I umpired last night, the University of Calgary versus the Calgary Blues Premier team at Glenmore Park in South West Calgary.

It was a cold and windy evening. Game temp was about 6C with strong wings and heavy cloud cover.

On the third pitch of the game, a foul ball slammed off of my helmet. It hurt because it quickly moved my helmet, pulling at my beard. It felt like hundres of my beard hair was being pulled out all at once, not much fun for sure. Other than that, I felt fine. I took 30 seconds to rub my face and got back to it.

The game was lopsided with the Blues taking an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The UofC was never really in the game, but it was well played on both sides.

For game one of the season, I think I did a pretty good job. I think I called some low pitches strikes, but I tend to have a lower strike zone. It is what it is, however, and no one really complained.

It ended up 6-0 or so, I don’t keep track and the scoreboard wasn’t on or wasn’t working.

I left the park around 915pm and headed home. I didn’t take off any of my equipment for the drive home, it was weird driving with umpiring pads on, shin guards, chest protector – I did take the helmet off at least.

I wasn’t feeling great while heading home, so I stopped at the ER. They were not busy at all and saw me almost immediately. They diagnosed me with a low grade concussion and recommended that I not umpire for a week and to see my family doctor if any symptoms continue.

I emailed the umpire coordinators to tell them I would be out and I turned back all the games that I was supposed to have this weekend. The weather doesn’t look like it will cooperate anyway, so I don’t think I am losing anything.

The hazards of the job, I guess. Back at it next week and hopefully spring will have truly arrived by then.