DATE: Thursday, January 20, 2011
TIME: 8:30AM Shotgun Start

The 6th Annual Golf Classic will take place at the Raven Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona.  Raven at South Mountain provides a unique golf experience in the desert.  The course layout for Raven features rolling fairways lined with thousands of mature pine trees. Sand and grass bunkers that are placed against large multi-tiered greens enhance the subtle elevation changes. To complete the experience, the colorful backdrop is a display of rugged desert mountain vistas and the Phoenix skyline.

• Champions receive official MLB Umpire Plate Coats.
• Awards party immediately following the tournament.
• Silent Auction, Live Auction, and Raffle.
• Contests for long drive, closest-to-pin, and hole-in-one.
• Join MLB Umpire’s Pre-Event Social Hour on January 19th.

MVP+ SPONSORSHIP

• Team $1,200.
• 4 golfers, 4 gifts, 4 lunches.
• Company name/logo on signage at (1) tee box.
• Click “Sponsorship” tab on this page to get started.

FOURSOME REGISTRATION (4-players)

• Team $1,000.
• 4 golfers, 4 gifts, 4 lunches.
• Click “Register” tab on this page to get started.

INDIVIDUAL PLAYER REGISTRATION

• Individual $250.
• 1 golfer, 1 gifts, 1 lunch.
• Click “Register” tab on this page to get started.

Find out more about the Golf Classic here at UMPS CARE Charities

For questions or more information,  contact Samuel Dearth at (518) 768-2790 or Samuel@UmpsCare.com.

UMPS CARE Charities All-Star Scholarship recipient, Peter Jackson Jr.

Nearly 3500 students will descend on the lush, green campus of Mercyhurst College situated on a picturesque hillside overlooking the small town of Erie, Pennsylvania. The students of this small, Catholic University will certainly become familiar with the school’s well known mantra: carpe diem.  The school’s expectation is that its students will embrace this latin phrase meaning, seize the day in their everyday lives.

This group of young adults, embarking on a new phase in their lives, is traditional every September.  One particular student will grace Mercyhurst and stand with the almost 680 students composing this year’s freshman class. But this student and his journey is anything but conventional.  Peter Jackson Jr. will both inspire and galvanize your spirit.  His connection with UMPS CARE Charities as the inaugural recipient of the All-Star Scholarship is only a fraction of an extraordinary journey of strength, determination and the enduring, selfless love of adoptive parents.

For most of Peter’s life he and his younger brother would go to bed each night with the unabated fear that in the morning they would be, yet again, moved to another place.  Peter has grown up living with the harsh reality of both biological parents being incarcerated.  He has coped with the vast majority of his first 15 years of life persevering in countless foster homes and youth facilities.  Peter could not grasp even the notion of attending college, and graduating from high school seemed more unlikely with each passing day.  He knew essentially one truth and conveys it when he writes, “Some children do not get to experience life as it should be.  For most of my life I thought I was going to be one of those children.”

It is a story common to so many uncommon children who find themselves in similar circumstances.  With only a splinter of hope for a promising life, they begin each day with the lasting dream of becoming part of a family.  A dream that for many, rarely becomes a reality.

In a moment, all of that would change and his life would be forever transformed when Mark and Keegen Gennuso became parents to Peter and his younger brother.  They would become the single most influential people in his life and unleash a faith and awaken his heart in a way he never thought possible.  Peter tells us, “Everything changed when I met my adoptive parents. At that time a whole new world opened up to me and I no longer had to live the way I was living.”

Some children do not get to experience life as it should be.  For most of my life I thought I was going to be one of those children.

Peter would go on to graduate from Fairview High School and leave a legacy of perseverance and leadership. Those in the community who knew of his story, would often share with Fairview faculty and coaches what a great job they have done with him.  One of Peter’s coaches asserts, “We very quickly correct them and let them know that all the hard work and growth has been achieved solely by this young man.”

Blessed with tremendous athletic ability and his strong academic record he would be accepted and earn an athletic scholarship to Mercyhurst College.  That, combined with other grants, would cover only a portion of the tuition and a substantial sum would still remain.   The once unimaginable now within reach, the UMPS CARE Charities All-Star Scholarship provides that final piece as Peter becomes the first in his family to attend college.

