The Umpire Inspire Podcast
By Jason Becker
The Umpire Inspire PodcastNov 17, 2020
Ted Barrett: Gratitude, Servanthood and Heart on a 25+ Year MLB Journey
Few people represent the values of Umpire Inspire more than veteran MLB Umpire Ted Barrett. It's his servant's attitude toward umpiring and the mentor role he has rightly earned over the course of his 25+ year MLB career. It's his determination to lead with the best example he can and to "pay forward" what others have poured into him. And it's how he backs it all up by the way he gives his time, effort, and talent to others, both on an MLB diamond and in the offseason, far away from the spotlight.
It was a pleasure and a privilege for Your Humble Host to visit with Ted, and I hope you'll be as inspired as I have been by the example this outstanding umpire sets for us. Enjoy!
---
Connect with the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook
---
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew on Patreon!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is LISTENER-SUPPORTED! Working umpires, and those who support them, are the engine behind this podcast and the greater mission of Umpire Inspire.
I’d like to invite you to support the show on Patreon and become an active participant in building Umpire Inspire as we celebrate and inspire baseball and softball umpires all around the world. Contributors on Patreon earn rewards like early access to podcast episodes, community involvement opportunities, Umpire Inspire merchandise, and, most importantly, the pride of fueling an effort that matters to you. Join the UI Crew today!
Ben Engstrand: Seize Your Umpire Learning Opportunities. When Necessary, Invent Them.
Support The Umpire Inspire Podcast on Patreon
Connect with the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook
---
Minor League Baseball umpire Ben Engstrand shares what he's learned on his umpire journey, and gives us the scoop on a brand-new education opportunity for umpires at any level: the Wendelstedt Umpire School Online Prep Course. Enjoy!
---
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew on Patreon!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is LISTENER-SUPPORTED! Working umpires, and those who support them, are the engine behind this podcast and the greater mission of Umpire Inspire.
I’d like to invite you to support the show on Patreon and become an active participant in building Umpire Inspire as we celebrate and inspire baseball and softball umpires all around the world. Contributors on Patreon earn rewards like early access to podcast episodes, community involvement opportunities, Umpire Inspire merchandise, and, most importantly, the pride of fueling an effort that matters to you. Join the UI Crew today!
Dan Campagnolo: Listen. Learn. Share. Repeat.
Support The Umpire Inspire Podcast on Patreon
Connect with the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook
---
High school, college and Little League umpire Dan Campagnolo mines his decades in umpiring to share some concrete tips and a few stories, including: what NOT to do when you forget your shinguards; how to never worry about counting mid-inning warmup pitches again; and why working the dish for the Little League World Series Championship Game in 2012 was maybe only the third-coolest thing that happened to Dan that year. Enjoy!
---
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew on Patreon!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is LISTENER-SUPPORTED! Working umpires, and those who support them, are the engine behind this podcast and the greater mission of Umpire Inspire.
I’d like to invite you to support the show on Patreon and become an active participant in building Umpire Inspire as we celebrate and inspire baseball and softball umpires all around the world. Contributors on Patreon earn rewards like early access to podcast episodes, community involvement opportunities, Umpire Inspire merchandise, and, most importantly, the pride of fueling an effort that matters to you. Join the UI Crew today!
BONUS EPISODE: Season One Guest David Saball Reports on his Summer in the North Woods League
Support The Umpire Inspire Podcast on Patreon
Connect with the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook
---
Season One guest David Saball reports back to us after successfully completing his first step toward a professional umpiring career: Summer 2020 working in the North Woods League. Enjoy!
---
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew on Patreon!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is LISTENER-SUPPORTED! Working umpires, and those who support them, are the engine behind this podcast and the greater mission of Umpire Inspire.
I’d like to invite you to support the show on Patreon and become an active participant in building Umpire Inspire as we celebrate and inspire baseball and softball umpires all around the world. Contributors on Patreon earn rewards like early access to podcast episodes, community involvement opportunities, Umpire Inspire merchandise, and, most importantly, the pride of fueling an effort that matters to you. Join the UI Crew today!
Bill Nowlin: A Prolific Author Takes a Look at Umpires and our Craft Through Brand-New Eyes
Support The Umpire Inspire Podcast on Patreon
Connect with the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook
---
Bill Nowlin, author of "Working a Perfect Game: Conversations with Umpires" stops by to share his experience interviewing 70+ MLB umpires and learning about umpires and umpiring for the very first time! Spoiler alert: he came away from his four years of researching and writing his book with a very favorable impression of the men and women behind the mask, and of the craft itself—and it was fascinating to view our world through brand-new eyes. Enjoy!
