Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy

Service members are disciplined, organized and polished while in the service of a greater organization governed by regulations and orders... it is a very easy transition to the baseball diamond. We show how their already perfected talents can be applied to the profession of umpiring. We also provide continued support and development in order for our graduates to gain the experience necessary to advance to higher levels of the game. The most important component of our program is actually the introduction into a new brotherhood which is not unlike that of the military culture. We are the "third team" on the field and have to look out for each other. That bond and camaraderie extends beyond the chalk lines of the diamond. When one umpire meets another umpire, there is an immediate connection of something special. Much more so than two people who meet and happen to play the game. Our veterans enjoyed this camaraderie for years on Active or Reserve Duty. In civilian life, this may be hard to find again.