When the summer heat settles over the local Little League field, the role of the umpire is often reduced to a simple call of "safe" or "out." Yet for one volunteer, the position has evolved into a quiet ministry, a way to nurture faith amid the crack of bats and the cheers of families.
The Call to Serve
He describes the umpire’s seat as more than a job; it is a spiritual opportunity that lets him share the light of Christ with players, coaches, and spectators alike.
Justice in the Game
Citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he notes that justice means giving due to God and neighbor, a principle that translates directly onto the diamond where fairness must prevail over personal bias.
During a recent game he resisted the temptation to let a star pitcher’s perfect‑game bid dictate a different rule for the opposing side, choosing instead to enforce the same standards for both teams.
Humility and Forgiveness
The discipline of umpiring teaches him to own his errors openly and to extend forgiveness, lessons he attributes to the example of St. Teresa of Calcutta, whose compassion reshapes his approach to every call.
Joy on the Field
Simple greetings to players, coaches, and fans create a welcoming atmosphere, echoing Pope Francis’s message in Evangelii Gaudium that evangelization is about revealing the beauty and joy of following Christ, even when challenges arise.
Sport as a School of Life
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s view of sport as a school of life, he sees each match as a chance to practice sharing, respect, and communal perseverance, learning that abundance grows when the community walks together through triumphs and setbacks.
As the final out is recorded, the umpire walks away not just with a scorecard but with a deeper sense of purpose, knowing that the lessons learned on the field ripple into everyday life, guiding him toward a more compassionate and faithful existence.