As Peter Jackson Jr. enters his first year at Mercyhurst College those who come to know him will quickly identify that this young man captures and embodies the true spirit of the latin adage the school advocates.

Seizing the day is only the beginning for a brave young man and for the parents who gave him a chance at life.

Education is an important part of life. In baseball terms, it gives you a healthy lead as you round the bases. UMPS CARE Charities and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) have partnered to offer and administer All-Star Scholarship opportunities. Learn more at: UMPS CARE Charities Scholarship

Mike Di Muro has been a Major League Umpire since 1999.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

Bill Kunkel was the last to both play and umpire in the Major Leagues

Rains delays can be long and at times, amazingly tedious. With multimillion dollar television deals and large stadium gate proceeds at stake, rainouts without a lengthy delay are a rarity in the game of baseball.  Waiting for the always imminent “window” in the clouds becomes a test in occupying time. This current hold is approaching 3 hours and after reading every magazine in the dressing room I reach for the last publication I have not read twice – The 2010 Umpire Media Guide.

Every year MLB publishes this guide. You won’t find it at Barnes and Noble and don’t bother to look for it on Amazon. As you can imagine its contents are not in high demand. In fact, it is free if you are with the media, or are willing to part with $1 and bid on it at ebay. The 2010 issue, however, is a whopping 110 pages. There are photos (breathe a sigh of relief ladies, an “Umpire Calendar” is currently not in the works).  An assortment of facts (average number of squats by an umpire in a season is 9,118), some historical data and individual profiles on all the active umpires is just a portion of what is contained in the guide.

I flip through the first pages and peruse a few of the profiles on some of my colleagues and take particular notice to their hobbies. One is into haberdashery. I am not even going to bother looking that one up. Another likes to travel in the off season. Really, traveling? I guess 7 months on the road is not quite enough.  Oh well, to each his own. Most are short and sweet and I doubt Hollywood will come knocking for any of us.  After all, most can’t claim to even have known a guy named “Box Car Willie,” let alone actually have sung with him. With that kind of clout, you might be afforded an entire page in the guide (see page 56).

I get toward the end and read through some of the historical timeline and data. It is said that history will repeat itself, but a couple of facts in this section make me wonder how steadfast that axiom might be.  The first, I can attest to based on personal experience – there has only been one American to umpire in the Japanese Major Leagues – yes, yours truly. The second, lists a group who both played and then later umpired in the Major Leagues.

There have been 31 Major League Umpires who also played in the Major Leagues. You can omit roughly 30 of them if you consider when they worked the games were an hour and twenty minutes long and the uniforms included top hats. It was a common occurrence for a former player to become an umpire in the early part of the 1900s’. The one umpire that remains is the last to do so and stands out in the modern era. Bill Kunkel, an American League Umpire for 15 seasons also played in the Major Leagues. He pitched for the Kansas City Athletics and New York Yankees (1961-63). His most active year was 1961, when he appeared in 58 games for the A’s.  After retiring, Kunkel attended umpire school, worked his way up through the minor leagues, then joined the American League staff full time in 1969.

Given the present path of an umpire making it to one of the 68 full time positions, it seems unlikely that another will achieve that of Kunkel. With an average of 10-12 years in the minor leagues and less than 2% of those attending umpire school progressing to the Major Leagues, the clock would be against someone duplicating this achievement and becoming only the 2nd in the modern era to do so.

In 1997, I became the first American to umpire in the Japanese Major Leagues. Suffice it to say that this experiment did not go completely as planned. Whether the cultural differences were too difficult to overcome, or maybe I just did not have enough “wa” – my presence in the Central League did not endure beyond the All-Star break. The local media would not-so-affectionately refer to me as “the cowboy.”  Presumably that name was due to my being from the West – I never actually carried a six-shooter.

Will history repeat itself? Is there another Major League player who will make the journey back as an umpire? Maybe Randy Wolf will trade in the spikes and million dollar paychecks. After all, I heard umpiring runs in his family. Is there another out there poised to be the next American in the Japanese Major Leagues?  Will Joe West ride into the far east?  If they thought I was a cowboy, say hello to the outlaw Josey Wales.

I suppose history repeating itself is not always impending, and that might not be a bad thing.

