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Any baseball fan can have an opinion, but only the umpire gets to make the call. And, naturally enough, not everybody gets to be an umpire. Just like baseball players, umpires start out in the minor leagues and work their way up to the big time. According to the official Minor League Baseball web site, professional umpires must meet some basic requirements. They need: - a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- reasonable body weight
- 20/20 vision (with or without glasses or contact lenses)
- good communication skills
- quick reflexes and good coordination
- some athletic ability
- the required preliminary training for the job (i.e., they must attend professional umpire school)
The Professional
Baseball Umpire Corporation has approved two professional umpire schools -- the Harry Wendelstat School and the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring. Both schools operate out of Florida. Attendance at these schools doesn't guarantee you'll get a job though. The frequently asked questions page at Baseball Umpires explains how umpires move up the ranks. First, the top students at the professional schools are evaluated, and those that make the cut are hired as Minor League Baseball umpires. They start at the lower leagues and are evaluated frequently, giving them the chance to move to higher leagues. The lowest level is
Class A, next is Double A, and finally there's Triple A. Major League Baseball teams choose from Triple A umpires when they have job openings. It's not a fast progression for umpires -- the Baseball Umpires site estimates: "It could take 8¿12 years before reaching Triple A." So, while you can't walk up to your favorite Major League Baseball team and apply for an umpire job, with schooling and practice, one day you could be the one to yell "You're out!" to Barry Bonds and company.
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