So long Rainbow Head. Un-pucker those lips Morganna. Check in with your probation officer Tasered Teen. Toronto natives, Tim Williams and Joe Farrell aka the “Fake Umps” took Major League stadiums by storm last summer and they recently went on tour to benefit UMPS CARE Charities. The tour named, “Four Games for Bears” raised a [...]
From the Air: A Young Man’s Dream
The Alaska Airlines 737 lifts off the ground from SeaTac International Airport and makes its way through 14,000 feet. On this brilliantly crisp, clear late afternoon day, the majestic Mt. Rainier rises through the soft, billowing clouds that are clinging tightly to the base like that of a young child to a mother. Sunday evening [...]
A Child’s First Big League Game
The 2010 BLUE Crew Tickets program begins this weekend and I’ve been given a homework assignment by UMPS CARE Charities that I think is best answered by fans of the game and not necessarily those of us working the games. Question: What should children see or experience when they attend their first baseball game in [...]
The Sounds of April and Our Pastime
The sounds and smells of America’s pastime awaken and sharpen every sense in the baseball fan. The crack of the bat, the aroma of hot dogs, peanuts and freshly cut grass fill the air across the country. Stadiums will resonant with the sounds of cheering fans and their boyish grins as their home town heroes [...]
Retirements Will Prompt New Hiring
There are 435 members in the House of Representatives. There are 100 United States Senators. There are 68 full time Major League umpires. If you have enough money saved up, do not have any college YouTube “moments” quietly stored on an old roommate’s hard drive, and can withstand an appearance with Joy Behar on The [...]
Lincecum Makes His Mark – Literally
The reports read that last year’s Cy Young winner, Tim Lincecum struggled with his control in the first outing of spring training. I probably could have foreseen those reports based solely on my swollen and bruised hip. The likelihood of an umpire getting hit by a ball prior to entering the field and on a [...]
From the Air: Spring 2010
The Captain and First Officer push the throttles full forward and the Airbus 319 slowly begins its takeoff roll as the cold Denver air surges over the wings. The roar and vibration of the engines drown out any conversation or thought in the cabin of this flight bound for Phoenix, Arizona. As the aircraft buffets [...]
Hall of Fame Gentleman
Every year before the start of spring training, Major League Umpires, all 68 of them, are summoned to gather in the warmth of the Arizona sun to attend a pre-season training meeting. The week-long training involves undergoing rigorous physicals, attending numerous meetings and presentations to discuss the rules, field positioning, administrative tasks and duties, and [...]
2012 UMPS CARE Online Auction
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