---
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew on Patreon!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is LISTENER-SUPPORTED! Working umpires, and those who support them, are the engine behind this podcast and the greater mission of Umpire Inspire.
I’d like to invite you to support the show on Patreon and become an active participant in building Umpire Inspire as we celebrate and inspire baseball and softball umpires all around the world. Contributors on Patreon earn rewards like early access to podcast episodes, community involvement opportunities, Umpire Inspire merchandise, and, most importantly, the pride of fueling an effort that matters to you. Join the UI Crew today!
Nathan Diederich: A Swift Advance Through Three Eventful Years in Minor League Baseball
Connect with the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook
---
What's it like being the youngest umpire in Minor League Baseball—for two years running? What's it like to overturn a walk-off home run? What's it like to call a no-hitter? 21-year-old Nathan Diederich shares stories of these experiences and more from his three years of swift advancement through MiLB in this episode! Even at a young age, Nate already has the gift of drawing some pretty perceptive and important lessons from his experiences and the people he’s come into contact with—you're going to find him very easy to root for as he advances toward the Bigs. Enjoy!
---
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew on Patreon!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is LISTENER-SUPPORTED! Working umpires, and those who support them, are the engine behind this podcast and the greater mission of Umpire Inspire.
I’d like to invite you to support the show on Patreon and become an active participant in building Umpire Inspire as we celebrate and inspire baseball and softball umpires all around the world. Contributors on Patreon earn rewards like early access to podcast episodes, community involvement opportunities, Umpire Inspire merchandise, and, most importantly, the pride of fueling an effort that matters to you. Join the UI Crew today!
Liz Hammerschmidt: Exploring Both Sides of the Mask with a Rising NCAA Softball Umpire
Support The Umpire Inspire Podcast on Patreon
Connect with the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook
---
Since 2013, Elizabeth Hammerschmidt has been making her mark as a rising NCAA softball umpire. She’s a current Big10 Crew Chief who also works in multiple other college conferences, she's had conference championship and regional assignments every year since 2016, and a D1 super regional assignment in 2019. She's also the co-host of the Both Sides of the Mask podcast.
In this conversation Liz and I do indeed explore both sides of the mask, so to speak—the games, the approach, Liz’s stories, her on-field experiences—but there is also a person wearing that mask. We do get to the heart of some challenges that Liz has faced balancing her family life with her pursuit of umpiring, as well as the enjoyment she’s found bringing her family along for the ride.
Liz is a true professional but at the same time so personable and plainspoken and open to share her experiences and thoughts. Enjoy!
---
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew on Patreon!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is LISTENER-SUPPORTED! Working umpires, and those who support them, are the engine behind this podcast and the greater mission of Umpire Inspire.
I’d like to invite you to support the show on Patreon and become an active participant in building Umpire Inspire as we celebrate and inspire baseball and softball umpires all around the world. Contributors on Patreon earn rewards like early access to podcast episodes, community involvement opportunities, Umpire Inspire merchandise, and, most importantly, the pride of fueling an effort that matters to you. Join the UI Crew today!
Filip Havlik: Learning, Working, Improving, and Embracing Umpiring in the Czech Republic
Support the Umpire Inspire Podcast on Patreon
Connect with the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook
---
Meet Filip Havlik, an 18-year-old umpire from Prague in the Czech Republic! Learn about baseball in his country; the similarities and differences of being an umpire there compared to what we are accustomed to in the United States; his opportunities to work European tournaments; and his upcoming first-ever-visit to the US to umpire at a tournament that means a lot to him. Enjoy!
---
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew on Patreon!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is LISTENER-SUPPORTED! Working umpires, and those who support them, are the engine behind this podcast and the greater mission of Umpire Inspire.
I’d like to invite you to support the show on Patreon and become an active participant in building Umpire Inspire as we celebrate and inspire baseball and softball umpires all around the world. Contributors on Patreon earn rewards like early access to podcast episodes, community involvement opportunities, Umpire Inspire merchandise, and, most importantly, the pride of fueling an effort that matters to you. Join the UI Crew today!
