Is this reasonable?

[Concernedcitizen2]

I'm 24, been playing baseball my whole life, up through the NCAA level and now currently playing in a men's league (although not a high talent pool).  I have always been interested in umpiring and baseball rules.  I've had the idea of going to an umpiring school (probably HW, even though I know this site partnered with the Umpire School). 

 

Would it be realistic to possibly graduate into an invitation for a tryout? As I understand it, graduate in the top ~10% of your class and get invited to a tryout and then from there into the minors and so on.

 

My gut instinct tells me no, or close to impossible.  I have almost no umpire experience, just some BU work in a men's rec league (teams that weren't playing on that day have to provide umpires).  I also did some of my NCAA team's intersquad scrimmages when I wasn't playing in them as the coach knew I had an interest.  I played catcher through high school and legion ball so I am somewhat used to that perspective of watching pitches come in, but I of course know that is not sufficient preparation and it takes a lot more. I am in a kind of unique job situation at the moment where I could go to the school using vacation days and no negative reprecussions in the job, the job ends at the end of July 2014, so I see this as my last opportunity. That is why I wanted to go now.  However, do I essentially have no shot? On the school website they talk about having no umpiring experience might be better because you don't already have bad mechanics/technique ingrained in you.  But I'm thinking this is just a marketing ploy to get people to come to the school.  In reality, is it only those who have high school umpiring experience who can make it to the next stage?

 

What would I need to do now to get ready for the camp in January 2013?

 

I have none of my own gear (except a jock strap/cup and turf shoes).  The school always says they can provide some if needed, but it would be best to have my own right?  Should I just read the official MLB rules or is there a guidebook to the rulebook somewhere that I should read? Is there a source that explains mechanics?

 

Essentially, is it worth the $4,000 investment to go to the camp (currently living overseas so travel costs would be pretty high). It's always been a life long dream of mine to become a major league umpire (even when I was in middle school and most of my friends wanted to become players) I feel like I should act on it, but don't want to flush away $4,000.

[scrounge]

There are MANY graduates of the pro schools on this website who can and likely will offer more specific insights, but from everything I've gathered, it's absolutely possible. You're relatively young, know the playing aspects of the game but thankfully admit and are aware that you don't know the umpiring viewpoint. Now as to whether it's worth it? That's up to you and a much different question - mostly whether you know the sacrifices required and are prepared to make them. I'll let others more quallified talk on that subject, but it's not too late.

[JaxRolo]

Of course you have a chance! Not having much umpiring experience means you haven't developed bad habits. You are more apt to do things their way. Read the rules books, umpire manuals, mechanics books. Even attend clinics. Find a mentor that can help you. Most importantly be on this site. Ask questions and learn.

[blue23ll]

I have seen young guys come into our high school association with no experience other than being a graduate from an umpire school. A very select few will get invited to pro ball, and a very high percentage will be top notch HS and NCAA umpires.

[Concernedcitizen2]

Thanks for the support guys, is there any book you recommend I start reading? I'm not sure what's considered the authority on mechanics? I try and watch umpires when watching games, but obviously it's going to take some sort of formal study and I'm not sure where to start.

[blue23ll]

Read and learn the rule book, cover to cover. Don't worry about mechanics, you will learn those. It is best to go in with no preconceived notions or bad habits. Learn from the ground up. If you have a chance to go see a Single A minor league pro game, go watch those umpires work 2 man. That is the best place to see PBUC mechanics in action.

[James Walker]

Possible- yes. It is very possible. Like others have said, you have no prior experience, which is good. Instead of having to tear you down and rebuild you. They just have to teach you the right way first.

Now, is it probable? Maybe, maybe not. It depends on you. Worst case, you can join virtually any HS or maybe college association and get decent games. That, IMHO, is well worth the risk.

[Stan W.]

The absolute worst thing that can happen to you after going to any pro school, is that you come back a better umpire...................and how bad can that be?...........if you think only definition of success is getting a pro job out of school then you could be disapointed............but if you want to come out a trained and capable umpire with a shot at a pro job then go go go go go!.......

 

There are no shortage of games for good umpires.......... 

[BigUmp56]

Thanks for the support guys, is there any book you recommend I start reading? I'm not sure what's considered the authority on mechanics? I try and watch umpires when watching games, but obviously it's going to take some sort of formal study and I'm not sure where to start.

 The book that I'd suggest you start with is Baseball's Narrowest Door. It will be an eye opener for you.

 

http://www.rulesofbaseball.com/ebooks/bnd.html

 

Tim.

[grayhawk]

I would also recommend reading "As They See 'Em: A Fan's Travels in the Land of Umpires."  It talks about life as a minor league umpire.

 

http://www.amazon.com/As-They-See-Em-Travels/dp/B004H8GMF8

[Umpire Training Academy]

Great advice from all.

