Triple-A umps speak to Long Ball kids

International League umpires Damien Beal, Fran Burke and Derek Crabill spoke to members of the Long Ball Program on Saturday, May 22, as part of the MiLB initiative's off-the-field training component. The main objective of the session was to give the kids some perspective on how the trio got into baseball, how they ultimately made the decision to become an umpire and the importance of getting an education.

Beal, Burke and Crabill also told them what not to do as a player when they think a bad call was made. Burke showed them the best way to respond to a call they disagree with is by being discrete when asking the umpire about it.

"PBUC is proud that our umpires were given the opportunity to be the first group to work with and mentor participants from the Long Ball Program," said Professional Baseball Umpire Corp. executive director Justin Klemm. "International League Umpires Damien Beal, Fran Burke and Derek Crabill represented Minor League Baseball, the International League and our profession well.

"We look forward to seeing the impact that we can make collectively in the future as this program continues to grow," Klemm continued. "Numerous umpires have asked to volunteer their time with the kids of Long Ball while they are on assignment in the city of Durham for Minor League Baseball."

"Good or bad, for many it is part of accepted fan behavior to boo the umpire and complain about his calls," stated International League president Randy Mobley. "In Minor League Baseball, we believe we have excellent umpires on the field, but we know these are quality individuals off the field and the actions of these men are a perfect example of why we feel this way."

Mobley added, "While timing provided this crew the opportunity to be the first to participate in this community program, I'm sure there will be several additional PBUC umpires from the International, and other leagues, that will be involved over the course of the 2010 season and beyond. This is yet another way Minor League Baseball positively impacts communities throughout North America."

The 120 kids participating in this MiLB pilot program league have to attend mandatory weekly skills sessions, such as academic tutoring, computer skills training, health awareness and life skills development, in addition to playing a nine-game schedule.

The eight-team league consists of a 13-15 and a 16-18 age division and will end its season in early August.