Brian Hertzog: On the Craziness of Venezuela and What It's Like to NOT Get "The Call" to the Big Leagues
Support the Umpire Inspire Podcast on Patreon
Connect with the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook
---
Today: Brian Hertzog on his nine-year journey as a Minor League Baseball umpire! The craziness—and huge impact—of working Venezuela Winter League ball. The 20+ MLB umpires he worked alongside during his Minor League journey and the ones who inspired him the most. And a very personal description of what it really felt like NOT to get "The Call" to the big leagues. Enjoy!
---
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew on Patreon!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is LISTENER-SUPPORTED! Working umpires, and those who support them, are the engine behind this podcast and the greater mission of Umpire Inspire.
I’d like to invite you to support the show on Patreon and become an active participant in building Umpire Inspire as we celebrate and inspire baseball and softball umpires all around the world. Contributors on Patreon earn rewards like early access to podcast episodes, community involvement opportunities, Umpire Inspire merchandise, and, most importantly, the pride of fueling an effort that matters to you. Join the UI Crew today!
Mark Bernstein: Inspiring and Personal Stories from Little League West Region's UIC
Support the Umpire Inspire Podcast on Patreon
Connect with the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook
---
Enjoy a super-motivating and, at times, very personal conversation with Mark Bernstein, the Umpire in Chief for Little League’s West Region. Mark oversees and trains umpires from the 11 western states that make up Little League’s West Region and is a skilled and accomplished umpire in his own right. And he’s someone who has been hugely influential in the umpiring career of your humble host and in the careers of many, many other Little League volunteer umpires.
When I describe Mark to people, I describe him as a “True Believer.” He believes in Little League. He believes in the significant positive impact that a great Little League umpire can have on the experience for the players… and that belief rubs off in a big, big way. I challenge any umpire within the sound of this podcast to spend ten minutes with Mark and have any apathy or cynicism about being a Little League umpire. What’s far more likely is that you’ll be charged up to go redouble your efforts and pour even more of your energy and dedication than ever before to your position on the field. Enjoy!
---
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew on Patreon!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is LISTENER-SUPPORTED! Working umpires, and those who support them, are the engine behind this podcast and the greater mission of Umpire Inspire.
I’d like to invite you to support the show on Patreon and become an active participant in building Umpire Inspire as we celebrate and inspire baseball and softball umpires all around the world. Contributors on Patreon earn rewards like early access to podcast episodes, community involvement opportunities, Umpire Inspire merchandise, and, most importantly, the pride of fueling an effort that matters to you. Join the UI Crew today!
Jen Pawol: The Approach of a Female Minor League Baseball Umpire in Pursuit of The Dream
Support the Umpire Inspire Podcast on Patreon
Connect with the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook
---
Batting leadoff for Season Two of The Umpire Inspire Podcast: an outstanding umpire with an amazing story and journey!
Jen Pawol is a Minor League Baseball Umpire, notable of course for being the seventh female umpire hired into Minor League Baseball and one of two females to be currently on the MiLB Umpire Staff. But she has also worked in NCAA Division One Softball and National Professional Fastpitch… AND is an accomplished athlete with, among other things, a World Championship title as a member of the 2001 USA Baseball Team… AND is a business owner who mentors and trains young umpires and ballplayers with her own curriculum and online certification courses… AND has had her umpire mask placed on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY… AND has had her journey as a professional baseball umpire featured by ESPN, CBS Sports, Baseball America, The Los Angeles Times, Referee Magazine, MLB.com and many more.
We discuss Jen's journey to becoming a Minor League Baseball Umpire, her perspectives on being a trailblazer in her profession, her thoughts on her fellow female umpires who blazed the trail for her, and much more. Enjoy!
---
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew on Patreon!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is LISTENER-SUPPORTED! Working umpires, and those who support them, are the engine behind this podcast and the greater mission of Umpire Inspire.
I’d like to invite you to support the show on Patreon and become an active participant in building Umpire Inspire as we celebrate and inspire baseball and softball umpires all around the world. Contributors on Patreon earn rewards like early access to podcast episodes, community involvement opportunities, Umpire Inspire merchandise, and, most importantly, the pride of fueling an effort that matters to you. Join the UI Crew today!
Season Two Starts This Week!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is back for Season Two! For the next few months we again have the opportunity to visit with extraordinary and ordinary umpires from all around the world who will encourage and inspire us.
It's going to be another fun ride for all of us, and I hope you'll continue to share the show with your umpire friends who you think would enjoy listening.
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew at www.umpireinspire.com and become a part of the Umpire Inspire community on Facebook.
Episode One premieres Tuesday, August 11.
