How Much Do MLB Umpires Make? Becoming An Umpire

What Is a Baseball Umpire?

A baseball umpire is a person who officiates at baseball games. They are responsible for ensuring that the game is played according to the rules and call balls and strikes. Umpires generally wear black or dark blue uniforms and typically stand behind the catcher during the game.

They play a very important role in the game and must be able to make quick decisions to keep the game moving. They also need to remain calm and impartial, even when the fans or players argue with them.

Umpires must undergo training to learn the rules of the game and pass a written test before they can officiate at major league games. (as we’ll see below)

Skills Needed For Success

To be a successful MLB umpire, you must have excellent hand-eye coordination. This is because you will be making split-second decisions on whether a pitch is a ball or a strike, and you need to be able to see the ball clearly and react quickly. You must also have good stamina, as umpiring can be physically demanding, especially in hot weather conditions.

Remaining calm and level-headed under pressure is probably the most important thing, as there can often be arguments and disputes between players and managers during games.

How To Become a Major League Umpire

Attend an Umpiring School That Major League Baseball Approves: During your time at umpiring school, you will learn the basic mechanics of being an umpire, such as calling balls and strikes and making safe/out calls. You will also be evaluated on your ability to stay calm and composed under pressure.

Register With The Professional Umpires Association (PUA): The PUA is responsible for assigning umpires to minor league games. To be eligible for a minor league game assignment, you must be 18 years old and have completed high school.

Be Assigned To a Minor League Team: You will start working as an umpire in the lower levels of the minors, such as rookie ball or Class A. As you advance through the ranks, you will eventually work your way up to the Triple-A level.

You may be called to the majors if you perform well at the Triple-A level. Major League Baseball employs a small number of umpires, so there is fierce competition for these jobs. Once Major League Baseball hires you, you will be responsible for officiating games at the highest level of professional baseball.

Negatives of Becoming an Umpire

One of the negatives of becoming a major league umpire is that the job can be very stressful. There is a lot of pressure to make the correct calls, and if an umpire makes a mistake, it can have a big impact on the game.

Umpires also must travel to different cities and stadiums around the country, which can be tough on family life. They also often target criticism from players, coaches, and fans and must be able to handle this criticism to succeed in their job.

Positives of Becoming an Umpire

Major league umpires are some of the most respected sports officials in the world. They are highly trained professionals responsible for ensuring that games are fair and played according to the rules.

Umpires play a vital role in protecting the safety of players and keeping order on the field. In addition to calling balls and strikes, they must break up fights, eject players and coaches who break the rules and help maintain control of the game.

Despite all the challenges of being an umpire, there are also many rewards. Umpires travel to different cities and see some of the best baseball players in the world up close. They also receive a good salary and benefits and have the opportunity to advance in their career.