2010 Minor League Umpires

2010 Minor League Umpires  / World Baseball Classic Umpires  / 2010 All-Star Game Umpires

PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL UMPIRE CORP. 2010 STAFF

Justin Klemm: Executive Director
Mike Fitzpatrick: Special Assistant to President
Lillian Patterson: Special Assistant
Mike Felt: Chief of Instruction/Field Evaluator
Jorge Bauza: Field Evaluator/Instructor
Larry Reveal: Field Evaluator/Instructor
Andy Shultz: Field Evaluator/Instructor

The 2010 regular season salary ranges for each classification are as follows:

Class AAA: $2,600 - 3,500 per month
Class AA: $2,300 - 2,700 per month
Class A - Full Season: $2,000 - 2,400 per month
Class A - Short Season & Rookie: $1,900 - 2,100 per month 

Salaries may vary from the above ranges due to service time or other special considerations.  Umpires receive a promotion premium in the form of increase pay when promoted to Class AA, and another promotion premium when promoted to Class AAA.

Umpire Advancement in the Early Days

Before the creation of a formal umpire development program, Minor League presidents would travel to the umpire schools and sign umpires to professional contracts right at the schools.

Umpires were then "sold" from league to league by word of mouth through the various league presidents. In fact, umpires were known to "politic" in order to advance themselves. The individual league presidents were 100% responsible for lining up their own umpire staffs each year. At that time, it was not uncommon for an umpire to jump from what would now be Rookie classification to AAA classification with no intermediate stops.

The league itself paid all salary and expenses - as minimal as it was then - for each umpire in the league. For example, monthly salaries for umpires in the Florida Rookie League (forerunner of the Gulf Coast League) ranged from $175 to $200 per month and umpires were given from $150 to $200 for expenses. In comparison, the starting salary in the GCL is currently $1,800 per month.

History of the Umpire Development Program

By 1964, Baseball had decided it was in need of a new method for recruitment, training and development of umpires for the Major Leagues as well as a new method of training and advancement for umpires within the Minor Leagues.

Basically, Baseball was looking at a two-fold purpose in instituting a new program. A more athletic, energetic, educated, dedicated, and mannerly-type individual was desired - one with unquestionably high morals and integrity standards. At the same time, a different method of advancement through the Minor Leagues was needed.

For those reasons, the Umpire Development Program was established at Baseball's Winter Meetings in Houston in 1964, and the program began operating in early 1965. Immediately, plans were set into motion whereby the program - based on on-field evaluations - would make recommendations to each league president concerning qualified umpires for their staffs. Major League Baseball would in turn help subsidize each league by paying for a portion of each umpire's salary.

The first administrator of the program was Edward S. Doherty, Jr., a veteran baseball executive.

In March 1965, Bernard (Barney) Deary was hired as a field supervisor. Prior to this, Deary had been an umpire in the International League. He had also umpired in the American Association, Eastern, Georgia-Florida, and Kitty Leagues. One of Deary's first responsibilities was to go onto the field during Spring Training with the younger umpires and actually work with them while supervising.

In April of 1965, Al Somers was also hired as a field supervisor. At that time Somers had just returned from the Far East, where he had been conducting umpire clinics for the armed forces. He was also the owner/operator of the Al Somers School for Umpires, which was the primary professional umpire school at that time. Somers stayed only until June, leaving Deary as the only full-time supervisor to cover all minor leagues throughout the United States. Deary traveled over 50,000 miles during his first season.

The next important development came in 1968 when Major League Baseball decided that UDP should operate its own umpire training course each year. It was called Major League Baseball's "Umpire Specialization Course," and the first class was held in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1969.

Candidates for the course were actively screened and only a limited number of applications were accepted. The first class had approximately 30 students, including future Major League umpires Nick Bremigan, Joe Brinkman and Jim Evans. At this point, Baseball had basically two sources for professional umpires: the new Specialization Course and the Al Somers School for Umpires.

Also in early 1968, veteran International League umpire Joe Linsalata was hired as a second field supervisor. He was with the program in different capacities for many years.

When Doherty left in1969 to take an administrative position with the Washington Senators, Deary was named as Administrator of the program. Veteran umpire Bill Kinnamon was contracted to be chief instructor for the start of the Umpire Specialization Course. Bill was still umpiring in the American League at that time, but an injury on June 22, 1969, ended his career on the field. At the end of the 1969 season he was hired as a full-time supervisor and chief instructor of Baseball's Specialization Course. Bill served as a field supervisor with Linsalata and Deary during the 1970-1973 seasons.

