PBUC reserve list umps to work in summer league

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Professional Baseball Umpire Corp. (PBUC), a Minor League Baseball wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into a working agreement to provide its reserve umpires to the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate summer league. The agreement allows reserve list umpires to continue to develop their skills in a competitive environment, while waiting for the call from PBUC to work Minor League Baseball games.

"This is the first of its kind agreement, and we are pleased to be working with the CPL in this capacity," stated PBUC executive director Justin Klemm. "Future PBUC umpires will benefit greatly from gaining valuable experience in a Minor League-like setting, while performing umpiring duties for collegiate All-Stars also looking to showcase their skills. Our evaluators will be out in force to ensure these individuals are receiving proper training as they continue on the path of becoming professional umpires."

"The Coastal Plain League is tremendously excited about its partnership with the PBUC," said CPL president and commissioner Pete Bock. "We feel that our quality of play and overall atmosphere will go a long way in helping the PBUC develop future Minor and Major League Baseball umpires. Per our agreement, we're looking forward to working long-term with Justin [Klemm], his staff and the reserve umpires, in what we feel will be a beneficial relationship for all parties."

PBUC is responsible for the training, evaluation and recommendation for promotion, retention or release of all umpires in the Minor League Baseball system throughout the United States and Canada.

The Coastal Plain League consists of 14 teams across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Its 12th season begins Wednesday, May 28.