An Umpire School Diary

Shaun McCready, an amateur umpire in Pennsylvania, wrote a daily blog detailing his experience as a student at the Wendelstedt Umpire School in 2013. It is a superb account not only of the instruction he received, but also the about techniques and duties of an umpire. This edited version of the blog, about one-third of the original, is presented in chronological order to better convey the day-to-day progression at the school. To appreciate Shaun’s full experience, readers are encouraged to consult the entire blog at 2013umpireschool.wordpress.com.

 

 

January 1, 2013 — Arrival! Hey everyone, first of all I would like to start this by saying thanks to all of my family and friends, especially my wife who supported me in coming to school. I will not be here to compete for a pro job (discussed this with my wife and came to the conclusion she would kill me if I took it) but am here to do the best that I can and hopefully finish in the top of the class. Killer day today, got up at 545 AM, drove to Pittsburgh, flew out of Pittsburgh at 1230 PM and landed in Orlando at 305 PM. Went from 30 degree temps to 75! Sick of the snow too so the timing is pretty good. Hired a private car and got a ride to Daytona Beach. Got to the hotel about 530 PM. It has definitely seen better days, but the view out of the back window is stunning, full view of the Atlantic Ocean. Tomorrow is registration day and orientation.

January 2 — Registration/Orientation. Went through registration today. Met several of the instructors while registering, all of them are very friendly and seem more than willing to help out however possible. After filling out the paperwork, got assigned my meal plan card as well as a dinner menu. Food looks to be pretty good, a nice mix of several types of food. Then I was issued a small duffel bag with the Wendelstedt logo, four t-shirts with the logo (two white and two navy), and my baseball bible aka. the rulebook, and a hat with the logo. Then onto a one-on-one meeting with Hunter Wendelstedt and Jerry Layne. They were very nice and seemed to know a little bit about all of us, some things that we never told them. Seems like they check into you a little bit. After that it was free time until orientation.

At orientation I would estimate that there are around 130-150 people in the class. We had to stand up when our name was called and give our name, hometown, room number, and who were rooming with (I’m in my own room). Funny thing, I noticed that the instructor reading out our names at roll call when he came upon a difficult name would say, “Here’s a whacker.” For those who don’t know, a whacker is a baseball term for a very close play, usually difficult to call. Wendelstedt and Layne gave their speeches, both very good speakers, going over some of the dos and don’ts. Then the lead instructor, Brent Rice, ran us through his welcome speech. They told us not to read anything in the rule book yet, but if we wanted a head start to read rule 2.00, which is definitions. They told us that the only thing we would need tomorrow for class is our rule book, hat, and mask. The next couple of days will be on very basic things, things that some of us with experience may already know.

January 3 — First day of class! The first day of class, up at 6:30 AM, showered and down for breakfast. Class started at 8:30 sharp and we have assigned seating alphabetically. The guys next to me are pretty good guys, one guy drove down from Connecticut so myself and two other guys are hitching rides with him to the field. Also found out there is one guy from Canada, one from Puerto Rico, and one from Japan. Class started with reading very simple rules, about the goals of the game and such, followed by general guidelines for umpires. Found out in MiLB you are not allowed to have any facial hair, or visible piercings or tattoos.

After the classroom work we went to the fields, about a 20-minute drive from here. There are three baseball fields, which are all very nice. We started out around home plate watching how to get hands on knees set (this is one phrase “hands on knees set” an umpiring position), call an out and a safe. They are VERY specific about how to make these calls, and they want you to yell LOUD! When you make the out call you yell “he’s out” and that is all you are allowed to yell. When you call safe you can yell “safe” or “he’s safe.” We then learned about how to call balls, strikes, and get into the plate stance in the slot position, the proper way to clean off the plate, and how to start the game. You call a strike or ball by saying which one it is followed by what number is it e.g. “Ball 3” “Strike 2,” etc. Once again, you are only allowed to work the slot, no other stances as that is what is required in MiLB. Then we formed up in lines in the outfield. We warmed up with some calisthenics and stretching and then we practiced all of the calls we learned. The instructors walked around and corrected whatever they saw that was wrong.