Baseball's own "rookie camp" operated for only 5 years, and in 1974 Kinnamon and Linsalata both left to take over operation of the Specialization Course as a privately-owned school, independent of Major League Baseball. This left Deary as the lone supervisor/administrator again until 1979, when Mike Fitzpatrick and Dick Nelson were hired as field supervisors. Both were veteran AAA umpires, Fitzpatrick having worked in the American Association for seven years and Nelson having served as instructor at the Al Somers and Wendelstedt schools for nine years, six as chief instructor. This greatly relieved the workload for Deary, but Baseball continued to push for even more training, supervision, and development in the Minor Leagues. So Dennis Cregg was hired in 1986 as a third supervisor, followed by Tom Lepperd in 1987, and Mike Felt in 1988.

Ed Lawrence was hired by Major League Baseball as Executive Director of the UDP in early 1988. In September of that year, Deary passed away after suffering a sudden heart attack. Deary gave Baseball 24 years of service with the umpire program, his final 20 years as the program's Administrator. Fitzpatrick was then named Director of Field Supervision.

As the need for further supervision and training continued to grow, additional field supervisors were hired: Phil Janssen in 1989; Michael Pilato in 1990; and Jerry Neudecker and Bill Haller in 1992. Janssen left to join the American League as Coordinator of Umpire Operations in 1992, and Felt, Pilato, and Haller left the program because of budget cuts after the 1993 season. Neudecker died of cancer in January, 1997.Budget constraints eased in early 1997 and Felt and Pilato were re-hired, along with veteran umpire Cris Jones, bringing the instructor/evaluator staff back up to seven.

Through the last several years, tremendous strides were made in improved working conditions for umpires in the Minor Leagues, and the overall level of umpiring at the professional level has risen significantly.

Some of the more important features of the program include:

--Pay raises for Minor League umpires (the starting monthly salary for a rookie umpire is currently $1,800 (compare this with the $175 per month before the establishment of UDP). All Minor League umpire salaries and expenses are paid by the NA league which employs the umpire.
--Group medical, dental, and life insurance is provided free of charge for all umpires in all full-season leagues.
--Hotel lodging is provided free through the league offices for each umpire while on assignment within the league.
--Local courtesy transportation (generally a complimentary rental car) is provided through the league offices for Class AAA umpire crews in each city.
--Uniforms are provided to each umpire [years ago, umpires were on their own in obtaining uniforms].
--Three-umpire crew system used in AAA and AA leagues [until the late 1970's, both the IL and PCL used the two-umpire system].
--A fair and impartial evaluation process for each Minor League umpire, including two written evaluations each year.
--Thorough evaluation and training of each Minor League umpire by means of a criss-cross schedule by the evaluation staff.
--Use of video and audio tape in the training and evaluation of Minor League umpires.
--Numerous educational and training materials published by PBUC, including the NAPBL Umpire Manual and the Manual for the 2-Umpire System.
--A comprehensive annual rules test administered to all NA umpires each winter.
--Annual Spring Training Meetings for NA umpires assigned to Spring Training.

The PBUC operates out of the National Association offices in St. Petersburg, Florida.

How Do I Become a Professional Umpire?

The job of a professional baseball umpire requires quick thinking, common sense, and confidence. When the ball is in play, the umpire sees the action, assesses the situation and makes the call—all in a matter of seconds. The successful umpire has a thorough knowledge of the rule book, is even-tempered, and is mentally strong enough to handle situations under stressful conditions. He is expected to hustle, be alert, be in excellent physical condition, and have a neat appearance.

Each year PBUC recommends new candidates to serve as umpires for the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (the Minor Leagues). These candidates have good training, strong ability as umpires, and a keen desire to succeed.

Umpires seeking a job in professional baseball must meet some basic requirements. Each applicant must have:

High School diploma or G.E.D.
Reasonable body weight
20/20 vision (with or without glasses or contact lenses)
Strong interpersonal skills
Good communication skills
Quick reflexes and good coordination
Some athletic ability
Required preliminary training for the job (i.e., professional umpire school)

The first step to pursuing a career as a professional umpire is to attend one of the two approved professional umpire training schools. These schools run for a period of five weeks during January and February each year. At the end of the training, the school and the PBUC staff members then select its top graduates for participation in the Umpire Evaluation Course, sponsored by the PBUC. These umpire training schools are privately owned, independently operated, and are not affiliated with the PBUC or the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.

During the Evaluation Course, each umpire's performance and abilities are evaluated by the PBUC staff. At the conclusion of the course the students are ranked, based on performance, and recommendations are then made to the Minor League Presidents regarding additions to their umpire staffs.

Those selected from the Evaluation Course start their careers in either a Rookie or Short-A Minor League. While progressing from Class A to Class AA to Class AAA leagues, the umpire receives valuable training and experience which may provide an opportunity to become a Major League umpire. It usually takes seven to eight years of umpiring professional baseball at the Minor League level before the umpire is considered for positions at the Major League level.

