Ever sit in the stands at a Little League game and feel certain you could do a better job than the umpires? Here's your chance to show it. Little League Maryland District 5 (Rising Sun, Elkton, Chesapeake City, North East, Perryville, and Havre de Grace) is sponsoring free classes for new and inexperienced umpires. The clinics will be held Sunday evenings beginning January 7. Classes for youth 18 and under are from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with adult classes from 8-10 p.m. Vince Yale, a two-time World Series umpire, and Joe Smith, a three-time World Series umpire who worked last year's Little League World Series in Williamsport, will be the instructors. There's a reason the clinics are geared specifically for new umpires or those with limited experience. "There are district and state clinics but new umpires can feel intimidated by guys who have been in the business for 10 or 15 years," Smith said. Participants will be taught all the umpire mechanics from where to stand and how to make safe or out calls as well as given tips on how to handle difficult situations. "Managers are still going to yell at umpires but if you're in the correct position that gives them less to yell about," said Smith. "If you look like an umpire and act like an umpire that will get you through the first inning anyway." The informal classes will move around District 5 locations as registration dictates. Pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, email Joe Smith at djsmith384@gmail.com. Supply your name, age, the league you umpire for, home phone number, and cell phone number. While the goal is to have two separate classes – one for kids and another for adults – there could be just one weekly clinic if there are not enough participants. "The kids need umpires," Smith said. "As people say, without umpires, it's just a practice.” Comments are closed.
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