Let's face it. Umpiring is not an easy or happy way to make a living. In the abuse they suffer, and the pay they get for it, you see an imbalance that can only be explained by their need to stay close to a game they can't resist.
Where would I be without baseball? Who am I without baseball?
Any teammate of mine that had a kid and a boy that was capable of playing baseball, I think I set a terrific example of 'Don't do this' and 'Don't do that.' And that's one of the things that I'm most proud of.
We were on for six years. We were in syndication for a while. It had its run. I still see the people from 'Mr. Belvedere,' too. We stay in touch.
I think my top salary was maybe in 1966. I made $17,000 and 11 of that came from selling other players' equipment.
I set records that will never be equaled. In fact, I hope 90% of them don't even get printed.