2010 Umpire Rosters

Minor League Call-Up Umpires

The following Minor League umpires will work at the 2010 ML Spring Training and can be called up for Major League duty during the season if needed.

Lance Barrett, Scott Barry, Damien Beal, Dan Belino, Cory Blaser, Angel Campos, Vic Carapazza, Chris Conroy, Mike Estabrook, Chad Fairchild, Manny Gonzalez, Brian Knight, Casey Moser, Mike Muchinski, Alan Porter, David Rackley, D.J. Reyburn, Mark Ripperger, Todd Tichenor, Chris Tiller, John Tumpane

International League (AAA)

CHRIS BAKKE: Age 33, 5'11", 165 lbs., resides Menahga, MN. 2002, Arizona Lg.; 2002-03, Northwest Lg.; 2003-04, Midwest Lg.; 2004-05, California Lg.; 2006-07, Eastern Lg.; 2008, Southern Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg.; 2009, Venezuelan Lg. -2nd full yr. in Triple-A-..Age 33, 5'11", 165 lbs., resides Menahga, MN. 2002, Arizona Lg.; 2002-03, Northwest Lg.; 2003-04, Midwest Lg.; 2004-05, California Lg.; 2006-07, Eastern Lg.; 2008, Southern Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg.; 2009, Venezuelan Lg. -2nd full yr. in Triple-A-

STEVE BARGA: Age 28, 6'1", 205 lbs., resides Castle Rock, CO. 2005, Arizona Lg. & Northwest Lg.; 2006, S. Atlantic Lg. & Fl. Instruc. Lg.; 2007, California Lg. & Venezuelan Lg.; 2007-09, Texas Lg. -1st yr. in Triple-A-..Age 28, 6'1", 205 lbs., resides Castle Rock, CO. 2005, Arizona Lg. & Northwest Lg.; 2006, S. Atlantic Lg. & Fl. Instruc. Lg.; 2007, California Lg. & Venezuelan Lg.; 2007-09, Texas Lg. -1st yr. in Triple-A-

LANCE BARRETT: Age 25, 6'5", 225 lbs., resides Burleson, TX. 2003, Gulf Coast Lg., Appalachian Lg. & Florida Instruc. Lg.; 2004, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2005, California Lg.; 2006-08, Eastern Lg.; 2007, Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg. & Arizona Fall Lg. -2nd full yr. in Triple-A-..Age 25, 6'5", 225 lbs., resides Burleson, TX. 2003, Gulf Coast Lg., Appalachian Lg. & Florida Instruc. Lg.; 2004, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2005, California Lg.; 2006-08, Eastern Lg.; 2007, Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg. & Arizona Fall Lg. -2nd full yr. in Triple-A-

CRAIG BARRON: Age 29, 5'10", 215 lbs., resides Fayetteville, GA. 2005, Gulf Coast Lg., NY-Penn Lg., & Fl. Instruc. Lg.; 2006, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2007, Carolina Lg.; 2007-08, Arizona Instruc. Lg., 2008-09, Southern Lg.; 2009, Venezuelan Lg. -1st yr. in Triple-A-..Age 29, 5'10", 215 lbs., resides Fayetteville, GA. 2005, Gulf Coast Lg., NY-Penn Lg., & Fl. Instruc. Lg.; 2006, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2007, Carolina Lg.; 2007-08, Arizona Instruc. Lg., 2008-09, Southern Lg.; 2009, Venezuelan Lg. -1st yr. in Triple-A-

SCOTT BARRY: Age 33, 5'11", 185 lbs., resides Quincy, MI. 2000, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2000-2001, Appalachian Lg.; 2001, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2002, Midwest Lg. & Carolina Lg.; 2003-04, Eastern Lg.; 2003, Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2005-06, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2005-09, International Lg.; 2006-09, Major League Baseball. -6th yr. in Triple-A-..Age 33, 5'11", 185 lbs., resides Quincy, MI. 2000, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2000-2001, Appalachian Lg.; 2001, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2002, Midwest Lg. & Carolina Lg.; 2003-04, Eastern Lg.; 2003, Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2005-06, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2005-09, International Lg.; 2006-09, Major League Baseball. -6th yr. in Triple-A-

