The Road to Umpiring School
Don protégé
Dear family and friends,
I have decided to advance my education in a profession I would love to call my own. As all of you who have attended my games, supported my fundraisers, or stayed interested in my baseball career, I am now embarking on the next step of my adventure. I have been around the game of baseball since I was five years old. I started as a young kid on the sandlot, who had a love for the game. I played all through little league as well as club ball teams, leading up to high school ball. As my time as a player slowly started to dwindle down, I searched for a way to give back to the game that had given me my childhood memories, and taught me lessons I still use to this day. I knew there was a way to stay active in the game without cutting the game I love out of my life completely. In high school I picked up my weekend hobby of umpiring USSSA games on Sundays. It allowed me to see and experience a whole new side of the game. A side I never appreciated, nor respected as a player. In my 15 years as a player, 95% of the time I hated the umpires that would call my games. Never respected them, argued every single call, even pushed them to the point of my ejection.
Making the switch from the upset player, to the umpire in the hot seat was no easy change for me, as it is for anyone. However as I progress in my life I always consider my future. I consider the legacy I set for myself. I consider the positive outcomes I will have on my family, as well as others around me. I am no perfect man, however I have never lost my vision for my future. As I get closer to having to choose a career choice, the more Umpiring comes to mind. The road is hard, and long. I don’t expect a quick way to the MLB. I expect to prove myself with the foundation I have set for myself, and to build on it with the experiences and lessons I learn from The Harry Wendelstedt Umpiring School. This umpiring school is located in Daytona, Florida, and I would be attending for five weeks, starting January 3rd, going through February 4th. Attending this school will prepare me, as well as certify me to start calling professional baseball. I will perfect my mechanics, widen my knowledge of the game rules, as well as learn proper etiquette for umpires. Getting to be a Major League Umpire is the goal. Its a goal that has been itching me for quite sometime, and will continue to until I accomplish it. This goal is more then just a personal accomplishment. It will be the stepping stones to lay down my legacy for the future to see. I would appreciate any help that would support me in my endeavors. As Yogi Berra once said “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Well, thats where I’m headed.
I have decided to advance my education in a profession I would love to call my own. As all of you who have attended my games, supported my fundraisers, or stayed interested in my baseball career, I am now embarking on the next step of my adventure. I have been around the game of baseball since I was five years old. I started as a young kid on the sandlot, who had a love for the game. I played all through little league as well as club ball teams, leading up to high school ball. As my time as a player slowly started to dwindle down, I searched for a way to give back to the game that had given me my childhood memories, and taught me lessons I still use to this day. I knew there was a way to stay active in the game without cutting the game I love out of my life completely. In high school I picked up my weekend hobby of umpiring USSSA games on Sundays. It allowed me to see and experience a whole new side of the game. A side I never appreciated, nor respected as a player. In my 15 years as a player, 95% of the time I hated the umpires that would call my games. Never respected them, argued every single call, even pushed them to the point of my ejection.
Making the switch from the upset player, to the umpire in the hot seat was no easy change for me, as it is for anyone. However as I progress in my life I always consider my future. I consider the legacy I set for myself. I consider the positive outcomes I will have on my family, as well as others around me. I am no perfect man, however I have never lost my vision for my future. As I get closer to having to choose a career choice, the more Umpiring comes to mind. The road is hard, and long. I don’t expect a quick way to the MLB. I expect to prove myself with the foundation I have set for myself, and to build on it with the experiences and lessons I learn from The Harry Wendelstedt Umpiring School. This umpiring school is located in Daytona, Florida, and I would be attending for five weeks, starting January 3rd, going through February 4th. Attending this school will prepare me, as well as certify me to start calling professional baseball. I will perfect my mechanics, widen my knowledge of the game rules, as well as learn proper etiquette for umpires. Getting to be a Major League Umpire is the goal. Its a goal that has been itching me for quite sometime, and will continue to until I accomplish it. This goal is more then just a personal accomplishment. It will be the stepping stones to lay down my legacy for the future to see. I would appreciate any help that would support me in my endeavors. As Yogi Berra once said “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Well, thats where I’m headed.
Organisateur
Cody Cummings
Organisateur
Albuquerque, NM