Rich Garcia joins PBUC staff

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Former Major League Baseball Umpire Rich Garcia has joined the staff of PBUC as a special assistant for instruction, after spending the past 33 seasons as an umpire and umpire supervisor. Garcia will work with PBUC umpires on all areas of development, especially those aspects associated with professionalism, attitude, approach and work ethic. He will also assist PBUC and Minor League Baseball with the development of umpire camps, clinics and seminars.

During his 25-year tenure as a Major League umpire, Garcia worked four World Series, five League Championship Series, three Division Series and two All-Star Games. Prior to becoming an American League umpire in 1975, Garcia spent five years as a Minor League Baseball umpire in the Florida State (1970-71), Southern (1972) and International (1973-74) Leagues. A former U.S. Marine, Garcia has instructed at various umpire schools for several years and has also conducted offseason umpiring clinics in Latin America.

"PBUC is thrilled to have a person of Rich's caliber join our staff," said PBUC executive director, Justin Klemm. "His impressive resume with MLB, MiLB and the U.S. Marine Corps speaks for itself. We look forward to seeing the impact that his presence will have on our young umpires. His instruction and teaching style fit well with our goal of developing the best professional umpire candidates for hire by MLB."

In 2008, the Arizona Fall League honored Garcia with the Roland Hemond Award, presented annually to recognize a baseball executive who has provided outstanding service to professional baseball, and has served the Arizona Fall League in a key leadership capacity. Garcia was instrumental in the development and evaluation of umpires in the Arizona Fall League.

Garcia currently resides in Clearwater, Fla., with his wife Sheryl. The couple has four children and six grandchildren.