Editor's note - The article written by Frank Keating below, is a refreshing, well written overview of Frank's rookie year to date with the American Federation of Umpires. While an experienced umpire before attending Rookie School that began in January 2005, Frank takes us on a fascinating journey that we all can relate to with a smile. He has performed very well this year as a rookie umpire and it is a great pleasure to have him as a member of our umpiring group.

Point Lookout. As a child in the sixties and the early seventies, this location meant summer, beach, sand and friends when mom and dad said to get in the Ford Country Squire Station Wagon (a woody) and go there. The words Point Lookout took on a totally different meaning when Bob Fontaine said to get in my car and go there in January, February, and March of 2005.

Point – what you do with your index finger of your right hand after holding that hand completely straight and perpendicular AND you’ve determined that it’s the moment to gesture to the pitcher and bellow “PLAY”. Of course, the thumb has retracted so you are not shooting the pitcher.

Lookout – what you do for the entire game as foul balls act as heat seeking missiles towards you – your mask in particular. At the lower age levels, you are also watching that each pitch finds the catcher’s glove (or some other part of him or her) and not a piece of yourself.

Now that the definitions are spelled out, I would like to reflect upon the rookie experience as lived by a supposed seasoned veteran. I attained my supposed veteran status as a youth umpire in my hometown of Rockville Centre from 1971 through 1977 – covering nine through eighteen year old intramural play, as well as with the Nassau County Connie Mack League from 1978 through 1980. That’s when I switched to the Dark Side - the dugout and the baselines - as a manager or coach.

Through snow and cold, I looked forward to three hours of rules and regulations, outs and safes, fair and foul, and balls and strikes. Dave Mekelburg should be in The Office of the Commissioner. The guest umpires were the best in the business. Bob Fontaine portrayed professionalism and respect, and for the benefit of each of us – he taught it and he lives it.

Point Lookout 1965 = summer, beach, sand and friends. Point Lookout 2005 = winter, gym floor, snow and umpires. This may seem like a stark contrast, but long-lasting memories were created each week, even if forty years apart.

I have always been a rules guy. From early childhood to early fatherhood, I have lived and learned by the book or through the book. Little did I know that the book had so much gray surrounding the black and white. Dave told us, then he tested us. After the lecture and the test, the real life interpretations arose from the class and from the book or the web sites, etc. That’s where the benefit came from. The game is played between the lines, the umpire has to read between the lines, too.

"These will be OUT calls”, bellows Bob Fontaine. “From the set position, CALL IT.”

And with that command, forty or fifty athletes – players, former players, experienced or rookie officials stopped, raised their collective right hands and hammered away – “HE’S OUT!” Of course, they all eased back into the relaxed position after the correct call, always looking at the target throughout – but poised to switch attention to the next play if required.

Gym time, cage work, and all the book knowledge that thirty-plus hours can bring does prepare the rookie for the on-field experiences encountered in April, May and June. However, no classroom or simulation prepares the rookie for the Wacker Drill, spiced with the antics of Crazy John Faust. Many otherwise strong-armed and strong-willed officials cringed and withered as the Phantom of First Base Coaches questioned each call, pushing the right buttons, turning up the heat, and stopping just short of physical contact. I guess this was all to elicit a doubt, a second guess, an apology, an “I’m sorry” or an “I blew it”. Since he did an Oscar winning portrayal of Best Actor in a Baseball Drama, Crazy John will remain as an influence on all rookies (and probably veterans, too).

My other strong influences this year were my seasoned partners Steve Rothschild, Steve Shaffer, Les Pokrass, Al Mayo, Stu Berg, Hugh Blisard, Mike Kallman, Tim Nardo, and the “Go to Guy” Frank Schwolow (for six games). I thank them all and promise to remember as many of the tips that each shared.

Point Lookout. As a kid I remember the beach sand between my toes; as a rookie I remember the sleep sand around my eyes (after a long day at the office and a long lecture). The experience was priceless – especially since I umpired just enough games before the fall season to breakeven.

Point Lookout. I look forward to returning on my own to assist as an instructor or just to attend the January, March, and pay meetings. I also look forward to 2010 when Francis is eighteen and 2012 when Bobby reaches the age when Professional Umpiring at the Amateur Level can be as rewarding an occupation for them as it is for me – not just monetarily, but with the contribution to the game and the camaraderie of the association. And I say this especially after experiencing a superb father/son umpiring duo of George and Ryan Hayden while serving as Rockville Centre’s bench coach as we won the District #30 Eleven Year Old Championship Game at Greis Park (Lynbrook) on June 25.

Thank you to Bob and Dave and The American Federation of Umpires.

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Any member of the AFU that would be interested in writing an article about umpiring and would like to have them published on our web site please contact Dave Mekelburg AFU#9 at: info@americanfederationofumpires.com