Behind the Mask: Yergz on Baseball Politics and Personal Identity S2, E20

This podcast can be found on Yergz Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. In this episode, hosts Yergz and Jane Stahl delve into the tumultuous career journey of Yergz, who transitioned from umpiring in various baseball leagues to pursuing a career in law enforcement and bodyguard work. Yergz shares candid stories about the challenges and politics he faced in the Shenandoah Valley Baseball League and the Texas Louisiana League, including being set up to fail and dealing with rejections. He reflects on how these experiences shaped his resilience and decision to move into law enforcement. The conversation also touches on Yergz's interest in bodyguard work, inspired by movies like "In the Line of Fire" and "The Bodyguard," and his innate calling to protect others. This episode offers a raw and insightful look into the personal and professional struggles that led Yergz to his current path.

0:01 Introduction and Early Career
0:20 Umpire School and Shenandoah Valley Baseball League
0:56 Wooden Bats and Scouting Opportunities
1:09 Texas Louisiana League and Political Challenges
1:51 Ejections and Frustrations
2:06 Politics in Major League Baseball
3:11 Career Change and Law Enforcement
3:23 Rehoboth Beach and Self-Reflection
4:39 Sexuality and Career Impact
5:09 Returning to Shenandoah Valley League
6:13 Handling Rejections and Moving Forward
7:42 Self-Confidence and Career Decisions
10:25 Transition to Bodyguard Work
11:10 Interest in Law Enforcement
12:12 Calling and Passion for Protection
12:30 Training and Mindset
14:52 Self-Destructive Urge
15:22 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode
Behind the Mask: Yergz on Baseball Politics and Personal Identity
Show Notes:
Welcome and Introduction
- Yergz and Jane Stahl kick off the episode with a light-hearted introduction.

The Umpiring Journey
- Yergz discusses his initial foray into umpiring after attending umpire school.
- Insight into the Shenandoah Valley Baseball League and the use of wooden bats.
- The challenges and politics faced in the Texas Louisiana League.
- The impact of being paired with a politically connected partner and the resulting career obstacles.

Facing Rejection and Career Setbacks
- Yergz recounts being fired from the Shenandoah Valley League and the emotional impact.
- The role of politics in professional umpiring and its effect on career progression.
- Personal reflections on dealing with rejection and maintaining self-confidence.

Transition to Law Enforcement and Bodyguard Work
- The decision to leave umpiring and explore new career paths.
- Initial jobs and the realization of not fitting into certain roles, such as working at a grocery store.
- The pivotal moment of looking up limousine companies as a step towards bodyguard work.

Inspiration and Calling
- Yergz's lifelong interest in law enforcement and protection work.
- Influences from movies like "In the Line of Fire" and "The Bodyguard."
- The concept of certain careers being a calling, similar to teaching or umpiring.

Training and Mindset for Protection Work
- Anecdotes from a security seminar and the intense training involved in bodyguard work.
- The unique mindset required for protection roles and the willingness to put oneself in harm's way.
Resources Mentioned:
- Book: "Behind the Mask" by Dave Pallone
- Movies: "In the Line of Fire," "The Bodyguard"
Key Words:

umpire career, Shenandoah Valley Baseball League, college wooden bat league, minor league baseball, baseball scouts, umpiring supervisors, Texas Louisiana league, baseball politics, major league umpires, umpire ejections, professional umpires, baseball field, Rehoboth Beach, behind the mask book, Dave Pallone, gay umpire, baseball career, law enforcement career, bodyguard work, limousine companies, executive transportation, night shift job, grocery store job, police work, secret service, protection training

Found on Yergz Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.