Subject: Aspiring 15yo Youth Umpire (Kansas) - Seeking Mentorship and Gear Support

[alex jones]

Hello everyone,

My name is Alex. I am a 15-year-old student from Kansas, and I’m writing today because I have a deep-seated passion for the game of baseball—not as a player, but as an aspiring official. I have spent a lot of time watching the game from the stands, and I’ve realized that I belong on the "third team" behind the plate.

As an individual with ADHD and autism, I find that the structure and objective nature of umpiring are a perfect fit for my learning style and strengths. I thrive on clear rules, technical precision, and the high-focus environment that officiating provides. While many people find the pressure of the plate to be stressful, I find the order and logic of the rulebook to be incredibly rewarding.

The Challenge: I am fully committed to learning the mechanics and the rules, but as a student, I am operating on a zero-dollar budget. The cost of entry for a new umpire—especially for the necessary safety equipment—is currently a major barrier for me. I don’t have the funds to buy a mask, chest protector, or shin guards, and without them, I obviously can't begin working games or training safely.

How You Can Help: I’m reaching out to this community of veteran umpires to see if anyone has any "retired" or surplus equipment sitting in their garage that you'd be willing to donate to a young person just starting out. I’m not looking for the newest or most expensive gear; I’m just looking for safety equipment that is in good, functional condition so I can get on the dirt.

Specifically, I’m looking for:

• A protective mask or helmet
• A hard-shell chest protector
• Shin/Leg guards
• Any extra accessories (indicators, plate bags, etc.)

Even if you don’t have gear to give, I would value any advice on youth officiating programs, local Kansas clinics, or tips for a new kid on the block. I am eager to learn, hard-working, and ready to get to work.

Thank you all for your time and for everything you do to keep the game fair for everyone.

Best regards, Alex Jones

[orangebird]

This feels remarkably like AI but if it's somehow not, this appears to be the best site for Kansas umpires

https://ksoasports.com/baseball

[wolfe_man]

If it isn't AI, then this young man has excellent communication skills. I'd hire him to work in the bank's offices.  He could forgo the umpire side hustle.

 

Here's my AI response using the same language as above, but asking AI to elaborate and lengthen my reply:

 

Certainly! Here’s an expanded and more detailed version of your response:

---

If it isn’t AI, then this young man truly possesses outstanding communication skills. His ability to articulate thoughts clearly and engage effectively with others is impressive, especially for someone his age. I would absolutely consider hiring him to work in a bank’s offices, where strong interpersonal and professional communication are essential. With his talent, he could excel in client interactions, team collaboration, and even in roles that require precise documentation or customer service. Given these skills, he might not need to rely on his umpire side hustle; a promising career in banking could be well within his reach. It’s rare to see such poise and capability, and it speaks volumes about his potential for success in a professional environment.

---

 

[grayhawk]

17 hours ago, orangebird said:

This feels remarkably like AI but if it's somehow not, this appears to be the best site for Kansas umpires

https://ksoasports.com/baseball

That would be a good start for someone 18 or over (I am guessing). I doubt a HS umpire association would allow a 15 y/o to join. The HS association in my area does have its members donate their old gear, but it's for new members. But maybe they know of someone that can help this youngster.

[wolfe_man]

3 minutes ago, grayhawk said:

That would be a good start for someone 18 or over (I am guessing). I doubt a HS umpire association would allow a 15 y/o to join. The HS association in my area does have its members donate their old gear, but it's for new members. But maybe they know of someone that can help this youngster.

The same is true in my HS association.   The local LL actually does a fair job of getting younger umpires going though.  Many a good umpire has started at that level and advanced.

[Velho]

1 hour ago, wolfe_man said:

The local LL actually does a fair job of getting younger umpires going though.  Many a good umpire has started at that level and advanced.

Including 5 MiLB umpires (3 AAA, a AA, & a High A) I've personally met - and even trained one of them at a LL clinic.

[alex jones]

do you think you could get me in contact with A MILB umpire?

[orangebird]

On 5/13/2026 at 2:02 PM, alex jones said:

do you think you could get me in contact with A MILB umpire?

@Velho could answer this better than me, but it seems like putting your address in here and finding out what Little League is the closest to you seems like the next step. You might also be in a region with assorted rec ball leagues, unaffiliated with the official Little League system, that still offer the same chances for reps

https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/league-finder/

[Velho]

On 5/13/2026 at 11:02 AM, alex jones said:

do you think you could get me in contact with A MILB umpire?

I'd point any real person to google umps care (all one word).

[The Man in Blue]

On 5/12/2026 at 6:34 PM, orangebird said:

This feels remarkably like AI but if it's somehow not, this appears to be the best site for Kansas umpires

https://ksoasports.com/baseball

 

Yes/no.  I'm wagering on an actual 15-year old who is on the spectrum and used AI to clean up his writing.    

Alex, the qualities you identify are very helpful and can be strengths to umpires who are on the spectrum.  I have worked with a few.  Where they struggled was in their interpersonal and communication skills.  When things were going fine, they were fine.  When things started to get weird or contentious, they had trouble processing that.  

At your age, starting with the local Little League program is the way to go.  I hope this works out for you!