TOBY BASNER: Age 25, 5'10", 172 lbs., resides Snellville, GA. 2004, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2005, Appalachian Lg. & Florida Instruc. Lg.; 2006, S. Atlantic Lg. & Dominican Lg.; 2006-07, Carolina Lg.; 2007, Venezuelan Lg.; 2007-09, Southern Lg.; 2008, Puerto Rican Lg.; 2009, Pacific Coast Lg. & Arizona Fall Lg. -1st full yr. in Triple-A-..Age 25, 5'10", 172 lbs., resides Snellville, GA. 2004, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2005, Appalachian Lg. & Florida Instruc. Lg.; 2006, S. Atlantic Lg. & Dominican Lg.; 2006-07, Carolina Lg.; 2007, Venezuelan Lg.; 2007-09, Southern Lg.; 2008, Puerto Rican Lg.; 2009, Pacific Coast Lg. & Arizona Fall Lg. -1st full yr. in Triple-A-

DAMIEN BEAL: Age 37, 6'2", 185 lbs., resides Tampa, FL. 1996, Gulf Coast Lg.; 1996-97, Fl. Instruc. Lg.; 1997, Midwest Lg.; 1998, Florida State Lg.; 1999, Carolina Lg.; 2000-03, Southern Lg.; 2002, Dominican Lg.; 2003-04 & 2007, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2008, Puerto Rican Lg.; 2003-09, International Lg.; 2007-09, Major League Baseball. -8th yr. in Triple-A-..Age 37, 6'2", 185 lbs., resides Tampa, FL. 1996, Gulf Coast Lg.; 1996-97, Fl. Instruc. Lg.; 1997, Midwest Lg.; 1998, Florida State Lg.; 1999, Carolina Lg.; 2000-03, Southern Lg.; 2002, Dominican Lg.; 2003-04 & 2007, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2008, Puerto Rican Lg.; 2003-09, International Lg.; 2007-09, Major League Baseball. -8th yr. in Triple-A-

DAN BELLINO: Age 31, 6'2", 205 lbs., resides Crystal Lake, IL. 2003-04, NY-Penn Lg.; 2004, Midwest Lg. & Florida Instruc. Lg.; 2005, Florida St. Lg. & Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2006, Eastern Lg.; 2007-08, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2007-09, Pacific Coast Lg.; 2009, Major League Baseball. -4th yr. in Triple-A-..Age 31, 6'2", 205 lbs., resides Crystal Lake, IL. 2003-04, NY-Penn Lg.; 2004, Midwest Lg. & Florida Instruc. Lg.; 2005, Florida St. Lg. & Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2006, Eastern Lg.; 2007-08, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2007-09, Pacific Coast Lg.; 2009, Major League Baseball. -4th yr. in Triple-A-

JASON BRADLEY: Age 32, 5'11", 200 lbs., resides Blackshear, GA. 2002, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2002-03, NY-Penn Lg.; 2003-04, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2004, Florida State Lg. & Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2005-07, Southern Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg.; 2009, Dominican Lg. -3rd yr. in Triple-A-..Age 32, 5'11", 200 lbs., resides Blackshear, GA. 2002, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2002-03, NY-Penn Lg.; 2003-04, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2004, Florida State Lg. & Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2005-07, Southern Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg.; 2009, Dominican Lg. -3rd yr. in Triple-A-

TRAVIS BROWN: Age 30, 6'0", 235 lbs., resides Clearwater, FL. 2005, Gulf Coast Lg. & Appalachian Lg.; 2006, S. Atlantic Lg. & Fl. Instruc. Lg.; 2007, Florida State Lg.; 2008, Arizona Instruc. Lg,; 2008-09, Southern Lg. -1st yr. in Triple-A-..Age 30, 6'0", 235 lbs., resides Clearwater, FL. 2005, Gulf Coast Lg. & Appalachian Lg.; 2006, S. Atlantic Lg. & Fl. Instruc. Lg.; 2007, Florida State Lg.; 2008, Arizona Instruc. Lg,; 2008-09, Southern Lg. -1st yr. in Triple-A-

FRAN BURKE: Age 30, 5'9", 175 lbs., resides Ridgewood, NJ. 2000-01, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2001, Appalachian Lg.; 2002, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2003-05, Carolina Lg.; 2005-07, Eastern Lg.; 2006, Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2007, Southern Lg. & Venezuelan Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg. -3rd yr. in Triple-A-..Age 30, 5'9", 175 lbs., resides Ridgewood, NJ. 2000-01, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2001, Appalachian Lg.; 2002, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2003-05, Carolina Lg.; 2005-07, Eastern Lg.; 2006, Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2007, Southern Lg. & Venezuelan Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg. -3rd yr. in Triple-A-