Mike Di Muro has been a Major League Umpire since 1999.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

At the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, the site of old Tiger Stadium

My Ford rental car makes its way north on Michigan Avenue toward downtown Detroit. It is a beautiful August day, with temperatures in the low 70’s. I am on my way to Comerica Park to finish a three game series between the Tigers and the Royals.

I slow down and stop briefly as I pass the corner of Michigan and Trumbull.  Amidst the overgrown weeds and crumbling buildings,  you can just make out the faded letters “Plaza 3” across the top of the decaying steel gates that so many have passed through. This spot was declared a State of Michigan Historic Site in 1975 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, though you would hardly know it by its present condition.

It is the former sight of one of the most historic and revered cathedrals in baseball.  It is still hallowed ground for generations of Michigan baseball fans. The voice of Ernie Harwell still echoes in the memories of this place. It has an uncluttered name from a bygone era before corporate entities like Comerica and Petco entered the lineup.  The soft whisper of it signified more to those who graced its presence than just a plot of land or steel structure.  This empty lot is all that remains of Tiger Stadium.

I suppose umpires are much like the players when it comes to ballparks that have come and gone. You always can recall the first or last game and take with you some memory that you will tell your children or grandchildren.  This corner is familiar to me and I worked my only series here in July of 1999.  A great burger, a cold beer and a friendly smile awaits fans (and umpires) at Nemo’s just a block away. Coincidentally, it was a series against the Kansas City Royals and a young player named Johnny Damon was in the lineup for the Royals. Today, these two teams play again, at the beautiful state of the art Comerica Park and that same Damon will be in a Tiger uniform instead.

Progress will always bring about change. The stadium was demolished in sections over a long period of time. The modern game left behind not just Tiger Stadium, but many others. I suppose for those who grew up with the Tigers and their historic ballpark, it must be difficult to see what became of it.  I talk with the clubhouse attendant, Jim Schmakel who has been with the club for over 20 years, about Tiger Stadium, and what remains of it now.  In the end, he says, “I have got a lot of memories there.”

Memories are all that seem to remain at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull.

Mike Di Muro has been a Major League Umpire since 1999.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

4 Year old Ella and her new friend at the Boston Children's Hospital (photo by Cindy Loo)

Glancing up from the paper, the warm, humid air engulfs me as it looms thickly over the Charles River.  I catch sight of a small scull which seems to glide effortlessly hovering just inches above the glassy surface.  With every smooth stroke and cyclic pattern of the oars slicing through the water, the craft propels down the river and soon out of sight. I am here, in the Back Bay working a four game series at Boston’s famed Fenway Park.

As my attention is diverted back to the paper, a headline catches my eye: “Band of Billionaires Pledge to Give”  Some of the richest in the world are joining an organization founded by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. The article goes on to describe how they pledge to give away much of their wealth at some point in time and are encouraging others to do the same. They are doing so in high profile fashion as they jet set around the world signing up new billionaires. The numbers are staggering: the article estimates that upwards of $600 billion could be generated and given to charities. Can you imagine?

“Charity is not a thing you do, it’s love, it’s who you become.” –Mother Antonia Brenner from the book,  The Prison Angel.

Setting the paper down, I begin thinking about our charity and my visit to the Boston Children’s Hospital only a day earlier. It was the seventh of twelve hospital events that Major League Umpires will visit as part of the UMPS CARE Charities, BLUE for Kids childrens hospital program this year. The program brings a crew of Major League umpires to the bedside of children with life-threatening illnesses. And we don’t come empty-handed. Each of us brings a Build-A-Bear® to the hospital room. We have teamed up with Bristol-Myers Squibb, an invaluable partner in the funding for this program.

This particular visit is special to the Sox faithful as Wally, the Green Monster accompanies us and provides ear to ear smiles as everyone recognizes the Red Sox mascot. The kids, parents and hospital staff light up seeing Wally and our carts loaded with Build-A-Bears® as we move down the hall.

We set up initially in the pre-op area at a table and children of various ages eagerly approach and select a bear and choose a custom outfit. The mood of apprehension and worry seem to get a momentary reprieve and give way to laughter and giggles as Wally bounces his way around warming the entire room. Red Sox photographer, Cindy Loo takes a break from the bright Fenway lights volunteering to photograph the entire event.  Afterward she tells me, “This kind of event capturing these moments with the kids is absolutely my favorite thing to do.”

