Baseball umpiring is more than balls and strikes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There's a lot more that goes into a being a baseball umpire than simply calling balls and strikes.

“The first thing that I emphasize when I'm training is timing,” said Jacksonville Umpire Association President Lou Hancock. ”When you see a play you need to slow down and let it register. Then you can make your call.”

Many of the umpires are former players and making the transition to becoming a blue helps them stay close to the game.

If you’re interested in becoming a baseball umpire visit www.jaxump.com for updates on clinics and meeting dates. Or send an email to vice-president@jaxump.com.

There will be a clinic this Sunday at Baker Skinner Park at 7641 Powers Avenue from 9am-12pm.