VIC CARAPAZZA: Age 30, 6'0", 170 lbs., resides Franklin, TN. 2003-04, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2003-05, Florida Instruc. Lg.; 2004, NY-Penn Lg.; 2005, Midwest Lg.; 2006, Florida State Lg. & Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2006-08, Eastern Lg.; 2007, Dominican Lg.; 2008-09, Pacific Coast Lg. & Arizona Fall Lg. -2nd full yr. in Triple-A-..Age 30, 6'0", 170 lbs., resides Franklin, TN. 2003-04, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2003-05, Florida Instruc. Lg.; 2004, NY-Penn Lg.; 2005, Midwest Lg.; 2006, Florida State Lg. & Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2006-08, Eastern Lg.; 2007, Dominican Lg.; 2008-09, Pacific Coast Lg. & Arizona Fall Lg. -2nd full yr. in Triple-A-

JOHN CONRAD: Age 33, 6'0", 195 lbs., resides Meriden, CT. 2004, Arizona Lg. & Appalachian Lg.; 2005, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2006-07, California Lg.; 2007, Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2007-09, Eastern Lg. -1st yr. in Triple-A-..Age 33, 6'0", 195 lbs., resides Meriden, CT. 2004, Arizona Lg. & Appalachian Lg.; 2005, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2006-07, California Lg.; 2007, Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2007-09, Eastern Lg. -1st yr. in Triple-A-

CHRIS CONROY: Age 35, 6'4", 230 lbs., resides North Adams, MA. 2000-01, NY-Penn Lg.; 2001-02, Florida Instruc. Lg.; 2002, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2003, Carolina Lg.; 2004-06, Eastern Lg.; 2006, Pacific Coast Lg.; 2007 & 2009, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2007-09, International Lg.; 2008, Venezuelan Lg. -4th full yr. in Triple-A-..Age 35, 6'4", 230 lbs., resides North Adams, MA. 2000-01, NY-Penn Lg.; 2001-02, Florida Instruc. Lg.; 2002, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2003, Carolina Lg.; 2004-06, Eastern Lg.; 2006, Pacific Coast Lg.; 2007 & 2009, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2007-09, International Lg.; 2008, Venezuelan Lg. -4th full yr. in Triple-A-

DEREK CRABILL: Age 33, 6'4", 195 lbs., resides Wonder Lake, IL. 2003, Appalachian Lg.; 2004, S. Atlantic Lg. & Fl. Instruc. Lg.; 2005, Carolina Lg.; 2006-08, Eastern Lg.; 2007, Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2009, International Lg. & Venezuelan Lg. -2nd yr. in Triple-A-..Age 33, 6'4", 195 lbs., resides Wonder Lake, IL. 2003, Appalachian Lg.; 2004, S. Atlantic Lg. & Fl. Instruc. Lg.; 2005, Carolina Lg.; 2006-08, Eastern Lg.; 2007, Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2009, International Lg. & Venezuelan Lg. -2nd yr. in Triple-A-

MICHAEL ESTABROOK: Age 33, 6'0", 185 lbs., resides Lambertville, NJ. 1999-2000, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2000, Appalachian Lg.; 2001, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2002, Florida State Lg.; 2003-04, Southern Lg.; 2004, Venezuelan Lg.; 2005-09, International Lg.; 2006, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2006-09, Major League Baseball. -6th yr. in Triple-A-..Age 33, 6'0", 185 lbs., resides Lambertville, NJ. 1999-2000, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2000, Appalachian Lg.; 2001, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2002, Florida State Lg.; 2003-04, Southern Lg.; 2004, Venezuelan Lg.; 2005-09, International Lg.; 2006, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2006-09, Major League Baseball. -6th yr. in Triple-A-

MANNY GONZALEZ: Age 30, 6'0", 210 lbs., resides Valencia-Carabobo, Venezuela. 2002-03, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2003-04, NY-Penn Lg.; 2004, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2005, Florida State Lg.; 2006, Texas Lg.; 2007, Southern Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg. & Arizona Fall Lg. -3rd yr. in Triple-A-..Age 30, 6'0", 210 lbs., resides Valencia-Carabobo, Venezuela. 2002-03, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2003-04, NY-Penn Lg.; 2004, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2005, Florida State Lg.; 2006, Texas Lg.; 2007, Southern Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg. & Arizona Fall Lg. -3rd yr. in Triple-A-

MARK LOLLO: Age 28, 5'11", 205 lbs., resides New Lexington, OH. 2002-03, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2003, NY-Penn Lg.; 2004-05, Fl.. Instrucc. Lg.; 2004, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2005, Carolina Lg.; 2006, Florida State Lg. & Texas Lg.; 2007-08, Eastern Lg.; 2009, International Lg. -2nd yr. in Triple-A-. Lg.; 2004, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2005, Carolina Lg.; 2006, Florida State Lg. & Texas Lg.; 2007-08, Eastern Lg.; 2009, International Lg. -2nd yr. in Triple-A-

