Both Sides of the Mask

Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly.  We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.

Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly.  We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.

Steve and Aaron Vail shared their incredible stories with us. Both father and son came from an athletic background playing men’s fastpitch softball. The love of the game gave them so many great opportunities to play the game. Then eventually take the journey into different paths they went.

Steve shares his journey which took him through men’s majors, NCAA softball umpiring, and currently retired in sunny Florida.

Aaron took the same path through men’s Fastpitch, which developed into coaching NCAA softball. Aaron even shared some experience on the Diamond as an umpire with his dad, Steve.

One of their dreams was to coach side by side and with the women’s Fastpitch summer league in Florida this dream may become a reality!

Come along for the ride with us as we get to experience a father/son match up that can’t be missed.

Antonio is a promising young official who has an exciting story to share. Growing up in Michigan, he had so much ambition and support surrounding him. He has two athletically accomplished parents, 4 brothers, a standout student and athlete in high school. He decided to start in the officiating world at a very young age.

Since the age of 12, Antonio has umpired softball from the pony leagues to the professional league. Not to mention, he officiates high school football and basketball. So many people have impacted his life through school and umpiring.

Now living in Florida, he has given himself more opportunities to be successful in life. He encourages young officials to embrace their passions, but don’t take on more than you can handle. Success can be overwhelming and rewarding. We may have to have another episode with him to continue his unfinished story.

Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. 

We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.

Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in?

So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.

Chad Stears came on to the podcast to share his wonderful journey into the umpiring world. He started umpiring games for his dad’s softball team. With his dad’s encouragement, hand me down equipment, the interest grew into a passion from a young age.

Chad has many years working in the SEC, many post-season selections with the NCAA, and has also achieved the ultimate goal by calling for the WCWS. His accomplishments don't even come close to how he carries himself on and off the field. As he describes in this episode, we have friends all over because of umpiring.

Many people don’t get to see the many sides of emotions we carry on and off the field. Chad shared some stories that have helped him achieve his goals and overcome some adversity. With his continued support from his peers and mentors, he has taken a role with USSSA in his home state of Arkansas.

Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in?

So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.

I (Tony) had the amazing opportunity to be part of training put together by USA Softball SoCal. The opportunity was amazing and I am grateful to my wife for letting hang in a Zoom meeting all afternoon. There were so many lessons that were learned...for a veteran and a new umpire. Speaking of new umpires, let’s talk about what you might be doing as a new umpire into the NCAA!

Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in?

So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or I will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.

We decided to design a daily 10 min walk challenge. We want everyone to push each other to get better, stay motivated, and be healthy. It only takes 10 minutes out of the day to be better. Challenge each other so we can be the best on the field, at work, at home, or for our own personal gain. Let’s get hyped for the season! How are you preparing for your sport?

Be Better. Be Dedicated. Be Excellent!

The start of Season 2! It is 2021 and so the podcast has made it to another year...let’s call it Season 2.

Tony and Liz catch up with a great crew mate they have both worked with and boy does he love having a great time. From Star Wars to big smiles, Victor Canales has seen his fair share things between. The National Cordinator of Fastpitch Umpires for USSSA was something he never thought of and it more or less found him.

So come join us for this and more as we ring in 2021!