Door County Baseball League players are practicing and the 2023 schedule is finalized. But, the pool of DCBL umpires continues to dwindle and threatens the future of weekly games. There is a need for eight umpires every week. There are literally only four Door County resident umpires. Others are brought in from outside the county to fill the void. But that pool continues to drain, also. And host managers are being asked to have a stand-by at each game to step in if there is a need for an umpire at their home game.
Umpire-in-Chief for the DCBL, Roger Van Lanen, urges anyone interested in becoming a baseball umpire to seek certification through the WIAA or document their experience to be considered. It’s just a matter of taking the WIAA test and having a background check. Umpires are compensated for each game they officiate. The 2023 season kicks off on Sunday, May 14. For more information, contact Van Lanen at (920) 609-2214 or rvanlanen@new.rr.com .
The love of the sport is a means of giving back for the years of participation and passion for baseball. Officiating can be mentally and physically challenging. But it also brings fellowship, humor, boos and adrenaline rushes. Whether behind the plate or in the field, umpires are key to a successful season of great home-town baseball. For love of the sport, step up to the plate.