Later we move floor to floor with hospital child life specialists, along side Bristol-Myers Squibb volunteers, Deb Merlino-Curtin and Bill Walsh, and visit the kids room to room.  As I enter each room I see the faces of children who, under normal circumstances, would be seen lighting up the playground with broad grins and sounds of carefree laughter.  These kids are far from the playground and the faces of their parents bear the weight of what they so bravely cope with each and every day.

With each room brings a new child and a new family into my life. Their courageous spirit shines and carves an indelible mark while time seems to stand still in each room.  The trivial complaints of balls and strikes and the relentless ESPN criticism of my peers and profession all but evaporate in the misty eyes of children fighting for their lives.

Ella drives away with her furry new friend at the Boston Children's Hospital (photo by Cindy Loo)

Entering the final room that I am to visit, I am greeted by a young 4 year old girl named Ella. Walking into her room she is out of her bed and standing next to her mother. Ella turns her small frame with the sound of my voice and her gaze immediately gravitates to the bears I am holding. A smile stretches across her tiny face which lights up the entire room and the emotions begin to stir inside me. They are not emotions of sadness or despair.  But rather a feeling that at this very moment, in this hospital room,  I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

Ella shyly picks out a bear and outfit and all the while beaming with the most beautiful smile. Ella’s excitement spreads to everyone in the room as we help her dress the bear.  Eventually I say my goodbyes and as she tightly squeezes her new furry friend, Ella leans her head into my arm and softly says, “Thank you.”

Folding the paper and setting it down on the bench, I begin to slow the memories of little Ella and the Boston Children’s Hospital. My mind tells me the “Band of Billionaires” will likely do a great deal of goodwill and our charity’s budget pales in comparison as they set out to give away astronomical sums of money.

But my heart knows a $25 teddy bear and a little girl’s smile is more valuable any day of the year.

Mike Di Muro has been a Major League Umpire since 1999.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

In the dressing room prior to the start of the series in St. Louis, the door opens slowly and in walks a man who needs no introduction to a single umpire. His 6-4 frame and commanding demeanor still visible though 25 years removed from the game. Sitting down next to us is Bill Haller, American League Umpire.

Though best known to the modern generation for his taped argument with Baltimore manager, Earl Weaver, Haller is and always will be so much more to the profession of umpiring.

In an era where the game was played and umpired with a blue collar spirit, absent flashy jewelry, loud music and self-absorbed histrionics, Haller ran the game with vigor and a heavy hand commanding the respect from both players and managers alike. In a time where a good old fashioned Ralph Houk or Billy Martin rhubarb was part of the game, Haller, never intimidated, stood his ground and graciously gave exit to those who would step out of line. Players and managers knew the unwritten code of conduct. It was never second guessed and criticized by an unforgiving media.

His ability as an umpire was proven over a 20 year career and for all those who worked with him. Haller simply was one of the best to come before us.

He talks with us for nearly an hour. His respect for the game of baseball and the profession of umpiring is evident with every moment. His visit gives us a connection to the many great arbiters who have given so much to this game. While it is easy to forget those, Haller reminds us that every man who has donned the blues and greys, is an ever important part of what the modern umpire has achieved.

Taking the field later that night, I can’t help but smile at the St. Louis skyline and remember that so many have come before us in this game. Much of what we enjoy today would not be possible if not for these true pioneers.

Tonight in St. Louis, Bill Haller is the first to come to mind.

Mike Di Muro is a 10 year Major League Umpire.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

Tim Williams and Joe Farrell come out of retirement to help the UMPS CARE Charities on their "Four Games for Bears Tour."

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 total of $8,875.00 for the Major League Baseball Umpires hospital program that brings Build-A-Bear Workshops to the bedside of children with cancer or other serious illnesses. Visiting MLB stadiums in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Boston and the finale in their home town of Toronto, the duo continued their notoriety and helped to ensure continued smiles on the faces of children in hospitals across the country.

The first time I saw the “Fake Umps” on video in Toronto, I could not help but chuckle. Mimicking our calls on the field truly was unique and the fact they were outfitted in full, authentic umpire regalia furthered the impact and peaked my interest. Observing the positive fan reaction they created it was evident a cult following would soon follow.