JON MERRY: Age 29, 5'7", 158 lbs.; resides Dahlonega, GA. 2000, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2000-01, Appalachian Lg.; 2002, Florida Instrucc. Lg.; 2002-03, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2003, Carolina Lg. & Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2003-04, Florida State Lg.; 2004, Venezuelan Lg.; 2004-06, Eastern Lg.; 2006-09, Pacific Coast Lg.; 2007, Dominican Lg.; 2008-09, Arizona Fall Lg. -4th full yr. in Triple-A-. Lg.; 2003-04, Florida State Lg.; 2004, Venezuelan Lg.; 2004-06, Eastern Lg.; 2006-09, Pacific Coast Lg.; 2007, Dominican Lg.; 2008-09, Arizona Fall Lg. -4th full yr. in Triple-A-

ALAN PORTER: Age 32, 5'10", 200 lbs., resides Warminster, PA. 2002-03, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2003, NY-Penn Lg.; 2004, S. Atlantic Lg. & Fl.. Instruc. Lg.; 2005, Carolina Lg. & Arizonaa Instruc. Lg.; 2006-07, Eastern Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg. & Arizona Fall Lg. -3rd yr. in Triple-A-

DAVID RACKLEY: Age 28, 5'10", 175 lbs., resides League City, TX. 2001, Arizona Lg.; 2001-02, Fl.. Instruc. Lg.; 2002-03, Northwest Lg.; 2003, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2004, California Lg.; 2004-05, Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2005-07, Texas Lg.; 2007-09, International Lg.; 2008-09, Arizona Fall Lg. -3rd full yr. in Triple-A-

D.J. REYBURN: Age 33, 5'8", 165 lbs., resides Franklin, TN. 2000, Arizona Lg.; 2001, Appalachian Lg.; 2001-02, Florida Instruc. Lg.; 2002, Midwest Lg.; 2003, Florida State Lg. & Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2004-05, Eastern Lg.; 2006-08, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2006-09, Pacific Coast Lg.; 2009, Dominican Lg. & Major League Baseball. - 5th yr. in Triple-A-. Lg.; 2004-05, Eastern Lg.; 2006-08, Arizona Fall Lg.; 2006-09, Pacific Coast Lg.; 2009, Dominican Lg. & Major League Baseball. - 5th yr. in Triple-A-

ART THIGPEN: Age 42, 6'5", 235 lbs., resides Lakeland, FL. 2003-04, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2004, NY-Penn Lg.; 2004-05, Fl.. Instruc. Lg.; 2005, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2006, Florida State Lg. & Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2007-08, Southern Lg.; 2008, Venezuelan Lg.; 2009, International Lg. -2nd yr. in Triple-A-

JUSTIN VOGEL: Age 32, 6'0", 186 lbs., resides Jacksonville, FL. 2002, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2002-03, NY-Penn Lg.; 2003-04, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2005, Florida State Lg.; 2006-07, Southern Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg.; 2009, Dominican Lg. -3rd yr. in Triple-A-..Age 32, 6'0", 186 lbs., resides Jacksonville, FL. 2002, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2002-03, NY-Penn Lg.; 2003-04, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2005, Florida State Lg.; 2006-07, Southern Lg.; 2008-09, International Lg.; 2009, Dominican Lg. -3rd yr. in Triple-A-

CHRIS WARD: Age 29, 5'11", 172 lbs., resides Ashland, KY. 2004, Gulf Coast Lg.; 2005, Appalachian Lg. & Fl.. Instruc. Lg.; 2005-06, NY-Penn Lg.; 2006-07, S. Atlantic Lg.; 2007, Carolina Lg. & Arizona Instruc. Lg.; 2007-09, Southern Lg.; 2009, Venezuelan Lg. -1st yr. in Triple-A--

Pacific Coast League (AAA)

Eastern League (AA)

Southern League (AA)

Gerard Ascani, Drew Ashcraft, Nick Bailey, Jordan Baker, Sean Barber, Travis Carlson, Jason Cooksey, Spencer Flynn, Tripp Gibson, Anthony Johnson, Will Little, Brent Rice, Chris Segal, Anthony West, Quinn Wolcott

Texas League (AA)

Crew One
Brad Myers (Chief), 29; 5-10 190; 2009 Assignment: Texas League
Kellen Levy, 27; 6-1, 205; 2009 Assignment: Texas League
Seth Buckminster, 29; 6-4, 210; 2009 Assignment: California League
Crew Two
Dan Oliver (Chief), 32; 5-10 185; 2009 Assignment: Texas League
Jimmy Volpi, 30; 6-1, 195; 2009 Assignment: Texas League
Brandon Misun, 29; 6-2, 210; 2009 Assignment: Florida State League
Crew Three
Brett Robson (Chief), 27; 6-1 210; 2009 Assignment: Texas League
Kelvin Bultron, 32; 5-10, 210; 2009 Assignments: Florida State, Texas League
Stu Scheurwater, 26; 6-3, 210; 2009 Assignment: Carolina League
Crew Four
Jeff Gosney (Chief), 26; 5-11, 185; 2009 Assignment: Texas League
Brian Hertzog, 30; 6-2, 215; 2009 Assignment: Texas League
Alex Ortiz, 27; 5-9, 160; 2009 Assignment: Southern League