We then broke up into groups and practiced getting into the proper plate stance and tracking a slowly tossed ball with just our eyes and calling either ball or strike. They didn’t care what we called they were just watching our stance, tracking the ball, and timing. We did that for quite some time and then ended the day again practicing the calls. We then broke around 5:30PM. It was a pretty long and action-packed day. I’m off to practice my calls in the mirror for a bit, read my assigned rulebook section.

January 4 — TIME — Rain delay! Today was our first rainout, so it was a complete classroom day. We started by going over all of the rules and the measurements that are required by the rules. There are measurements for everything, from the dimension of the field, to the pitcher’s mound, home plate, batter’s box/catchers box, bases, walls, etc. Also the size requirements of bats, balls, gloves and mitts. Learned that the difference between a glove and mitt, that a mitt does not have fingers and a glove has fingers. Also that the catcher is required to wear a mitt, first baseman can wear a mitt or a glove, and everyone else has to wear a glove. We learned the specifications for uniforms, undershirts, and helmets.

We then learned about the different things that each umpire is in charge of, the difference between the crew chief and the umpire-in-chief and the responsibilities of each. We then got a long, two-hour lunch break, which was fine by me because I was sore from all of the drills we did yesterday. I do not kid, I probably got in and out of my plate stance about 200 times, and also made safe, out, strike, and ball calls about 50 to 100 times each. I ate my lunch and took advantage of the time to practice mechanics in the mirror, taking off my mask without knocking my hat off, and also to study as I believe we will have a test on Monday (we have 25 ten-question tests during out time here). We then returned to class and began two-man mechanics. We started learning about how to be positioned with no runners on base and where to go on ground balls to the infield and also base hits.

January 5 — First full field day. We were able to hit the fields for our first full field day! We got a demo on how to drop step back from the catcher on a passed ball or on a pop fly to the catcher, calling catch or no catch, and how to call that the ball is still in play after a passed ball. After that we drilled for the first half of the day. We had to drop step and get distance from the catcher. This was difficult at first for me as I never got that much distance from the catcher before, but I know why now, you can see so much more without the play “exploding” on you as they say here. I must have gotten in and out of the slot stance several hundred more times. Then it was off to formation for calisthenics and to practice the mechanics that we learned yesterday, plus passed ball and pop flies. After lunch we had another demo about how to move down the first base line on a ground ball to the infield, and what to do if the hit would happen to get through for a single. We then broke again and drilled the same drills as earlier, but they added running down the base line. We then had formation again to work on mechanics and voice.

January 6 — First day off! Today was our first day off, and I have to say it is welcome. Muscles are sore and trying to rest my voice as I am pretty hoarse from all of the yelling we do! Started my day by taking my laundry to the laundromat. They will wash and fold the items for you, plus the school worked out a 10 percent discount of that service, as well as some others around the town. They gave us a discount card to show to the businesses. Ate breakfast and about 10:30AM saw some guys down on the beach so I headed down. Took my hat, mask, and indicator and worked with the guys for about 2 hours on mechanics. It was great to work with the other students, everyone is trying to help each other out. Went to the store and got a sub as the only meal our plan does not cover is lunch on Sundays.

January 7 — No test yet… In class we went over fair/foul, and catch/no catch. There is a proper way to call and signal foul and fair. We also went over the definition of a catch and what is required to have a catch, then the definition of foul and fair territory and also how a ball can become foul (there are four ways), and learned what would cause the ball to become dead. Then we went over what we need to see on the field to start the game (there are five requirements) and to resume play (there are three requirements). They want us to use rule book terminology here so they were very specific in how we describe things that happen.

At the fields they demonstrated the proper footwork and mechanics for fair/foul and catch/no catch. We then broke off into formation to practice our mechanics. It is starting to take a little more work to concentrate and think about what you need to do for certain situations. By no means are any of us what I would call good, but you can tell that we are making progress as a group. Mechanics are looking sharper and we are moving with a little more confidence and purpose.

January 8 — Test day today…and a real baseball! Today we started class with our first two tests on field measurements, dimensions, and equipment regulations! I aced both of them as they were just straight memorization of the numbers, two tests down, 23 to go! After the tests we got down to Rule 6.00 and some others which cover the batter. We also learned that a batter cannot just leave the box and that a batter REQUESTS time, THEY do not call time, we do and we can tell them “no.” We then went over when a batter CAN leave the batter’s box (there are 8 times) and when he can actually leave the dirt circle (there are two times). One student asked what you would do if the count was 3 balls and 2 strikes and the pitcher delivered a ball, but the batter stepped out what you would do as he would technically have 4 balls and 3 strikes at that point. We stumped the instructors on that one, but they will find out for us and let us know. We also learned what to do on overthrows, bobbled balls, dropped balls, and when the first baseman pulls his foot off of the bag and how to properly call and signal these things.

