Scott Cline has been appointed coordinator of baseball umpires for the Missouri Valley Conference, bringing more than two decades of Division I experience to the role.
A Career Built Across Major Conferences
Over a span of twenty years, Cline has officiated in some of the nation’s most prominent collegiate conferences, including the Southeastern Conference for twenty‑three years, the Atlantic Coast Conference for fourteen years, and the Big Ten for two seasons. His presence in these leagues has given him exposure to high‑stakes games and a deep understanding of the mechanics required at the highest level.
His expertise has been recognized beyond the field, leading to a historic appointment in June 2026 when he became the first ESPN Rules Analyst to appear live during the Men’s College World Series. That broadcast role underscored his ability to translate complex rule nuances for a national audience.
Cline’s leadership extends to development work as a part‑owner of Midsouth Collegiate Umpires since 2012, where he has been involved in recruiting, training, and evaluating emerging officials. From 2025 onward he has served as a coordinator for the ACC, the American Conference, and Conference USA, overseeing officiating budgets and assigning crews for NCAA postseason events.
Academic Roots and Hall of Fame Honors
A 1992 graduate of Maryville College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, Cline was a four‑year letterman on the baseball team, earning All‑South Region honors and team MVP in 1990 and 1992. His contributions to the college were later celebrated with inductions into the Maryville College Wall of Fame in 2015 and the Portland High School Hall of Fame in 2017.
The conference hopes that Cline’s extensive network and proven track record will strengthen umpire recruitment, training, and overall performance, ensuring that MVC games are governed by consistently high‑quality officiating.