Breaking in .....

[MidAmUmp]

As others have stated, get to a clinic.  That's where you're going to be seen either by assigners in your area, or by instructors who know college assigners in your area.  The umpiring world is extremely small.  Most "upper echelon" guys know each other and trust each other's advice and recommendations.

 

I agree you have to be able to work, but you also have to be available to work a 12:00 start on a Tuesday or Wednesday.  Many good umpires never advance to college baseball because they can't leave their "real job" to get their feet wet at the lower levels where games are played on week days because they don't have lights.  Many mediocre umpires have advanced to the college level because of they can get away.

 

 

 

I posted this earlier this year in another similar topic.  I would say this advice may apply here, too...

 

...there are some MF'ers in the game and over time you'll figure out who they are. Most of them work at the lower levels, but they are scattered throughout. But there are also some really good guys in the game. Guys who want to see you succeed and are truly happy for your success. Figure out who they are and surround yourself with guys like that. You'll know who they are eventually... see who they associate with. When you go to the NCAA clinics, look around, see who's hanging out with who. Most good guys don't have their dicks flopped out at the hotel bar trying to see who has the biggest one and trying to top the other guy's war story. They aren't the loudest guys in the room. They're hanging out together, quietly catching up -- These are the guys to get to know. I'll guarantee someone in that group runs or helps with a clinic. Attend that clinic and get to know them. Once they put a face with a name (and that might take a while) they'll welcome you in.

As you progress up through the ranks know your place...If you got into college baseball it should mean you are an upper echelon HS umpire. Be the big dog there, but keep your mouth shut at the college level. Once you gain some experience, then you can talk. This is how it goes from JUCO to NAIA, D-III, D-II, up to D-I and sometimes from weekend to weekend. I've been a D-I crew chief one weekend and the 3 guy the next. Sometimes it's best to order a piece of humble pie and shut your trap  . A good way to ruin your career is to run your mouth in front of veterans.

Do not get jealous of others and their success. Even if you feel you are a better umpire than they are - and that's very tough to do at times. Some people who pass you by did so by kissing ass, etc. They won't last. You'll see them in a few years lined up at the hotel bar with their dicks hanging out, measuring. Just be patient. It's better to get there a year too late and last, than be a year too early and get fired. When you do get promoted let your mentors know, but don't gloat. When I found out I was selected for the D-II World Series I sent an e-mail out to all of the guys who had helped me over the years - from high school mentors up to college clinicians. I simply told them of my accomplishment and thanked them for helping me get there.

Be on time or ahead of time. Don't make anyone wait on you.

Look the part off the field. It is better to be over dressed going to a game than under dressed. Business casual is best. Shorts, t-shirts, warm-up suits, anything with a school logo, etc. are generally considered unacceptable (maybe okay at the lower levels, but not as you are moving up). Usually on a D-I weekend we wear sport coats. Some areas are more lax than others. Again, identify the guys you want to become (your mentors) and do what they do, dress how they dress.

Finally, do what the crew does. Don't be a stick in the mud. If they want to go out, go out with them but again, know your place. Even if you don't drink...volunteer to be the DD. Stay under control off the field, that's where most guys get fired.

[Mike Prince]

Jeff - not sure if this is the case in your area, but because of real job commitments lots of guys here work HS ball during the week and then work college ball on weekends.  Find those guys in your association and have a conversation or work with your assignor to get assigned with them if possible.

 

Also a lot of college guys will work upper level legion games during the summer once the NCAA season is over, you could always get involved at that level and work your way up through that.

 

This in addition to all of the other good advice you/ve gotten here.