The Baseball Observer - Nov/ Dec 2016
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earn about $400,000. They receive a $340 per diem to cover hotels and food. MLB umpires receive four weeks of paid vacation and both the National League and the American League fly them first class to their next game sites.
Major league umpires, as with players, follow their dream of umpiring at the highest level in the game, a dream that somehow got started in their youth at the lowest of levels. The question is often asked, “How do you become a MLB umpire?” That is, how do you become one of the 68 men in blue at the MLB level? Christie Cowles is an Editor/Producer for MLB.com. She outlines a five step program on becoming an umpire:
Enroll in one of three umpiring schools approved by MLB. The best known
school for many fans is the Harry Wendelstedt School for Umpires. The
courses run for five weeks, usually in January and February.
Get noticed: Instructors look for many characteristics other than knowledge
of baseball rules when evaluating potential umpires. MLB Director of Umpire
Administration Tom Lepperd states “Confidence, a strong presence on the
field, knowledge of the mechanics — where to go when the ball is hit,
forceful calls, good use of voice, hustle and ability to handle situations on
the field (are all important),” Former PBUC Director Mike Fitzpatrick adds
that good judgment and character are things instructors look for as well.
Finish top of the class: In 2011 top 16 percent of all umpire school enrollees
were selected to begin umpiring careers.
Begin assignment in lower leagues
Wait for ‘The Call’: Altogether there are 68 umpires in the Majors, and 225 in
the minor leagues so with the low turnover there are very few openings.
The newest umpiring school (appropriately named The Umpire School) recently opened its doors in 2012 at the Vero Beach Sports Complex, which will always be known as ‘Dodgertown’ to longtime Dodger fans as it was the spring training home of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1948 through 2008. The Umpire School has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the best (if not the best) umpire schools and is now a top source for minor league umpires.
The life of a minor league umpire pretty much mirrors the life of a minor league baseball player. Umpires earn a minimum $2,600 per month at Triple-A, $2,300 at Double-A, $2,000 at Class A and $1,900 at rookie leagues.
Per diem for a minor league umpire is higher than that of a minor league player at $42.50-$56 depending on the minor league level in which they work. Pay for minor-league umpires is only by the season, usually three to five months a year. As such and as a matter of necessity, they must work other jobs during the off season.
The Baseball Observer - Jan/ Feb 2016