California League (A-Advanced)

Matthew Benham, Charles Billington, Ryan Blakney, Blake Davis, Michael Goebel, Justin Sassaman, Adam Schwarz, Gregory Stanzak, Brett Terry, Thomas Woodring

Carolina League (A-Advanced)

Hometown / Pro Year / 2009 League(s)

Joey Amaral: Baltimore, MD, 4th, South Atlantic
Matt Cumbee: Raleigh, NC, 5th, South Atlantic
Jacob Danielsen: Livermore, CA, 4th, South Atlantic
Chris Graham: Brampton, ON, 3rd, South Atlantic / Florida State
Jay Pierce: Monroe, GA ,5th, South Atlantic
Shaylor Smith: Colleyville, TX, 3rd, Midwest
Doug Vines: Kennesaw, GA, 4th, South Atlantic / Carolina
Tyler Wilson: Thomasboro, IL, 5th, Midwest

Florida State League (A-Advanced)

Midwest League (A)

Javier Cantu
Rocky Craig
Guss Curtis
Asa Gaddy
Eric Gillam
Ryan Goodman
Taro Hamano
Brett Houseman
Matt Jones
Jeff Klinghoffer
Nic Lentz
Nick Mahrley
Matt McCoy
Chris Nguyen
Will Thornewell
Jeff Woods

South Atlantic League (A)

Jonathan Bailey, Garrett Corl, Brian De Brauwere, Jose Esteras, Shea Gipson, Ryan Karle, Shaun Lampe, Aaron Larsen, Derek Mollica, Gabriel Morales, Lawrence reeves, Aaron Roberts, Timothy Rosso, Michael Walsh

NY-Penn League (Short A)

Ryan Bealo, Andrew Draper, Eric Gillam, Kiff Kinkead, Shane Livensparger, Ivan Mercado, Joseph Muenzer, Thomas Newson III, Roberto Ortiz, Robert Porter, Dane Ratajski, Aaron Reynolds,
Jose Rivera, Christopher Tipton, Carlos Torres

Northwest League (Short A)

Johnanthan Bostwick, Michael Cascioppo, Christopher Gonzalez, Matthew Heersema, Matthew Mullins, Alberto Ruiz, Matthew Springer, Michael Terry

Appalachian League (Rookie - Advanced)

John Bacon, Joshuah Clark, Matthew Deane, Michael Dorantes, Blake Felter, Richard Gonzalez, Patrick Hoberg, Benjamin Leake, Jeremy Riggs, Tyler Wolpert

Pioneer League (Rookie - Advanced)

Blake Felix, Bryan Fields, Gavin Hanson, Ramon Hernandez, Edward Leopold, Corey Mattea, Mitchell Quandt, Nathan White

Arizona League (Rookie)

William Cunha, Timothy Cunningham, Travis Eggert, Dustin Klinghagen, Carlos Martinez, Garrett Patterson, Alex Ransom, Fernando Rodrigues, John Silva, Ronnie Teague

Gulf Coast League (Rookie)

Ryan Additon, Jonathan Burzynski, Morgan Day, Lucas Engen, Sean Howard, Javerro January, John Libka, Stephen Linebarger, David Marcoe, Brian Miller, Michael Patterson III, A.J. Rogers, Mario Seneca, Charles Tierney, Jansen Visconti

2010 Minor League All-Star Umpires

Triple-A All Star Game – Pacific Coast League All Stars vs. International League All Stars
Allentown, PA – July 14^th
HP – Chris Conroy – International League
1B – Cory Blaser – Pacific Coast League
2B – Al Porter – International League
3B – John Tumpane – Pacific Coast League

XM All-Star Futures Game – U.S.A. Prospects vs. World Prospects
Anaheim, California – July 11^th
HP – Adam Hamari – Eastern League
1B – Brett Robson – Texas League
2B – Gerard Ascani – Southern League
3B – Dan Oliver – Texas League

Eastern League All Star Game – Eastern Division vs. Western Division
Harrisburg, PA – July 14^th
HP – Chad Whitson
1B – Dave Soucy
2B – Jon Byrne
3B – Joel Hospodka

