Rover125

It is pretty funny the more I think about it. I was on the field and just kept breathing and stayed as calm as I could. I grew up playing baseball and would go to a minor league stadium to see games. I liked watching the umpires and always wanted to do it at a high level. Thought about going to pro school years ago but decided against it as a career and I was already flying at that point. So now that I am a little more settled, I figured I would give it a go. I learned about a local association from a couple of people on this site and contacted them. Will be doing all high school games and this game I did yesterday was my first scrimmage. My plan was to start at this level and see if I could get up to the higher college ranks, but I might be getting too old for that ( I turn 30 late this summer). Not entirely sure on that process either. I did feel that being on the field does get you away from real life for a couple of hours, which I am a fan of. Thanks for the reply.

Hey guys just got through it. For context, this was my first time ever umpiring and I was behind the plate with a nice more experienced guy on the bases. I’m not working with my assigned mentor until next week on a varsity scrimmage. This was a high school freshman scrimmage, teams were decent. I also never got any work behind the plate in a batting cage or any other official training, but I managed through it. Hardest ball for me was a breaking ball at the knees. I set up in the slot and kept my head still, but I feel I could have been more consistent. Although I didn’t hear the coaches complain much. I’m unsure how much leeway to give these pitchers on the zone. I have another scrimmage tomorrow and will be on the bases so a little less stress and a chance for me to work more on positioning and rotations. I definitely hustled, covered 3rd when I needed to, etc. today. I did forget to signal infield fly once and a couple of other things. If one wants to get “good”, I can already see the need to go to a professionally run clinic or pro school where they hammer you behind the plate. I only was able to read online or watch videos on YouTube, but one needs to be in the slot to really “get it”. Overall it was stressful, I thought it was somewhat fun lol. Here’s to tomorrow’s game 👍

Thanks guys. Great replies that helped me calm down a little. I did play baseball in high school. Always liked the thought of umpiring but life got in the way until now, and that I have enough time to do it. Was very excited, but the anticipation and thought of doing horrible freaked me out a bit for some reason. This is the first time I am doing something completely out of my comfort zone and thought of failure was getting to me. A lack of hobbies probably didn't help me, but the umpiring will get me out and help me. What you said about the other job is right on. None of us go into something being experts, we make mistakes and improve. If I don't do a lot of games, how will I ever learn and even decide if umpiring is worth it for me? Will do the games on my schedule and report back. I bought solid equipment (Force3 Mask, chest protector, etc) and will try to look sharp.

1. New Jersey 2. No umpiring background other than read rule book and mechanics manual cover to cover. I also watch minor league umpires to study their mannerisms. 3. Airline pilot. Used to higher stress things but the umpiring is on another level. Maybe a lack of confidence. I was scheduled to work the game solo but they did add a base ump. So I have never umpired and my first game will be behind the plate without any official training. My mentor assigned to me has been great and talked me through scenarios. He also mentioned the scrimmages are more for getting the players up to speed and practice.

I have my first srimmage tomorrow. I am so stressed out about the game I have been wanting to resign from the association but I kept coming along just thinking I would get through it. I am wanting to just leave and cancel all my games but feel bad to do that. I haven't been sleeping good and the stress is getting to me and affecting my other high stress job. I am also going through a divorce that is loads of fun as you can imagine. I am also worried about getting hurt. Broken bones or concussions are things the instructors were saying happens and sometimes are unavoidable. I did not realize the danger, as this can affect my medical clearance to work my primary job if I get a brain injury or something similar. Thinking I should just try the scrimmage tomorrow since I have gotten this far but cannot keep getting like this as I will get a heart attack. You guys expereince this?

Is this for when you sign up for class and can study ahead of time? I did not find any online content options on their website for purchase. I am likely going to attend in January. For me, I think studying all of that ahead of time would be beneficial. $500 is probably a bit steep for online lesson plans, though.

Just checking, but there are no changes with Wendelstedt sending a number of prospects to the MiLB right? This was just a change with the MLB taking over the Minor League Academy? I get that the MLB run one is free, but either one can get you to pro route? I’m still learning the finer points, appreciate the info.

I'll choose the full program, no doubt. Just trying to get the time off. I see the only other option to get to the MiLB is the new MLB camps. Dates TBD for 2024. Part of me does want to try the pros if I was selected, but I am more than happy to go and come back with a lot of knowledge that I could use to work up to college ball. I am looking forward to it.

Hey, thank you for the reply. Very helpful. Nice to hear I'm not "too old" to possibly get a shot at the pros. I do like my career and I'd like to think it would be smarter for me to do continue it while building up my umpire career. I know the game and rules pretty well. I've also studied the 2-man system, so I think I should be able to keep up at pro school. Of course, I will hustle my butt off and be a sponge with all the information. I see that Wendelstedt offers a basic and advanced abbreviated course in January. Would you recommend that as opposed to the full month pro course for someone starting out? I wonder if that would be enough to get a head start in umpiring at higher ranks. In the meantime, I'll look into some local associations and clinics that do HS/college in my area. Hopefully I'd get it squared away so that I can start working this coming spring.

Hi all, I wanted to become a pro umpire years ago but decided against it. I am in another industry but want to get back into umpiring. My goal is to umpire at the college level or even some of the independent leagues. Only had some LL experience years ago when I was much younger. Thinking of attending the Wendelstedt School this January if I can arrange all that time off. I am 29 years old, so I am not interested in going to the MiLB (probably too old at this point anyway). I can usually get most weekdays off, so I can be available for a lot of games. Live in Central NJ but would be willing to travel some. What would you guys recommend as a viable path to get to the college level or independent baseball from where I am now? Should I go to the pro school and then come back and find local clinics to network? Do I start at the HS level and go up from there, putting pro school on hold? I am reading up on the rule book and PBUC manual/mechanics. Appreciate any input and advice. Austin