Then we went to the fields and drills for the base umpire. When dealing with a ground ball, as soon as you get in and get set and see that the throw is true (which does not mean it is accurate, it just means it is not going to hit you) you quit watching the ball and turn immediately to the bag to make the call. Not watching it took some getting used to. We ended the day with a “whacker” drill.

January 9 — Balls flying everywhere. Today we took a break from rules and met Rich Rieker (director of MLB umpire development) and Bruce Froemming (Special assistant to MLB umpiring). We also got to have a Q and A session with one of our guest MLB instructors, Paul Nauert. It was very interesting to hear Nauert talk about his experience through the minors up until the big leagues. He went on to tell us that they are evaluated every game that they have, and the plate umpire gets a record of how well he did calling pitches. He also said that last year, as a group, MLB umpires got 95.7% of the called pitches correct. He also told us that MLB umpires get around $400 a day for per diem rates, but that they have to pay for their own lodging, as well as a rate for the “clubbie” (the guy who takes care of the umpires at the stadium), food, and also to hotel staff/wait staff/etc. so he said that per diem does not really go that far. He also told us that come tax time they are required to file a “jock tax” and file taxes in every city that they work in, which creates a large tax preparation bill for him.

Then we headed out to the fields and worked on our pause, read, react technique. Lot of quick decisions and also trying to work on mechanics and footwork, whew! Then after lunch we went to a drill about ground balls to all infielders. There are a lot of small things that can happen that can cause you to have to move differently, too many for me to get in to here.

January 10 — Confused is good? Then I’m great! Today another instructor arrived, MLB umpire Doug Eddings. In class we went over the definition of a bunt and a line drive, and the infield fly rule! Also the definition of ordinary effort, foul tip, and the ways a batter can be out. Then we went over pickoffs to first base, second base, runner on first stealing second base, and coverage of third base when a runner goes from first the third (the home plate umpire should take the call if he can, if he does not have other responsibilities).

Then off to the field for the footwork with pickoffs and stealing of second. First of all you have to position yourself in the infield in the correct position. Then when you are set there you have to watch the pitcher and step hard towards a point between the 45-foot line and first base, without getting hands on knees set. I screwed that up. The next time through I still did not step towards the right place, the last time I stepped well but went hands on knees set. Then we went onto pickoffs and steals of second base, you have to take a drop step towards second base then get set for the call as the ball passes you. Then we went onto first to third coverage. You have to communicate with your partner, stop and observe. Oh and by the way, remember that ball? Yeah you have to keep trying to find it and oh yeah those runners they are still moving around the bases. Oh my god, consider me confused! Well they say it’s okay and that we should be completely lost by Saturday, so I guess I am excelling and somewhat ahead of schedule.

January 11 — Test day, and more footwork than a ballroom dancer! After two more tests, we went over a few rules where a batter is out for illegal actions and how to deal with illegal bats, and the definition of a force play. We then went over several ways a runner can be put out. At the fields we practiced mechanics again and then practiced the double play. It is frustrating in that I know the 2-man umpire system as far as where I need to go and what I need to look for, but adding all of this footwork in is frustrating to me. Tomorrow is Saturday, which means we get to sleep in some because we don’t have to be there until 10AM. Maybe the rest will allow me to kick the rest of this cold that I have, a lot of guys are sick in this class so it’s going around.

January 12— Putting a puzzle together. We met at the fields and worked on fly balls to the outfield with one runner on. After that we did a fair/foul drill with base and plate umpires down the right field line with no runners on. We finished off the day with the whacker drill.

January 13 — Relaxing off day. I will be going to the fields with some guys to practice for a bit later today, and then I will just be relaxing and watching some playoff football.

