How do you become a Major League Baseball umpire?
Any baseball fan can have an opinion, but only the umpire gets to make the call. And, naturally enough, not everybody gets to be an umpire. Just like baseball players, umpires start out in the minor leagues and work their way up to the big time. According to the official Minor League Baseball web site, professional umpires must meet some basic requirements. They need: • a high school diploma or G.E.D. • reasonable body weight • 20/20 vision (with or without glasses or contact lenses) • good communication skills • quick reflexes and good coordination • some athletic ability • the required preliminary training for the job (i.e., they must attend professional umpire school) The Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation has approved two professional umpire schools — the Harry Wendelstat School and the Jim Evans Academy of P
