Baseball teams in the Carlyle area are struggling to find enough umpires to work at games this season.
The number of umpires around Carlyle has decreased from about 17-20 in previous years to only 10, said Alana Wilson, a former ball player and coach who has been working as an umpire for over a decade.
Wilson said the umpire shortage is partially due to the fact that no umpire training clinics were offered in 2020 or 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Retirement of older volunteers is also a contributing factor.
The shortage has led to cancelled games and current umpires working overtime to make sure the season can go ahead as scheduled.
“It has brought us to a few games that have been cancelled,” Wilson said. “I guess our biggest saving grace this year is we don't have (as many teams playing), not that that's a good thing.”
Other communities in the area are facing a similar problem, Wilson said. Umpires from Carlyle are travelling farther to cover games in places like Redvers, Alameda and Estevan.
Wilson hopes to recruit and train more umpires next year to avoid another shortage during the 2022 baseball season.
“I guess my whole idea was just more to reach out for awareness. This year, obviously, it isn't going to help but it's more focusing on next year,” Wilson said.
You don’t need to play baseball or softball to become an umpire. Basic umpire certification can be earned by completing a one-day training clinic, Wilson said. Carlyle Minor Ball will pay for interested people to be trained as umpires.
Being an umpire pays about $45 per two-hour game and umpires can work up to five nights a week if they wish. Wilson added that it makes an especially great job for teenagers.
There are many benefits to working as an umpire beyond getting paid. Umpires have the opportunity to travel across the country for tournaments, costs covered.
However, it’s the community of people who make being involved with local baseball truly worthwhile for Wilson.
“We have such a good core group (involved with Carlyle Minor Ball). I mentor a lot of kids so I'm usually at the ballpark and if there are any issues, you know, somebody else is there to help them out,” Wilson said.
Wilson encourages anyone who is interested in being an umpire to get involved, regardless of their level of experience.
“Most people think it's fun. Yeah, of course, you have the occasional grouchy coach or grouchy parent, but we look after all that.”
Information about future umpire clinics and other training opportunities will be advertised in the Observer and shared on the Carlyle Minor Ball Facebook page. You can also call Alana Wilson at 306-575-7655 or Scott Nicholson at 306-575-3277.