January 14— It’s getting, it’s getting, it’s getting kind of hectic… They threw all kinds of information at us in class — base awards to runners for infractions that may occur, if a fielder hits a batted or thrown ball or pitched ball with any detached equipment (the award is different for all three), deflected balls out of play in fair or foul territory, kicked balls out of play, the definition of what a play is by an infielder, and the proper way to award bases. We also went over how a batter must still touch all of his bases in order even if they are awarded and what happens if a ball lodges in the umpire or player’s equipment or uniform. The frustrating thing is the way the official rulebook is written, it says the same thing two or three times but just worded differently so there is a lot of repeating. I am officially in the camp now calling for a rewrite and update on the rulebook.

We are almost done with the two man umpire system. At the fields we went over base and plate umpire responsibilities with runners on first and second base and positioning for plays at the plate. When we went to the field for practice, it was on! They could throw us double plays, pickoffs, base hits, fly outs, fair/foul calls, all kinds of things. We finished up the day with a demonstration on how the pitching cages will work, where you get evaluated on working behind the plate. Evaluations will start next week, so instructors will be walking around with iPads making notations on us. I’m sure nerves will be shot then. We start control games (games where the instructors set up whatever scenario they want to), camp games (games where we play each other), and live games (high school and college teams play) this week.

January 15 — Finally some real action. We started off class today by going over interference, what happens if a ball hit a broken bat or a helmet in fair or foul territory, and a running lane violation. There are about five things that all need to happen for a running lane violation. Then we went out to the fields and covered how to deal with rundowns between first and second base and third base and home plate. We did that for half of the day and then after that we started control games. We finally got to put all of the stuff from the drills we have been doing into practice, and you know, working the two man system is so much easier now that things are live. My turn on the bases went fine. I then went to the plate, and things didn’t go quite as well, but they didn’t go badly either. Hope I get to call some pitches tomorrow!

January 16 — Test double header. We started off with two more tests today, and I got a one hundred on both again. We went to the fields and had a demo on how to award bases. They are very specific about how they are awarded, and both umpires have to award bases simultaneously. We then broke off to control games where they added on overthrows and awards of bases to the situations along with everything else we already covered. My group got called for cage work. They use a pitching machine and the instructor sits and watches your plate stance, head height, if you move your head when the pitch comes in, if you are tracking the pitch the whole way into the glove with your eyes, your voice and mechanics. I didn’t do too bad, head was locked in and tracked all the way with my eyes. The only thing that needs work is my slot foot getting up enough on a left handed batter, which apparently is a common problem, and he also said I have to explode up more with my mechanic and yell louder.

I’m off to go to a Q and A session tonight with Hickox, Eddings, and Knight. They will show the tapes they get after their games that show how accurate they were on their called pitches.

January 17 — Jumped the gun…NOW s*&t got real! Ok, first I would like to start out by telling you all about last night’s session with Ed Hickox, who showed us the ZE system that grades all major league umpires on their plate work. I have to tell you that this system is amazing, it uses the same technology that the military uses to precision bomb targets to track pitches. There are three cameras in every major league ballpark. There is one in center field, and two on each side. There is about a 2-inch buffer zone around the entire strike zone, so if you call a pitch there they give you credit for you being right. So Hickox pulled up his score sheet from the last game that he called behind the plate. He had around 160 decision pitches (pitches that he actually had to call a strike or ball) and he only called 5 incorrect according to the system, so his percent correct right was around 96 percent. The average for all umpires this last season was 97.8 percent. There is also another system called BASES that grades them on all plays on the bases. On average every MLB umpire only missed three whackers each total for the whole season this last year. Oh and they went on to tell us how much BS the K-Zone that ESPN uses is. That box they use only gets extended a generic up or down for a taller or shorter batter.

Today we had two tests and I’m sad to say the streak has ended. Missed my first question on the second test, but I guess 79/80 on 8 tests is pretty good. At the fields we had a demonstration of interference by a base runner, by a batter runner and catcher’s interference.

Then we broke off to control games. After that, we started our first live game with a college team inter-squad scrimmage. The way it works is you are assigned a half-inning. The first umpire works the plate and one base for a half inning. Then you go and change while two other students work the bottom half of the inning. Then you and your partner come back out to do the top of the next inning in the position that you have not worked.

