PBUC holding free umpire camp

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Professional Baseball Umpire Corp. (PBUC) is holding a free camp for current and prospective umpires at all levels from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, at the historic Dodgertown facility in Vero Beach, Florida. The camp will be run by PBUC staff members who instruct and evaluate Minor League Baseball umpires. Representatives from Major League Baseball and the International Baseball Federation will also be on hand to instruct camp attendees.

"This camp will be the first of many that PBUC offers to umpires at all levels," said PBUC Executive Director Justin Klemm. "With our facilities in Durham and Vero Beach, we are in a position to move forward in expanding our educational, instructional and training efforts, both on the national and international stages."

Highlights of the camp will include teaching the Two-Man Umpire System; field work; plate work in the batting cages; and classroom sessions involving handling situations, rules and professional etiquette.

It is suggested that attendees wear comfortable clothing. Plate gear will be provided for cage work and lunch will be available. On-site registration for the camp begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. Each attendee must sign a waiver to participate.

Those interested in attending the free PBUC camp should call Jeff Biddle at 772-257-8557 to pre-register, or for more information.

The historic Dodgertown facility in Vero Beach, Florida, served as the Spring Training home of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1948-2008. The facility is operated by Minor League Baseball Vero Beach.