Hello from central Missouri

[Modad]

Hey all, I'm Doug and am rather new to the umpiring thing. My oldest son played from age 6 - four years of varsity ball in high school and my youngest is playing U12 Utrip ball. I kinda got into this by accident - a couple of years ago the local rec league had an umpire not show up and I was asked (on the spot) to fill in. I guess I did ok because they asked me if I would do it on a regular basis. At the time I didn't feel I should because my son was playing in the league and did not want other parents trying to say that I was being impartial and playing favorites, or for my son to catch grief from his peers. So I thanked them and said no. This year my youngest was asked to play on a select team that is playing in a diferent league and needless to say I got a phone call that started with " Now you don't have an excuse not to". So I agreed to do a few games. Then the guy who was the regular umpire was caught with something other than water in his water jug behind home plate and I became the regular umpire. So far, I've had a lot of fun and done mostly ages 9-12. With the younger kids I find that I do a lot of teaching about the game and I really enjoy that. I'll soon be doing the 13-16 boys.

I originall found this site looking for info on protective equipment, but have found it very useful for much more. I would really like to get some proper training and get into doing high school ball and would welcome any help in that department. I'm slowly acquiring all of the gear to be a proper umpire and am loving the chance to be connected to the game I've loved since I was a kid.

Doug

[JaxRolo]

Welcome

[mstaylor]

Welcome to the site. Read the gear section carefully and buy the best you can so you don't buy again in a year or two. If you plan to work HS within the next couple of years, buy a hardshell. If money is a problem go to catsports.com and get a MLU hardshell. I use it in lieu of a Westvest.

[SnareDrum]

I grew up in Jeff City and lived there for a while and there's a LOT of good baseball going on up there. Spent a lot of my glory days at Ernie Vivion field, and I spent a few years working for JC Parks & Rec and all over. Whenever I visit my parents I always try to get around to the fields and check out a game or two.

Best of luck to you, and keep coming back here. This is definitely one of the most outstanding umpire sites on the web.

[Umpire in Chief]

Welcome!

Yet another from Missouri

[fhsbb232]

Hi all, my name is Andrew and I'm from the central Missouri area. I am 23, have 4 years of baseball and softball umpiring experience and I plan to attend Wendelstedt's Umpire School at Daytona Beach in January. I found out about this site because I have heard many good things about the umpire school itself, and I have also attended a couple of umpire clinics in the area.

Thanks!

Andrew

[Umpire in Chief]

Another from MO. Welcome and Good luck at Harry's!

[mstaylor]

Welcome to the site and good luck at Harry's. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[JaxRolo]

Welcome my brother from another mother!

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