January 18 — Strap it on boys! Game time. Class today covered appeals and apparent fourth outs, and let me tell you that stuff is enough to make your head spin. It’s bad enough on a dry erase board trying to figure that stuff out, god be with me if I have to do that in a real game some day. At the end of class they gave assignments for innings during live games today. My half inning came up and I had the bases first. Had pretty routine stuff, the only thing I had a pop up to the infield with nobody on. After that half inning I ran in and put on the plate gear and took over behind the dish. Man, working behind the plate felt so smooth and natural now since I have had some instruction on how to do it. Had good pitch tracking, and I even took a foul ball off of my face mask and stayed locked in and didn’t move! Finished my half inning with no major blunders, did a few things wrong but nothing horrible.

January 19 — Beautiful field day. Today we headed straight to the fields and we immediately started with live games with a high school team that played a scrimmage for us. I didn’t have any innings today but I did have a good idea. One of the guys that I hang out with did have two innings today and I had an idea from our cage sessions. I whipped out my cell phone and took video of him at his time during the plate and the bases. I got with him afterwards and transferred the files to his computer so now he has film of himself at work that he can critique. He said he would use my phone and record me the next time I go so that will be really cool to have video of us working.

After the live games we started control games, but my cage group was called. I was in the cages for the rest of the afternoon. After that we had a demo about illegal pitching moves and balks that ran kind of late into the evening so we got out pretty late today.

January 20— Finally, an off day. Boy, I tell you what, an off day is really something to look forward to around here. We are just so darn busy during the week that everyone is looking forward to Sunday to rest and recharge.

January 21 — That’s a balk! In class we went over obstruction and how to enforce it, then to the fields for demonstrations on how to call and enforce balks and obstruction. After drills, we had control games, I think I did alright in my turns, messed up some small stuff but no major blunders. Also had my first one-on-one cage review session and was told that I looked pretty good behind the plate. I was locked in and comfortable; they just told me to relax my mechanic some.

January 22 — Cage match and live innings. Started off with two tests then headed to the fields. We did drills on pause, read, and react, while the other two fields did control games. After lunch my group got called for cage work. I went to the cages and didn’t have really any bad critique other than my timing being quick at times. After that I had a live half- inning behind the plate and one on the bases. I called out a balk that my partner didn’t see when I was on the bases so I felt pretty good about that.

January 23 — Punchouts and whacker mechanics?!?! I’m in!!! Today started in class with covering interference by authorized personnel and interference by spectators, then a crash course overview of two-man mechanics with a runner on first and runners on first and second base. Out to the field for control games, then demonstrations on called third strike and whacker mechanics. On the bases you still have to stay hands on knees set for the play, and stay square to the base. You can take one step forward and use your “punch out,” but only on close plays. Also for the strike three mechanics there are rules. You have to stay looking forward at the ball, cannot take your eye off of it while doing your mechanic and are only allowed to take one step backwards on your mechanic. My group got called to the cages! Man I was pumped, got into the cages and “HIKE THREE!!!!” rung that sucker up sharp. Can’t wait to ring my first batter up looking in a game, it’s gonna be sweet!

January 24 — Cage session, control game, and live innings…one of each please! Today started with two tests, went over how to handle situations. Not necessarily ejections, but all situations. I got to go in the cages again, and had a good session. Then I got some innings in control games. I thought that I did pretty well with those as well. I was also assigned live innings today so I got a half inning on the bases and a half inning behind the plate.

January 25 — You’re outta here! New instructors arrived today— Brian Gorman, Mike Winters, and Sam Holbrook. Tomorrow Randy Marsh, the director of MLB umpiring, will be in attendance. We went over more rules regarding ejections of players, managers, coaches, and other personnel. At the fields Layne, Gorman, and Winters had an hour-and-a-half long presentation about how to handle situations. We learned when it is appropriate to warn someone, and when to just toss them immediately. Then we were put into situations and the instructors played the managers and players. It was a really fun day, and it was funny to see how some people handled a little chirping. They are starting to evaluate us on our judgment on balls and strikes in the cages now. Some guys are really starting to stand out now as being very good umpires. I think we can already point to a few that are going to get selected to go to PBUC for MiLB evaluations.

January 26— Early dismissal. We started with the class photo and individual photos with the staff if we wanted. After that we went straight to live innings, 18 innings to be exact. I got my turns in and did pretty well. They had a few things that I could have done better, but they said that it is obvious that I know the two-man umpire system and that I have good instincts. They left us go at 3:00 PM today so this is awesome! I think we could all use the break and get a little bit longer time off to help us recover and heal. Can’t believe that it has been five weeks already, it is pretty cool to look back and see how far everyone has progressed. Off to enjoy my R&R!

