Well, ya know, when folks talk about the College World Series and them games gettin’ played, most of the time, people think about them players on the field. But, let me tell ya, there’s a whole bunch of folks behind the scenes keepin’ the game fair and square, and them folks are called umpires. They ain’t always gettin’ the credit, but they sure are workin’ hard out there.
Now, in these big games like the College World Series, there’s a special crew of umpires who make sure the game runs smooth. It ain’t easy, no sir. They got to make all them calls real quick and keep their eyes sharp, makin’ sure the game stays fair. In 2023, they had eight of these fine folks out there callin’ the shots. Each one of ’em comes from all kinds of backgrounds, but they all share one thing—they’ve been around a long time and know their stuff.
Take for example the folks who were in charge of the big games like Tennessee versus North Carolina. That game, oh boy, had a little hiccup when the umpire had to be changed out mid-game. Yup, something happened and they had to get a new one out there quick. The game got delayed for a bit, and folks were worried if it was gonna mess things up. But, no need to worry, them umpires got it all fixed up right quick, and the game carried on like nothin’ happened.
Then there’s them games like Mississippi State versus Virginia, and Vanderbilt versus Arizona. You wouldn’t think much about them umpires, but they are right there, watchin’ every pitch, every swing, every little move on that field. They gotta keep their cool even when the crowd’s hollerin’ and the coaches are talkin’ their ears off.
Why do they get so much attention? Well, in a big event like the College World Series, it ain’t just about bein’ able to shout “strike!” or “ball!” It’s about experience. Them umpires, they get picked because they’ve been around long enough to know how to handle all kinds of situations. You ain’t gonna find a rookie out there makin’ the big calls. Nah, these folks have been officiatin’ for years, some of ’em even decades. They got to prove themselves through hard work, good evaluations, and a lot of patience.
And just like players, them umpires get paid for their work. Now, I ain’t one to get into folks’ pay, but let me tell ya, it’s a nice sum. For the World Series, them umpires might make $5,000 a game, and if the series goes long, they could be walkin’ away with $20,000 or more. Not bad for a few days work, right? But, just like the players, they got to earn it. It ain’t just about showing up—it’s about gettin’ the calls right, no matter what.
What makes a good umpire? Well, a good umpire has to have some grit. They got to be able to handle all kinds of stress. They deal with loud fans, angry coaches, and players who think they know better. But them umpires gotta stay calm. They gotta be fair and consistent. That’s the most important thing in the whole game, really. Without them, well, who knows what kinda mess we’d have on the field.
- Patience: Them umpires gotta have a lot of patience, especially when the game gets tense.
- Quick Decision-Makin’: They don’t have time to think long—every call has to be made in a second.
- Thick Skin: They gotta take some criticism, but they can’t let it get to ’em.
- Experience: The best umpires are the ones who’ve been around the longest and know the game inside and out.
There’s also a lot of politics that go into who gets picked for the big games. They ain’t just pullin’ names outta a hat. Nah, they got to be the best of the best, rated highly by all the folks who watch ‘em workin’ throughout the season. If you ain’t got the right kind of experience, you ain’t makin’ it to Omaha for the World Series.
And don’t forget, this here ain’t just about makin’ calls on strikes or balls. The umpires are also there to keep things in check. If there’s any fightin’ or bad sportsmanship, it’s their job to step in. They’re the ones who make sure the game keeps its integrity. Without ‘em, well, I reckon things might get a little wild out there.
So, next time you watch a College World Series game, take a second to think about the folks off to the side, those umpires. They don’t get the spotlight, but they’re a mighty important part of the game. And even if you don’t always agree with their calls, remember—they’re just tryin’ to make sure the game stays fair and square. And that’s somethin’ worth respectin’, if you ask me.
Tags：[College World Series, Baseball Umpires, NCAA, Umpire Crew, Baseball Officiating, Omaha, Sportsmanship, Umpire Experience, NCAA Baseball, Umpires Pay]
