Umpire School

[ChrisH]

I have decided to go to professional umpire school in January. I have spoken to the staff at both schools and have done plenty of research on both schools. However, I am looking for advice from anyone on which school they would recommend and why. Thank you.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

I have decided to go to professional umpire school in January. I have spoken to the staff at both schools and have done plenty of research on both schools. However, I am looking for advice from anyone on which school they would recommend and why. Thank you.

Congratulations: you're about to learn a lot about umpiring!

It's unlikely you'll get much that will help you decide. Folks who went to Jimmy's generally think he's better, and folks who went to Harry's generally think he's better. :shrug:

There are differences in style, but the real test is whether you'll get a job in pro ball. I gather that a somewhat larger percentage of Jimmy's classes have gotten into PBUC in the last couple years. I'm not convinced that's decisive: Harry might have more students who aren't interested in a career in pro ball.

The bottom line is: if you're good enough at the end of pro school, PBUC will pick you up. You can get good enough at either school.

[ChrisH]

Thanks.

[justanotherblue]

At JEAPU, IMHO, you'll get more rule study, at the time I attended, at JEAPU, you'll have around 750 rules question or more, at Harry's 250. Jimmy utilizes camp games to put you through every situation you may run into during a game. Harry uses live games. How many times do you experience catchers interference during a game, or obstruction/interference? Timing plays etc? One other note, which sealed my decision to attend JEAPU. I attempted to contact that other school as well as JEAPU. Only Jimmy called me back...personally.

[ChrisH]

Funny you say that, because Jim called me back personally also. Thanks for the info.

[TheShadowKnows]

Either way enjoy the experiece....Although the folks I know all swear by Harry's...I gotta believe the Evans Camp is even more loyal and rabid. Treat it as a learning vacation, where you can combine worrk and fun.

You can't go wrong...considering the price, it's really a low price working vacation.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by justanotherblue

Only Jimmy called me back...personally.

Do you expect Hunter to have time right now to call you back?

Well, I guess he's had some time since Sunday.

[JJ]

Yes, Harry's uses live games, but they alter those games and set up the odd and unusual plays and situations. For example, they'll tell a batter "When you hit the ball, miss first base on your way to second", or, "Get in a rundown and run into a fielder".....

I went to Harry's and 25 years later I'm a (fairly) successful D-1 umpire (10 conference tourneys and 5 D-1 Regionals). I've never regretted going to Harry's.

Oh, and it's not a "working vacation". You will work as hard as you want to, and you will be trained as well as you expect, and you will be given every opportunity to prove yourself, on the field, off the field, and in the classroom.

Be in the best physical condition you can whip yourself into BEFORE you go - you won't regret it!

JJ

[NuBlue]

I am headed to the Southern Umpires Camp in February, which, if i understand it correctly has some relationship with Harry's. Anyway, looks like it is going to be a great event.