Umpire training CD-ROM now available
The product, entitled "Virtual Umpire Camp," was developed by Immersion Media, Inc., on behalf of MLB and the Professional Baseball Umpire Corp (PBUC), a subsidiary of Minor League Baseball.
The disk uses computer animation and 3D signals to show proper mechanics, positioning, signals and situational training for umpires. It involves the 4-umpire system, the 3-umpire system and the 2-umpire system, making it a valuable tool for umpires working college, high school and other amateur games as well as the professional leagues.
The CD-ROM will be provided to all MLB and PBUC umpires to assist in their training and is officially licensed for sale to the public, retailing for $29.99 at the official site of Immersion Media, www.imsports.com/inventions.php.
The disk was produced by Rich Rieker, MLB Umpire Supervisor; Justin Klemm, Executive Director of PBUC; and Mike Felt and Andy Shultz, Field Evaluators for PBUC.
"The development of this training tool is the first of its kind as we brought together the only two organizations responsible for training professional baseball umpires to produce the ultimate resource for both the amateur and professional ranks," said Klemm. "This DVD is the ideal supplement for any umpire who wants to fully grasp the correct mechanics."
"Major League Baseball is delighted that the Virtual Umpire Camp will be accessible as a resource to umpires at every level of our game," said Rieker. "Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball share the objective of teaching good officiating and this will be an invaluable part of our process for educating the umpires who work Major League Baseball games."
"We are proud of this product and appreciate the support from MLB and PBUC," said Rick Perko, President of Immersion Media. "We truly believe that with their collaboration this is the best product in the marketplace. We anticipate creating versions in other languages in seasons to come."