Later that year, I had the pleasure of meeting Williams and Farrell at our UMPS CARE Charities annual Golf event in Phoenix and we spoke about their interest in the charity. “When we heard about UMPS CARE Charities, Joe and I immediately wanted to get involved.  We had a lot of fun this past summer as the “fake umpires” and felt this would be a perfect charity for us to support. We thought it was very admirable that the majority of the MLB umpires have gotten behind this charity and dedicate so much of their free time to the hospital visits for terminally ill children, and the ticket programs for children awaiting adoption.”

While their calls during the game are the cornerstone, it was hilarious to hear how they spend their time prior to the first pitch. Williams said,

“I think the funniest part of the fan reaction for us is when we are in the uniforms before the game and we like to grab a few beers and mingle with fans.  Many people actually think we are the real MLB umpires and are dumbfounded that we are allowed to cocktail before the games.”

Tim Williams and Joe Farrell have become a part of the countless people and organizations who unselfishly donate their time and money to UMPS CARE Charities. Their efforts truly make a difference in the lives of so many. I look forward to the continued success of the “Fake Umpires” and hope you will join me in thanking them for a job well done.

One final request to Tim and Joe and as a favor to all the umpires: don’t forget to mention to the fans while enjoying your pre-game beers that you are not the real guys but rather the “Fake Umpires” from Toronto.

Most fans probably already think we came from the bar stool.

Mike Di Muro is a 10 year Major League Umpire.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

Eric and his adoptive father share a moment with MLB umpire, Jeff Kellogg as part of the Blue Crew Ticket Program.

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 is a usual travel day for umpires as we finish the series with a day game and move onto our next assignment.

The flight attendant moves through the cabin skillfully with a small tray of red wine. As she stops at my aisle and slowly begins to place one of the glasses down, a teenager moves quickly and attempts to get around the flight attendant without slowing his pace. I am not sure where the fire is, but to a teenager seemingly everything is a four-alarm emergency.

The attendant politely warns the fleeing young man, “careful, I have red wine on my tray.”  Without slowing and narrowly squeezing by, he responds “it’s all good.”  I jokingly tell the attendant, “it’s not ‘all good’ when my lap is filled with red wine.”  She rolls her eyes playfully and quips, “teenagers.”

Having a teenager of my own, I nod in agreement and begin reading an email I received earlier in the day.  It is about a young man name Eric, from South Florida who recently participated in our Blue Crew Ticket Program at a Florida Marlins game. The program is an important part of the UMPS CARE Charities where we provide memorable baseball experiences for children awaiting adoption and kids in youth mentoring programs. Ronald A. Mumford, M.A. a recruiter from Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoptions writes:

“I would like to share this story with you. Last year, my client Eric refused to attend a baseball game. After questioning this young man he told me that he had never been to a baseball game and thought it would be boring. I assured him that if he went to the stadium he would have a good time.

After several follow up conversations with him, Eric finally agreed and went to his first game last year on August 1, 2009 to see the Marlins play the Cubs. He was thrilled to visit with the umpires and to go onto the actual playing field and take pictures. Eric enjoyed himself so much that he requested to attend another game. I obliged him and Eric attended his second Umps Care game on August 30, 2009. The crew of umpires were very engaging, and all the children had a great time.

Since then, Eric has been matched with a prospective parent and we should be finalizing his adoption any day now. Eric and his prospective father attended the Umps Care game this past Saturday. Hats off to Umpires Jeff Nelson, Jeff Kellogg and Angel Campos for their hospitality.

I am pleased to inform you that Eric is now playing baseball on a regular basis and in fact is an outfielder for his little league baseball team the Aventura Phillies. Thanks to the efforts of the Umps Care Program and Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, this young man has been exposed to the game of baseball.  This has proven to be a wonderful opportunity for children to be exposed to the game of baseball and for Eric another avenue for growth.

Thanks for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our children.”

The teenager eventually makes his way back to his seat and the red wine is safe for the time being. I get one last glimpse of the sheer beauty of a snowcapped Mt. Rainier as it fades behind us. The sight of its 14,411 foot pinnacle cannot be adequately described in words by this author. And neither can the new dreams of a young man in South Florida.

Here’s to you Eric…..

