Umpiring baseball can be a great summer job for several reasons. It offers a unique opportunity to be a part of the game of baseball, which is one of the most beloved sports in America, and provides a chance to earn a steady income while enjoying the summer months. Here are some of the reasons why umpiring can be a great summer job:
-
Enjoyment of the sport: For those who love the game of baseball, umpiring provides a unique opportunity to be a part of the action. Umpires get to see the game from a different perspective and are right in the thick of things, making critical calls that can impact the outcome of the game.
-
Flexibility: Umpiring typically takes place in the evenings and weekends, making it a great summer job for those who have other obligations during the day. It allows for a flexible schedule and allows umpires to take advantage of the other opportunities that the summer months offer.
-
Good pay: Umpiring can be a well-paying job, particularly for those who work in the higher levels of the sport. In the summer, we (Gameday) pays anywhere from $55-$75 per game depending on the age level. In the minor leagues, umpires can earn anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 per month, while in the Major Leagues, umpires can earn upwards of $300,000 per year.
-
Opportunities for advancement: For those who are interested in pursuing a career in umpiring, the summer months can provide an opportunity to gain valuable experience and move up the ladder. Umpires can start at the amateur or collegiate level and work their way up to the professional ranks.
We are hiring umpires at Gameday to work games from the age of 10 all the way up to High School. Interested applicants can find out more and apply here: https://www.road2gameday.com/gameday-job-opportunities
To make it to the Big Leagues, baseball umpiring is a unique and demanding career that requires a combination of physical and mental toughness, as well as a deep understanding of the game. A journey to becoming a Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire is a long and challenging road that starts in the minor leagues and can take years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
The life of a minor league umpire is grueling, with long hours and constant travel. Many umpires work in the minor leagues for several years, honing their skills and building a reputation before earning a promotion to the MLB. During the minor league season, umpires typically work six days a week, with games being played in the evening. They also travel between cities, often driving long distances to reach their next destination.
In terms of compensation, minor league umpires typically earn a modest salary, ranging from $1,900 to $2,400 per month during their first season. As they gain experience and move up the ranks, their pay increases, with experienced umpires in Triple-A (the highest level of the minor leagues) earning an average of $3,500 to $4,500 per month. Once an umpire has proven themselves in the minor leagues, they may be considered for a promotion to the MLB. However, getting a call to the big leagues is a competitive process and requires a combination of skill, experience, and a good reputation.
In the MLB, umpires work a grueling schedule, with games being played nearly every day for six months out of the year. In addition to traveling between cities, MLB umpires are expected to work long hours, often arriving at the stadium several hours before the game and leaving well after it has ended. Despite the demanding schedule, the compensation for MLB umpires is significantly higher than in the minor leagues. The average salary for an MLB umpire is $300,000 per year, with experienced umpires earning even more. In addition to their base salary, MLB umpires also receive benefits such as health insurance, pension plans, and per diem expenses for travel.
There are umpire schools that people can attend to learn the skills and techniques needed to become a professional baseball umpire. These schools are typically run by professional umpiring organizations, such as the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring, and offer comprehensive training programs for aspiring umpires.
The process of attending an umpire school typically involves several steps, including the following:
-
Research: Research different umpire schools and compare their programs, facilities, and instructors. Look for schools with a good reputation and a proven track record of producing successful umpires.
-
Application: Submit an application to the umpire school of your choice, which may include an essay, resume, and reference letters. Some schools also require an in-person interview or evaluation.
-
Training: Participate in the umpire school’s training program, which may include classroom instruction, on-field drills, and live game situations. The training program will cover a wide range of topics, including rules and regulations, mechanics, and professional conduct.
-
Evaluation: Throughout the training program, you will be evaluated by instructors and veteran umpires. The evaluation process will assess your skills, knowledge, and overall performance as an umpire.
-
Certification: Upon successful completion of the umpire school program, you will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to work as a professional umpire in the minor leagues.
The odds are not stacked in your favor to become a MLB umpire. There are only 70 Major League Baseball (MLB) umpires. These umpires are divided into six crew chiefs and 62 other umpires who work together to cover all 2,430 regular season MLB games each year, as well as any playoff games. The number of umpires in MLB is determined by the Commissioner’s Office and can change from year to year based on factors such as retirements, resignations, and performance evaluations.
If you’re looking for some extra money on the side, umpiring youth and high school games is a great summertime job.