Southern League All Star Game – North Division vs. South Division
Huntsville, AL – July 12^th
HP – Tripp Gipson
1B – Quinn Wolcott
2B – Jordan Baker
3B – Chris Segal

Texas League All Star Game – North Division vs. South Division
Midland, TX – June 30^th
HP – Brett Robson
1B – Kelvin Bultron
3B – Stu Scheurwater

California League All Stars vs. Carolina League All Stars
Myrtle Beach, SC – June 22^nd
HP – Christopher Graham
1B – John Pierce
2B – Matthew Cumbee
3B – Tim Rosso

Florida State League All Star Game – North Division vs. South Division
Brevard County, FL – June 12^th
HP – Marcus Pattillio
1B – Matt Moisan
2B – Ian Fazio
3B – Brandon Henson

Midwest League All Star Game – Eastern Division vs. Western Division
Fort Wayne, IN – June 22^nd
HP – Nick Mahrley
1B – Taro Hamano
2B – Will Thornewell
3B – Matt Jones

South Atlantic League All Star Game – Northern Division vs. Southern Division
Greenville, SC – June 22^nd
HP – Derek Mollica
1B – Tim Rosso
2B – Brian DeBrauwere
3B – Garrett Corl

Minor League Umpires Work Their Way up to ‘The Show’

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - August 02, 1999 - Eight years of long drives, cheap motels and ballpark food finally paid off for minor league umpire Jim Reynolds. He made it to the big leagues as a substitute this season. And it looks like he's there to stay because of the labor dispute between umpires and major league baseball.

“It's a completely different atmosphere [in the majors],” Reynolds said last week from Anaheim, Calif., where he was working a weekend series between the Angels and the Minnesota Twins.

“There's a big difference between going into Toronto and working in front of 30,000 or 40,000 people and four or five thousand in Syracuse.”

Reynolds is talkative about the life he's giving up, but he says little about being in the middle of a labor mess.  “I just hope they can get it all resolved up there,” he said.

Members of the Major League Umpires Association, wanting a new collective bargaining agreement, said in July they were quitting Sept. 2. The leagues called their bluff, accepting 22 resignations. Reynolds is one of 25 minor league umpires hired as replacements.

“I think the magnitude of it all is more than I expected,” Reynolds said. “The intensity and the atmosphere -- I don't think you can anticipate that.”

Professional umpires usually get their start at one of two schools -- Jim Evans' Academy of Professional Umpiring and Harry Wendelstedt's Umpire School -- where they pay roughly $2,500 to $3,000 for a five-week course in umpiring. Students are monitored during the course by Professional Baseball Umpire Corp. scouts, who pick the top candidates for minor league openings.

Like most baseball players, umpires must work their way up league by league until they have a chance at the majors. But unlike players, who can bypass the minors if they're talented enough, umpires don't usually skip levels.

“If you're a prospect player, you're going to play maybe two or three years in the minor leagues. There are some guys who have never been in the minors,” Reynolds said. “Umpires, the way the system is set up now, it's six or seven years before you even get a look.”  Still, Reynolds said, the players remember the umpires from their early days.

“When you see the guys who you used to see in the minors, they have a smile on their faces and so do you. You spend a lot of time with a lot of those guys,” he said.

A minor league umpire's season starts with spring training in late February and can last through September if he is selected to work the playoffs.

The pay is nothing to brag about. Umpires in Class A make an average of $1,800 to $2,000 a month while the top minor league umps in Class AAA make $2,500 to $3,400, said Eric Krupa, administrator for the St. Petersburg, Fla.-based PBUC.

Life on the road in the lower minors can be tough. Umpires have to drive hundreds of miles after a night game to be in a new city for a game the next afternoon, Reynolds said. And the motel accommodations are lacking.  “You try to figure out which bed has the least bend in it,” Reynolds said.

As a Class AAA umpire, Reynolds was making more money and getting to fly between cities.

Umpires are booed almost nightly by sometimes ruthless spectators. But Reynolds and his International League crew, during a stopover earlier this season at the Columbus Clippers' stadium, said they usually have fun at the ballpark.

“There are 14 teams in this league,” Reynolds said. “There's two teams that think you're the worst crew and can't believe that you ever made it to Triple-A. There's two teams that think you're the best crew in the league and can't do anything wrong. The other 10 teams tolerate you.”

Reynolds was finally called up to the majors in June, when the Boston Red Sox were home against the Atlanta Braves.  “That signified the major leagues to me -- Fenway Park,” said Reynolds, who grew up about 100 miles southwest of Boston outside Hartford, Conn. “It was absolutely incredible."

 2003 - 2009 Minor League Umps /2002 - 1999 Minor League Umps / Major League Umpires

Page back / Back to top