Mike Di Muro is a 10 year Major League Umpire.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

Question: What should children see or experience when they attend their first baseball game in your favorite Major League stadium? Please feel free to answer in one of three ways:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/UmpsCare @UmpsCare

Facebook: www.facebook.com/UmpsCare

Blog: comment here on my blog entry

Why we ask: We want our young guests to get the most out of their baseball experience. That’s why we provide great seats, a goody bag of all-things baseball, and the chance to step on to the field for a souvenir baseball and photo.

Now we want to include a “best-of” list of things to see and experience for each stadium. The list will go in the goody bags for our kids and chaperones. If you were taking a young boy or girl to see their first game, what would you make sure they saw or experienced?

Examples:

• Fenway Park – take a photo of the Green Monster.
• Citizen’s Bank Park – watch Phillie Phanatic ride around field on ATV before game
• Camden Yards – A red seat in left field (Section 86, Row FF, Seat 10) marks the spot where Cal Ripken Jr. hit his 278th home run on July 15, 1993. That homer broke Ernie Banks’ record for most home runs hit by a shortstop. Sit in the seat and have someone take your picture!
• Wrigley Field – Celebrities sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the 7^th inning stretch. See who will sing it today and sign along with them.
• Angel Stadium of Anaheim – Be sure to watch the Rock Formation and Waterfalls area when the Angels hit a home run!

Learn More: Click and learn more about BLUE Crew Tickets

Fans exercising a time honored tradition

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 sprint harmoniously onto the field.  It ultimately symbolizes the fresh start for every team and fan who dream of an October celebration.

The beauty of the game of baseball for many lies in the nuances of the game.  The sites and sounds shared and passed down from a father to his son.  The right of passage as the two sit on the sun-faded, splintered wooden bleachers – ok, the modern, padded and spacious stadium seating, but you get my point.

In the midst of these roars and cheers it will not take long for the first reverberation to ring out. The one so accustomed to an umpire’s ear.  One which tells us that baseball season is truly upon us.  It is not so much a word as it is a feeling, a distinctly American expression and a time honored tradition.  The sound of booing the umpire.

“Umpires would be natural Republicans — dead to human feelings.” – George Will

In 19 professional baseball seasons – 9 in the minor leagues and 10 in the Majors, it is safe to say that I have heard it all.  Mostly the mundane, “hey ump, what are you blind?”   Occasionally, the not so creative, “hey ump, if you had a good eye you would be a cyclops”  And sadly, the downright crude (viewer warning before reading any further), “hey ump, pull down your pants and show me your good eye.”

I have never thought that our job as Major League umpires is any more important than the guy who works 9-5 and races to the game and voices his displeasure.  After all, booing the umpire is as American as apple pie.

History is filled with illustrations of this unique tradition and baseball is one of the few sports where a good old fashioned rhubarb is part of the game.

I believe it was General MacArthur who said that he was “proud to protect American freedoms, like the freedom to boo the umpire.”  MacArthur, was ostensibly, reflecting the right to freedom of speech fought so bravely for by countless Americans.  I can only wonder what he might think today as those “boos” which still engulf the stadium air, but are now accompanied by some fairly explicit words, in fact, instructions – some that propose a physical impossibility.

In a 1987 decision of the New York State Appellate Division, Justice Betty Weinberg Ellerin wrote that criticizing the umpire was a ”venerated American tradition”.   It occurred to me that Ellerin might not have heard the jibes at a Yankees – Red Sox series in the Bronx.  Rarely have I heard anything “venerated” [respected, esteemed, honored, holy, sacred] in those criticisms.

One late summer afternoon game in Arizona last season, in the air cooled conditions of an enclosed Chase Field, Diamondbacks announcer, Mark Grace was in the process of interviewing a local high school athlete.  During that inning I exchanged a few heated words with the visiting team pitcher.  Grace acknowledged the argument and queried the young athlete, “you would never yell at the umpire like that, would you?” She responded emphatically, “No, but my parents would.”

While the tenets of the game of baseball remain mostly unchanged over a century, I believe MacArthur had it right.  It is gratifying to know that a fan can sit in the stands, heckle the opposing team and yes, boo the umpire.

But to the parents of youth baseball, my guess is that MacArthur was not talking about you.

It certainly is a great country we live in….

Mike Di Muro is a 10 year Major League Umpire.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.