 

I followed a similar path that you have had up to this point.  Played HS, JUCO and College Baseball.  Came to the end of my playing career asking myself how could stay with the game and get to the highest level.  I had limited umpiring experience...nothing above Babe Ruth, LL, etc.  I went to umpire school in 1994.  I did not make it.  I came home and was fortunate enough (after working some exhibition games) to receive a full schedule in the Cape League.  I worked all summer with two former MiLB Umpires and made the decision to go back in January of 95'.  I was fortunate to be sent to the evaluation course and assigned to the NYP.  5 short years later I worked my first MLB game and was fortunate enough to work over 300 MLB Regular Season and Spring Training Games.  After 9 years, I was released in November of 2003.  The next year I was offered a position with PBUC as an area evaluator and then a full time supervisor.  This led to my current position as Executive Director of The Umpire School and PBUC.  

 

My point in sharing my story to get you to focus on what umpire school is.

 

Umpire School represents one thing...Opportunity.  An opportunity to learn more about a craft that you have an interest.  An opportunity to push yourself, both mentally and physically beyond your comfort level while learning to handle criticism and self-doubt. An opportunity to become a better all around person by giving your time, energy and support to your fellow classmates and supporting their goals.  Within all of these assured opportunities that umpire school presents lies the very small chance you may be selected to attend the PBUC Evaluation Course.  IF that occurs you will be given another opportunity. 

 

All of this is shared because you ask the question...."Is it reasonable?".  For me, and I did not know it at the time, it gave me an opportunity.  And without those opportunities, I am not sure what I would be doing today.  For those that were not selected, umpire school impacts you in such a way that the vast majority of those who attend can answer your question with a resounding “Yes!â€

 

If you do attend, and it does not matter where you choose to go, focus and take advantage of the opportunities related to self-challenge, self-improvement and garnering as much information as you can during your four weeks.  If you do this...The other issue of a possible career in MiLB/MLB will take care of itself.

 

Hope this helps and best of luck in whatever direction you head.

 

J. Klemm

[BigUmp56]

I have a question for you. I'm almost 48 years old and have absolutely no ambition to secure a job in MiLB. But I have been wondering if it would be worth the time and money to attend the five week school as opposed to a few of Jim's Classics. I'm intrigued by the experiences the school might offer an old goat such as myself.

 

Tim.

[treydawgmt]

BigUmp56 - you're sort of hijacking a thread, should probably start your own.  But, I know a guy pretty well who attended one of the Pro Schools at an older age.  (40's I'm pretty sure, maybe even 50).  He, obviously, had no desire to umpire MLB (or at least knew that wasn't an option) and was already doing some decent HS ball.  He wanted to improve, said he learned a lot, and is very very happy with his decision.  He currently calls a lot of D1 ball.  I say go for it if you want.

[mstaylor]

It is a good idea to attend a school, even at our advanced ages. Another option is to see what Evans is doing with his school. I know he is still running it, just not feeding PBUC.

[BigUmp56]

It is a good idea to attend a school, even at our advanced ages. Another option is to see what Evans is doing with his school. I know he is still running it, just not feeding PBUC.

I didn't know that JE no longer trained officials for PBUC. When did this happen, Mike?

Tim.

[mstaylor]

 

It is a good idea to attend a school, even at our advanced ages. Another option is to see what Evans is doing with his school. I know he is still running it, just not feeding PBUC.

I didn't know that JE no longer trained officials for PBUC. When did this happen, Mike?

Tim.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/10/sports/baseball/umpiring-school-loses-baseball-relationship-over-behavior-at-party.html?_r=0

[JaxRolo]

 

It is a good idea to attend a school, even at our advanced ages. Another option is to see what Evans is doing with his school. I know he is still running it, just not feeding PBUC.

I didn't know that JE no longer trained officials for PBUC. When did this happen, Mike?

Tim.

 

Where you been????     

[BigUmp56]

It is a good idea to attend a school, even at our advanced ages. Another option is to see what Evans is doing with his school. I know he is still running it, just not feeding PBUC.

I didn't know that JE no longer trained officials for PBUC. When did this happen, Mike?

Tim.

Where you been????     

I usually pass over the pro school stuff. I'm too old for it.

Tim.

[RC@54OUTS]

As you can see you've only received encouragement to go. All of these guys including myself wish they could have a do-over. Becoming an umpire will prepare you for many things to come in your life. I think that's what Justin was talking about. As far as going to the show, the odds are against you but don't let that stop you. D1 umpires will make more money than guys that are starting up the pro ladder. The price you pay. Just go for it! No regrets!

[Radwaste50]

I'm 24, been playing baseball my whole life, up through the NCAA level and now currently playing in a men's league (although not a high talent pool).  I have always been interested in umpiring and baseball rules.  I've had the idea of going to an umpiring school (probably HW, even though I know this site partnered with the Umpire School). 

 

What would I need to do now to get ready for the camp in January 2013?

 

Build a time machine??

Go to school, be a sponge, realize it is a five week job interview.

 

 

[bam]

I would also recommend reading "As They See 'Em: A Fan's Travels in the Land of Umpires."  It talks about life as a minor league umpire.

 

http://www.amazon.com/As-They-See-Em-Travels/dp/B004H8GMF8

Great book.