"I played the game through college and in some men's leagues after that. I coached high school baseball for 11 years along with many more when American Legion baseball was prominent. I wanted to continue giving to the game I love and I have found that umpiring provides that for me." ~ Mac McKew; Portland
Central Maine Baseball Umpires Association
Eastern Maine Baseball Umpires Association
Kennebec-Somerset Baseball Umpires Association
Western Maine Baseball Umpires Association
Northern Maine Baseball Umpires
Baseball State Interpreter; Jeff Mertzel, jmertzel@hotmail.com
Maine Baseball Umpire Associations
For more information or to register: www.easternmaineumpires.org
New members dues are $80, and include the first year's dues ($60) and NFHS rules and case books.
Rookie Classes begin the first Sunday AFTER the Super Bowl.
Western Maine Baseball Umpires Association (WMBUA)
For more information or to register:
The Mid-Coast Maine Baseball Umpires Association (baseball and softball) offers training virtually year round.
At this time, we do not have any in person clinics planned as we have in years past.
Candidates can register at https://www.midcoastumpires.com/. Also, any information individuals are looking for regarding our association can be found on our website.
For more information or to register: crbarstow@gmail.com
Northern Maine Baseball Umpires
All interested can contact Chris Casavant at chriscasavant34@gmail.com
The Kennebec-Somerset Maine Baseball Umpires
For more information or to register: mcgov@mcgovworks.com
Baseball umpires are responsible for all of their own equipment and uniform items. Check with your association secretary to make sure you have everything that is required specifically for your association.
You will need:
(NOTE: Pants come un-hemmed. Give yourself plenty of time to have the length altered. When measuring inseam it is a good idea to wear your plate shoes to get the proper length.)
(NEVER wear a white undershirt under umpire shirt. ALWAYS wear an undershirt under your uniform shirt. Try to match your uniform shirt color).
ALL OUTERWEAR (shirts, jackets) requires a Maine State Baseball Umpires Association patch.
When first starting out, it can be expensive to obtain all of these items. There is a tendency to try to save money on some items. Typically, the more expensive protective gear will last a lot longer, and is a better product. Ask other umpires in your association for recommendations. They may even have some used equipment to help you get started.
Other items you may find useful:
All baseball umpires in Maine must be a member in good standing of at least one of the seven umpires associations.
A background check and fingerprinting are mandatory, and must be renewed every five years.
Every official must pass a mandatory background check by the Maine Department of Education. It can take several weeks for a background check to be processed. DO NOT WAIT until a couple weeks before the season. You CANNOT be assigned any games until your assignor has proof of your compliance with this requirement.
INFORMATION ON BACKGROUND CHECK
Every official must have their fingerprints taken and kept on file with the State of Maine prior to being assigned to work any games in the State of Maine. There is only one company authorized to take finger prints. You must make an appointment with them. DO NOT wait until the last minute.
PRO TIPS:
Each assignment BEGINS when you accept it.
Prepare accordingly for each assignment, and make sure your uniform and equipment are CLEAN, and in good repair. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare at home, and to arrive at least 30 minutes early to the venue. If you know you're running late, or you are delayed for any reason, call your partner as soon as possible to let them know of your estimated time of arrival.
You get ONE chance to make a good first impression. The first thing any coach will notice about you is your uniform and shoes. Make sure your uniform is clean, worn properly, and that your shoes are clean and polished. It takes three minutes to polish your shoes if you make sure you clean them AFTER your last game.
Your appearance; good or bad, reflects on YOU, YOUR PARTNER, YOUR ASSOCIATION, AND UMPIRES ACROSS THE STATE.
Make sure your hats are clean, and don't have sweat stains on them. Take care of your uniform, hats, and protective gear and they'll last a lot longer.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BE A BASEBALL UMPIRE
Footwear
Protective gear and accessories
Pants and belt
Shirts and jackets
Hats and gloves
Scroll down to find the dates for clinics and classes for new umpires, as well as some great information about what you'll need.