January 27— Another well-earned day off. Got up this morning and some friends and I decided to head to the Daytona International Speedway to catch the end of the Rolex 24-hour race. After that watched a little of the Pro Bowl and then got some studying done.

January 28 — Busy, busy day! We went over game preliminaries as well as how a pregame plate meeting works, what should be on a lineup card, how many baseballs the umpire is required to have in his possession at all times, how many need to be prepared before the game and how many trips per inning per pitcher the manager gets. Then we were given our inning assignments and cage groups. I didn’t have any innings today but I did have a cage group. We were then given a scenario that we have to write an ejection report about this evening. The setup was given to us in class, about a batter grounding out to first base and the manager not liking that he was called out. Also, we were given our declaration forms as to whether or not we would accept a job in professional baseball. I know I came down here knowing I wouldn’t take a job, but after these past four weeks I feel like I am doing pretty well. I know that I must refuse to accept a job because of my situation, but it is a sobering feeling knowing that by checking one box on a sheet of paper that I’m slamming that door shut permanently. Oh well, it is what is best for myself and my family, and I will still be one heck of a high school umpire and hopefully one day a college umpire as well!

We then broke for the ejection demo. They set the scenario up on the field and had the instructor playing the manager wearing a microphone. We watched the scenario unfold and tonight have to write two ejection reports from the viewpoint of the base umpire and the plate umpire. Then we broke for cage groups. It was a little unsettling in the cages with the instructor just staring at you the whole time and not offering any advice after getting nothing but advice for the past four weeks, but I think I did fine. Then I went to my field, where they had a double play drill set up. It is crazy to see 6 MLB umpires watching guys take their turns at the plate and bases and know they are deciding if you are good enough.

January 29– Back in the saddle! We went over substitution rules and how the double switch works and when they are able to do the double switch, also when players are allowed to be substituted and how to signal them into the game. After that we headed to the fields to control games and then the cages. After lunch we had live games. I did get innings today, had the plate first and then the bases. I did ok on the plate, a few dumb mistakes. On the bases, my partner called a balk but I have no idea what for. Oh well, gotta back your partner, so I echoed his call and awarded the runner his base. There were guys from two independent baseball leagues here today that are looking for about 10 umpires each.

January 30— Crunch time. Two tests and I aced them both again, 195/200, with five more tests to go, not bad. We then went over what makes a game a regulation game, when a game can be called, when a game can be suspended, and when a game is a “no game” which means it has to be played all over again. Let me tell you what, there is so much crazy information on these things it was making our heads spin. We are required to know the MLB as well as the MiLB rules regarding all of this stuff. Oh yeah, right before lunch we had another guest come to school, Joe West! It was awesome hearing him speak with us briefly. He told us he will be at our graduation banquet this Tuesday.

January 31 — Switch it up! We started class today by going over the rules for the designated hitter. We are now assigned innings on different fields with different people than what we are used to working with. I had a control game on the bases, the only major thing that I messed up was that we had catcher’s interference and then the ball was thrown out of play. I forgot that since the ball was thrown out of play that the batter/runner needed to be awarded second, I was still hung up on the catcher’s interference being nullified because he reached first base safely. After that I had my turn at the plate and things didn’t go that great. I was in position for everything, and I got to all of the places that I needed to be, but I screwed something small up on just about every play. Then I had another cage session, evaluation only. I watched the video when I got back and I was pretty upset that I saw my head move slightly on a couple of pitches. There are some very good umpires here, and I do not envy the instructors having to just pick a few guys to go to PBUC. From what I saw today it is going to be a tough decision.

February 1 — What a long day! After two tests to start the day, covered batting out of order, which can be quite confusing sometimes. At the fields we had another ejection scenario that we had to write a report on this evening. Then we broke and went straight to live innings. My first turn was at the plate. I should have gotten off of the line for some foul balls that were caught, and the pitcher asked for a new ball one time and I forgot to call time while replacing it. On the bases all went pretty well. I had to call obstruction on a runner rounding first base, but I called him out at second base because in my judgment he would have been out anyway had the obstruction not occurred. Well, I knew it was coming, so here comes the instructor out to play the part of the manager to argue the call. I told him to calm down and I would explain what I had to him. I explained about my judgment call and he proceeded to tell me that “You are $(*#&$#(*$&.” Well, BOOM, threw him out of the game! Afterwards as I was coming off of the field one instructor told me that I nailed the obstruction call and the ejection so I was happy about that.

