Umpires

The Eastern league is pleased to welcome the return of 10 of our umpires from the 2007 season back for the 2008 campaign along with eight new faces. Like players, Minor League umpires are on a long, competitive stairway to the Major Leagues. Their journey begins by attending one of two umpire training schools. About 400 umpires attend the schools but only 40 land jobs after the training is complete. Those who are fortunate to get jobs start at the lowest levels and face a slow upward progression. They spend half the year living out of hotel rooms. They log almost as many miles on America's highways as the Teamsters. Most work other jobs over the winter to supplement the low pay that comes from being an umpire. They get yelled at by fans and dirt kicked on them by managers. So why would anyone choose this psychologically demanding profession? There are two simple answers. They dream of beating the odds and making it to the Major Leagues and they just love the game of baseball.

* - Denotes Crew Chief