Thanks for listening! Let's do this!!
Tom Rawlings: Everything and Then Some from Little League's Director of Umpire Development
A very special privilege in this episode to hear from Little League’s Director of Umpire Development, Tom Rawlings!
In this fun and wide-ranging conversation, we discuss:
- Tom’s umpire beginnings and his role at Little League International;
- His biggest game: the in-depth story of his plate assignment for the Championship Game of the 2011 Little League Baseball World Series;
- What’s different between today’s Little League umpires and those from 30 years ago;
- Five ways for any Little League umpire to move from good to GREAT.
You could make a pretty strong case that Tom is responsible for the training and development of more umpires than anyone else in the world… and if that’s indeed true, then after listening to this episode I think you'll agree that every Little League volunteer umpire around the world is in very good hands. Enjoy!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is for YOU! Connect and become a part of the UI crew at www.UmpireInspire.com.
Gerritt Nelson & Gary Smith: Different Chapters, Same Love of the Game
Something a little different for you this week, Dear Listeners! In this episode I’d like to introduce you to TWO umpire friends of mine, Gerritt Nelson and Gary Smith. Gerritt and Gary are fellow Little League umpires with me here in Washington State District One. Gerritt is 16 years old; Gary is 76 years old. I thought it would be fun to bring them both on the show with the same set of questions and hear the differences or similarities between how Gerritt, a teenage umpire, approaches his craft as compared to Gary, a veteran umpire who has been doing it since well before Gerritt was born.
In some of the comments you hear, these gentlemen will be in perfect lockstep with one another in regards to philosophy and motivation; in others, their perspective will differ as a function of youth vs. experience. After meeting Gerritt and Gary I hope you might come away with an appreciation for the generational aspect of umpiring—the opportunity to connect with one another and to learn from one another, no matter what chapter of our umpiring story we’re currently writing. Enjoy!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is for YOU! Connect and become a part of the UI crew at www.UmpireInspire.com.
Tripp Gibson: Meet Your New Favorite MLB Umpire
Ever thought it would be cool to kick back around a fire, perhaps with a cold beverage in your hand, and swap stories with a current MLB umpire? Well, that's pretty much what you get (minus the fire and beverage) from this episode with MLB #73, Tripp Gibson! Tripp has always been held in high regard by your humble podcast host—both as a skilled umpire and as a generous, others-focused human being—and so it was a thrill to spend an hour in conversation with him. In our visit, Tripp shares stories of his journey to becoming an MLB umpire and thanks those who helped get him there; reveals some awkward (and hilarious) on-field moments; identifies some awesome partners he's worked with both coming up and in MLB; and shares his involvement with UmpsCare and why that organization means so much to him and to his family. If you're looking for a new up-and-coming MLB guy to root for and follow, well, just settle in, give this episode a listen, and I GUARANTEE you're going to be keeping an eye on #73 going forward. Enjoy!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is for YOU! Connect and become a part of the UI crew at www.UmpireInspire.com.
Jon Coney: A Public Service Mindset Powers One Softball Umpire
Do you view your umpire job as a public service? Portland, Oregon softball umpire Jon Coney absolutely does. His clear-eyed view of WHY he volunteers as a Little League umpire is a great reminder of the many positive impacts—beyond just calling a good game—that a great umpire can make on a player's experience. You might come away from this episode with a transformed view of what you're really doing next time you step on to the field. Enjoy!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is for YOU! Connect and become a part of the UI crew at www.UmpireInspire.com.
Dale Scott, Part Two: On His Biggest MLB Surprise and His Approach as a Crew Chief... PLUS Listener Questions!
Part Two of our visit with retired MLB Umpire Dale Scott. In this episode Dale reveals his #1 most surprising thing about becoming an MLB umpire, describes his approach as an MLB Crew Chief and how his crews reacted to his style, and shares some interesting details about his plate stance. Plus—Dale answers questions submitted by the Umpire Inspire community!
Connect and become a part of the UI crew at www.UmpireInspire.com.
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is for YOU! I really want to hear what you think about the show. Get in touch anytime at jason@umpireinspire.com —I would be very happy to hear from you!
Dale Scott, Part One: Wisdom, Advice and Stories from 30+ years in Major League Baseball
30+ year MLB Umpire Dale Scott stops by for a visit with Umpire Inspire! In Part One of our two-part conversation, Dale generously offers us his wisdom and advice on handling situations on the field, describes the mental toughness and resilience it takes to succeed at ANY level of umpiring, and even shares some very specific stories and tips on body language during discussions with managers. It was such a thrill and just a wonderful opportunity for me to visit with Dale, and I know you will enjoy our visit as much as I did!
