Behind the Mask: Number of umpires dwindling in twin counties

Area youth summer leagues have seen a drastic drop in participation over the past decade, but even if the numbers were to shoot through the roof, teams may not be able to take the field soon.

A key element that is missing from fields across the twin counties is qualified umpires.

The Columbia-Greene Umpires Association has been hit especially hard, with membership dropping to nearly half of what it was in the early 2000s.

Back then, the Association consisted of 80 umpires. Now it is down to 47 to cover 36 summer leagues, modified, junior varsity and varsity baseball in both Columbia and Greene County, including teams in Windham and Hunter.

“We have lost umpires over the years due to lack of flexibility with their jobs or physically could not work on the field anymore, or they grew tired of the grind of the game,” CGUA assignor Sean Connors said. “We have had many umpires work for a season or two and move on, usually because they get on the field and realize this isn’t for them.”

The thought of being an umpire can sound appealing at first glance. Spend a few hours at a game, call a few balls and strikes, and collect some money.

The reality of it can turn people away quickly, though.

“People don’t realize the work involved to be on the field for two to three hours and also to be yelled at from time to time,” Connors said. “The cost to get going with your gear and uniforms can be a deterrent. We had nine people sign up for our last class and only five completed it successfully.”

Connors runs umpire classes at Columbia-Greene Community College a few times a year with the next one being held on Aug. 13-15.

The cost to get started with the class is $60, though that doesn’t include the necessary equipment and uniform.

“The CGUA has been great working with new umpires, getting them used equipment and the basics to get going,” Connors said. “Baseball requires more than any other sport to start up.”

Despite the downsides, Connors has stated that being an umpire can be a rewarding experience.

He’s been involved in the umpire game for 18 years with the CGUA. He’s also been a collegiate umpire for 10 years.

Connors umpired in the 2012 big league World Series in Easley, South Carolina, the 2008 New York state high school championships and the 2016 Little League regional championship in Bristol, Connecticut.

Running the class at C-GCC, Connors can share his first-hand experiences and teach a new crop of umps. Ideally, he would like to boost the ranks of the CGUA back to the 80 members that it had less than two decades ago.

“We are attempting to bring in younger people with an enthusiasm for the game,” he said. “However, we love to have anyone who has a great attitude and loves the game.

“All sports would love to have more officials,” he added. “The high school seasons are tough because of the 4 p.m. start times during the week. Unfortunately, baseball umpires do not get paid as much as some other sports, however, you can umpire baseball for six months out of the year.”

The class in August will run from the 13th to 16th in room 136 from 6-9 p.m. Upon successfully completion of the course, students will be certified by the state of New York to umpire for the CGUA. For more information, visit Facebook.com/cguaumpires or leaguelineup.com/CGUA. You can also contact Connors directly at sconnors24@yahoo.com