After dinner with some friends, went to class tonight at 8PM. We covered double header rules, forfeited games, and protest.

February 2— Another really long day. We started the day out on the fields. Several high school teams were there and they played seven innings on all of the fields. I had a cage session during the high school games and then had innings later in the day. I had a few mistakes, but it was much better than the last two times. They told us if we give them a hard day’s work on Monday that on our short day Tuesday we will have a camp game with us against each other. Everyone is tired but it is the last Saturday night here in Daytona and my buddies and I are going to go get dinner and go out tonight.

February 3— Last Sunday in Daytona. Had a good time last night, the last Saturday night dinner and drinks down here with the friends that I have made. Just relaxing today, hoping to get my leg healed up for the last few days of class. Just laying low and looking over some stuff for our last three tests that are going to be given to us tomorrow morning. Going to order some pizza and wings, then go to a friend’s room and watch the Super Bowl later tonight. Tomorrow is looking to be a good day, after our tests we get to roast the instructors so that should be a good time!

February 4— Coming down the stretch. Today we had our last three tests and I finished the course with 242/250 questions correct. After that we had a session where the instructors ripped on all of us and then we had the chance to give it back to them, kind of an open mic forum. There was some pretty funny stuff said, and that is all I will go into about that, if you want to know more you gotta come to school! We also received our class photos and banquet tickets for tomorrow. Then we went to the fields for our last full day of work, cage sessions and live innings. After my last cage session we played 20 innings as to give everyone their chances to go and even up everyone’s turn. They informed us that as a reward for hard work we are going to have a 7-inning camp game tomorrow. They divided the class up into AL and NL teams, with two instructors as managers. They also said that everyone that is here from a foreign country has to sing their national anthem before the game. Tomorrow sounds like it will be a lot of fun.

February 5— We are officially done! A short classroom session today on deportment and how our grades are going to be calculated. They told us that if we get a C on our evaluations, not to freak out a C means that your performance in the graded area is average with all other students, A’s and B’s are for doing something exceptionally well and above average. Two students got arrested last night for an alcohol-related incident, and that one of them was actually in the running for a job until that. I cannot imagine coming down here and throwing away five weeks and all that money over some stupid behavior due to alcohol. Then our camp game. What a fun time! Then we had lunch and were officially done! We have the banquet coming up in a few hours, and then evaluations are tomorrow! I cannot believe that the end is here, it doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was just starting with all of this.

February 6— Judgement day! Well, at long last we are at the end of school. Got up early and went in for evaluations. The head instructor, Brent Rice, asked me if he was correct that I did not want a job in professional baseball. After talking to him as to why I could not accept a job, he stated that he now understood. He said that the staff was actually puzzled as to why I checked the box about not wanting a job. He stated that I would not have been considered for professional baseball as I was not in the top 25, but that I would have been considered for placement into independent baseball had I chose to accept a job. He stated that they would have no problem writing a recommendation for me to any associations that I needed one for. I told them that I really wanted to get into college baseball and they told me that there is no reason, based upon my performance, why I could not have a successful career in college baseball. Here are my grades:

• Attitude: A (Excellent)
• Coordination: C (Average)
• Instinct: C (Average)
• Mobility: C (Average)
• Hustle: C (Average)
• Timing: C (Average)
• Judgment: C (Average)
• Positioning: C (Average)
• Voice: C (Average)
• Rules Interpretation on the Field: B (Above Average)
• Final Test Score: 242/250 96.8% (A)

I am completely satisfied with how I performed while I was down here. I know that I am 100 times the umpire that I was before, and that I can only get better with this behind me. I am a proud graduate of the Wendelstedt Professional Umpire School. One of my best friends down here made it to PBUC placement camp, and the one guy that I pegged from week one also made it. I am so excited for them and I know that I will be friends with these guys for life, and cannot wait to hear about their journey through the minor leagues. I have no doubt that my friend will make it into MiLB. I will leave you with a quote from the late founder of this school, Harry Wendelstedt: “Not everyone can be a major league umpire, but everyone can be a major league person.”