Connect and become a part of the UI crew at www.UmpireInspire.com.
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is for YOU! I really want to hear what you think about the show. Get in touch anytime at jason@umpireinspire.com —I would be very happy to hear from you!
Daniel Mills: A Softball Umpire Finds Balance
Softball umpire Daniel Mills has an Umpire Superpower: BALANCE. When we step on to a field, we all seek a balance between having fun and doing what is within our power to make it fun for the players, coaches and families, and taking our jobs seriously—not solemnly, not unhappily, but with the earnest intent to do our job in service to the game itself. Daniel has got that balance nailed, and you are going to appreciate his very thoughtful approach toward attaining that balance as a Little League and high school softball umpire. Enjoy!
Connect and become a part of the UI crew at www.UmpireInspire.com.
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is for YOU! I really want to hear what you think about the show. Get in touch anytime at jason@umpireinspire.com —I would be very happy to hear from you!
David Saball: Working MLB Spring Training (After Finishing My Homework)
David Saball is an accomplished umpire from Arizona. In 2019 he was awarded “Most Outstanding Umpire” at a Wendelstedt clinic he attended; in 2018 and 2019 he worked MLB Spring Training games in Arizona; and he’s recently been offered positions in the North Woods Summer League and American Association Independent pro League. Oh, and did I mention… he’s 17 years old.
If you have youth umpires in your league or association, you’re absolutely going to want to share this interview with them! Not many teenagers will find themselves calling an MLB Spring Training game like David has, but young umpires will really be encouraged to listen to one of their peers describe his journey and passion for umpiring, and tell some great stories. Enjoy!
Connect and become a part of the UI crew at UmpireInspire.com.
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is for YOU! I really want to hear what you think about the show. Shoot me an email anytime at jason@umpireinspire.com —I would be very happy to hear from you!
Dennis Williams: Working a Small Little Tournament in Williamsport, PA in 2020
WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA: if you’re a listener of this show, then you know about the modest little tournament that takes place there every summer! I could not be happier in this episode to introduce you to my friend Dennis Williams, who has been selected for the honor of serving as a volunteer umpire for the 2020 Little League Baseball World Series. We talk about his umpiring beginnings and his journey as a Little League volunteer umpire, and then get into a lot of details about the World Series and what his expectations and hopes are. Dennis is a distinguished umpire and an outstanding representative of the values of Little League, and you will hear the excitement and gratitude in his every word during this episode. Enjoy!
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew!
Listener Voicemails
- What inspires YOU as an umpire? Leave me a one-minute voicemail and share what—or who—motivates and encourages you to serve as a baseball or softball umpire. Your message could be used in a future episode!
Email Jason
- The Umpire Inspire Podcast is for YOU! I really want to hear what you think about the show. Shoot me an email anytime at jason@umpireinspire.com —I would be very happy to hear from you!
Bobby Tassone: What it's like to be a Minor League Baseball Umpire
Carolina League umpire Bobby Tassone visits with us to share his story about making The Decision to pursue umpiring as a career and his subsequent trip through umpire school and the Minor Leagues. We discuss what life is like for him as a Minor League Baseball umpire, some special game opportunities he's had, and learn about his experiences at Spring Training. You're really going to enjoy listening to Bobby—he has a real heart for teaching and is a humble guy who repeatedly points to the mentors that have helped him along the way.
Join the Umpire Inspire Crew!
--
Subscribe to 3&2: The Umpire Inspire Bulletin
Listener Voicemails
--
What inspires YOU as an umpire? Leave me a one-minute voicemail and share what—or who—motivates and encourages you to serve as a baseball or softball umpire. Your message could be used in a future episode!
Email Jason
--
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is for YOU! I really want to hear what you think about the show. Shoot me an email anytime at jason@umpireinspire.com —I would be very happy to hear from you!
Welcome to The Umpire Inspire Podcast!
The Umpire Inspire Podcast is all about the stories, all about the journeys, and all about the heart of umpiring. In each episode we hear from extraordinary and ordinary umpires from around the world who have enthusiasm for our craft and a positive attitude toward umpiring... umpires who consider their jobs to be a lot more than just calling balls and strikes. We're creating something totally unlike anything you've heard or seen in the umpire community! The Umpire Inspire Podcast is for YOU—join the UI crew!