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"As a former major league player and a 2 time all star pitcher for the San Francisco Giants and now as a coach of 30 years, I've had quite a few discussions with umpires- most in the heat of battle. Jim does a great job in bringing out the human, as well as humorous side of discussions between coaches, players and umpires. I have known Jim more than 25 years and have tremendous respect for him and the job he did as an umpire and assigner. I know we didn’t always agree on calls but that’s what makes for good stories. I highly recommend this book as a fun read with good insights on the great game of baseball. This is one call Jim got right."

 "As the head baseball coach at First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach for over 26 years, I didn’t always see eye-to-eye with Umpire Jim Smith’s calls. One thing we both agree on, however, is that baseball stories are often more memorable than the games themselves. If you love the game, you’re going to thoroughly enjoy Jim’s take on the quirky people, places and events he’s encountered over the years on the other side of the plate. Good read, folks. Good call, Jim."

Coach Norbie Wilson

Bryant & Stratton College Bobcats

Virginia Beach, Virginia  

"I was fortunate to have worked with Jim for several years, as he was the assignor for our games. During that time I never doubted the quality of umpires he was going to send me. Even if there were some disagreements, he was always there to correct the situation or make it better. As a Head Coach, knowing you're going to have quality umpires is one less thing to worry about. Knowing that Jim was in charge, that was never a question. His book is a collection of great stories, told with great skill."

"In 1987 I joined EVOA, now EOA, after spending 11 years a professional baseball umpire in the minor leagues as well as in the majors.  Upon joining the organization I met Jim Smith, (known to some as “Smooch”).  It was a funny nickname, but I don’t think Jim kissed up to anyone, and if anything he had a reputation of sometimes turning a deaf ear to confrontations on the field.  It is true that Jim did not shy away from the trouble that inevitably involves even the best umpires.  This trait served him well in his later years as Commissioner for EOA, by being able to relate well to players, coaches and umpires.  He guided the organization to the next level with the help of an umpire evaluation system that I designed and Jim implemented wholeheartedly.  Jim’s book is a GREAT, easy read, which brings back many umpiring memories." 

"Jim and I had numerous interactions over my 29 years as head baseball coach at Newport News Apprentice school (and another 15 previously  as either a player or asst. coach). This is a book that even the casual baseball fan should enjoy. This book shows how a sense of humor can keep this game fun. As the umpires say, the best place to hide a 100 dollar bill from a coach is to put it in a rule book. Best of luck Jim, it was a lot of fun!"

"As President of the International League for the past 28 years I had the pleasure of meeting Jim in the spring of 2006. It came about in a very strange way, but beneficial for everyone. The late Dave Rosenfield, General Manager of the Norfolk Tides who spent 48 years in the League and I had a very close relationship and on the mezzanine at Harbor Park one beautiful June night Dave introduced me to Jim.

Whenever we had an umpire in the International League get hurt or called up to the big leagues we would secure a local umpire on a temporary basis.  Dave would assist us in securing the best local umpires. I soon found out Jim was in charge of the top umpires in Tidewater Virginia area and also one of the largest amateur associations in the state of Virginia. With both Dave and Jim's assistance we were always able to get the best substitute available and many times at the last minute. Jim was always open to give us one of his top college umpires at a last minutes notice.

If you know Jim, he can talk baseball stories forever, a Dave Rosenfield clone. So knowing he was going to write a book I knew it was going to be a success. In this book you will get to know Jim, not only as a player, umpire and assigner, you will get to know the person that is respected and admired to anyone involved in baseball. A great read."

[The first printing of Jim's book had the misprint, "Sweeping of the Plate" on the binding. Kris Denson, now an NCAA basketball official, talks about that mistake.] "I like the mistake. That's exactly what made you as good of a damn ump and mentor you have always been- learning from the mistakes. That's what you taught me to do and how our entire officiating career is built- from a mistake just about every game, until they become so rare that we're above 95%. That doesn’t make us 100% every game... that ONE mistake. I LOVE it! To those of us officials, I think it speaks volumes about how we have become who we are today because of wearing the 'stripes'."

"As a long-time Hampton Roads broadcaster, I've come to know many of the area's sporting figures. Thirty years of broadcasting, including work with Norfolk Tides baseball, Norfolk Admirals hockey, ODU men's and women's basketball, high school football, WVEC-TV 13 and WAVY-TV 10 and even time with the Baltimore Orioles have enabled me to cross paths with countless athletes, coaches, executives, broadcasters, fans and officials. Few have as many entertaining stories and thoughtful insights into officiating, especially baseball, as Jim Smith. I should know, having ALSO spent more than a decade working for Jim as an area baseball umpire. On several occasions, I'd finish a Tides broadcast wearing my umpire uniform and then dash to the field to call a game after ending a broadcast! With Jim, it's never been just about balls and strikes or safes and outs. As an umpire and assignor, he always knew how to 'connect' with the people in the game, and I think you'll find that personal touch true in this array of amazing stories. Enjoy the read!"  

"I've been a Certified Master Athletic Administrator, Student Activities Coordinator and Athletic Director at Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach since 2010. I have known Jim since 2002 when I was an assistant Student Activities Coordinator and I speak highly of his judgement and character. Jim always had umpires at our home games and treated everyone with an opinion respectfully and listened to our concerns.  I look forward to his book release because if you love baseball and you love coaching he blends these two things together so you understand both worlds.  The coaches always have an opinion and the judgement the umpires have to make can make for some funny stories and some fond memories. Thanks Jim for all the wonderful stories and memories."

"I have found in my time as a player and coach, this baseball thing is infectious. After playing and coaching competitively for almost 28 years, I can’t get enough of the game. I think a lot of the lure to baseball comes from the people you meet and the stories you create along the way. The most entertaining stories from my life emanate from on-field encounters and off-field shenanigans with my teammates. One of my biggest fears as I continue my baseball journey is forgetting some of these cherished memories. Jim did a great job touching on a lot of fun topics that will resonate with true fans of baseball. His stories will remind readers why they love and respect the game."