostly it when it becomes a job.

Joe in Texas about 100 years ago.

I’ve run into another category of having a physical condition that prohibits me from being in the right place at the right time. I worked about 7 – 8 games this year and each one we had to modify mechanics just for my sake of being unable to perform the A level at each game.

You men who worked with me have my appreciation. I really thought as the season went on, my handicapped leg would get back to norm but as the doctor said, Joe you will never walk or run normally ever again. I’ve come to realize that and I’ve always said if I ever perform like umpire JM tell me to my face so I can step down.

Joe Whitefield (right) earlier this season with an unidentified partner.

Well men and ladies, I’m there now and the Shorecrest vs Kamiak game I worked with Jason was my last. I am officially retiring after 37 years of officiating, 31 years with NBUA. I’ve appreciated the friendships off the field, the fun with you and the actual honors.

During this period I’ve called balls and strikes on the National League Cy Young winner, the American League Cy Young winner, the NCAA Player of the Years, the second place finisher in American Legion, and the National League Rookie of the Year.

I’ve worked Pinto Ball up to D-1 at the Notre Dame Classic at the old Kingdome, the old Western International League, a real semi pro league and even Texas Prison Baseball with a guard on a horse, big sunglasses and shotgun as my guard.

While working these games I did have time to serve the membership and spend 23 years on the Board of Directors. In my time I introduced the tier level in the training, taking the NBUA patch off the caps to the shirts, introduced computerized accounting to the association and overcame objections to have the assigning done by computer. Granted the first year was problematic but it gave us a start and thanks to good timing Leslie came along with her system. And yes, I had time to serve as President for four years taking us into the 21st century.

Through the NBUA I’ve won the WIAA/WOA officials award in 2000, Umpire of the Year in 1994, George Eshelman award in 2007, Distinguished Service Award and I’ve been to State assignments nine times. At best count I have worked in total some 3,700 games here and in Texas. All these awards and opportunities are open and are for you now. Go get ‘em and always have fun along the way. I’ll see you at the October banquet.