Fairview teenagers will have a chance this fall to learn umpiring from people who do it for a living, including a Major League Baseball umpire who lives here.
UMPS CARE Charities is bringing its Official Leadership Program to Fairview Ballpark, organizers said. They said it will be the first program of its kind in Tennessee. It is open to ages 13 to 18, and the charity describes it as free.
UMPS CARE Charities is a national nonprofit founded by MLB umpires. Organizers said it is supported by MLB umpires, athletes, coaches and MLB operations leaders.
The program teaches the fundamentals of umpiring, with lessons in financial planning, leadership and conflict resolution worked in along the way. Organizers said it is also a way for teens to get ready for a job opportunity this coming spring.
DJ Reyburn, a Fairview local and current MLB umpire, is one of seven instructors. The others are:
Brock Ballou, a Minor League Baseball umpire and MLB call-up.
Dave Uyl, a former Minor League Baseball umpire, NCAA Division I umpire and current TSSAA head official.
Jeff Wright, an NCAA Division I baseball umpire.
Glen Kilgore, an NCAA Division I softball umpire.
Chad Crutcher, a TSSAA umpire and assignor.
Jon Snider, an NAIA and junior college softball umpire and TSSAA umpire.
Session dates are October 18th, and running every Sunday till November 22nd. You can find the details in the registration link below.
Registration is on the UMPS CARE Charities website, under the Programs tab. Businesses interested in sponsoring the program can email Jennifer.Jopling@umpscare.com. Questions can go to Jonathan@fairviewrec.org.
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