MLB Umpire Camps

How do I become a professional umpire?

The first step to pursuing a career as a professional umpire is to attend an MLB Umpire Camp, where you will be observed and taught by Major League Baseball’s Umpire Supervisory Staff. The MLB Umpire Camps are nationwide at no cost for anyone to attend. At the conclusion of all one-day MLB Umpire Camps nationwide, finalists will continue to undergo a vetting process and, if successful, will be invited to the MLB Umpire Prospect Development Camp at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla. This invite-only, all-expenses paid, four-week course convenes in January.

During the MLB Umpire Prospect Development Camp, each umpire's performance and abilities are evaluated by the Major League Baseball Umpire Development staff. At the conclusion of the course, positions are offered into Minor League Baseball, where an umpire begins their professional career.

There are five levels of Minor League Baseball. In a new and improved Umpire Development Process, umpires are afforded the opportunity to skip levels based on performance and potential, which aligns more with the player development process.

A professional umpire’s season typically runs from Spring Training in March through the end of the regular season which is mid-September for Minor League umpires, and October for Major League umpires.

What do I need to become a professional umpire?

To excel as a professional baseball umpire, one must embody traits such as quick thinking, common sense and unwavering confidence. In the heat of the game, umpires must adeptly observe the action, assess situations and make decisive calls, all within a matter of seconds. A successful umpire possesses an in-depth understanding of the rulebook, maintains composure in all circumstances and exhibits mental resilience to navigate high-pressure situations. Additionally, professional umpires are expected to display hustle, remain alert, maintain excellent physical fitness and present a polished appearance.

Prospective umpires aiming for a career in professional baseball must fulfill certain essential requirements, including:

• Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D.
• Maintain a healthy physical condition
• 20/20 vision, with or without corrective lenses
• Strong communication skills
• Quick reflexes and coordinated movement
• Demonstrated athletic ability
• Completion of requisite preliminary training for the role, such as an invitation from an MLB Umpire Camp

Mailing Address:
Major League Baseball Umpire Camps
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

Email:
[email protected]