Officiating Amateur and Youth Baseball

This page last updated: Thursday, August 22, 1996 - 3:07:03 PM

I started umpiring in 1970 at the age of 14. My Dad got me started as he was the Umpire-In-Chief (UIC) for the local Little League ® . I stuck with it for the next 2 years and when my home town hosted the 1972 Tennessee State Little League ® Tournament, I worked the plate during the consolation game. That was just the beginning. I joined the Air Force right out of High School so there were a few years that I didn't work any games. Since then I have worked everything from 12 year old youth to adult semi-pro independent games.

I always thought I was pretty good but I didn't really start to "learn" how to umpire until 1989 while stationed in Germany. I had the opportunity to help organize and operate a brand new youth sports program on the base I was assigned to. It included divisions covering 8-18 year olds. My responsibilities included recruiting, training, and assigning umpires to the games. You really analyze your own techniques when you have to train someone else.

In early 1991 I was reassigned to Castle AFB, CA. There I founded the Merced County Umpire's Association and became the UIC for two local youth leagues. I also joined the local High School Officials Association and began calling those games. I have been a member of the National Association of Sports Officials and a Referee Magazine subscriber for some time. All told I have about 15 years experience and I still learn something every time I go on the field.

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