(File photo/paNOW)

By Logan Lehmann

Play ball?

Lack of umpires sets off alarms for upcoming baseball season

Mar 29, 2023 | 4:00 PM

Finding people to play baseball in Prince Albert isn’t much of a challenge. However, compared to umpires, that’s a different story.

On Wednesday, Prince Albert Minor Baseball sent out an S.O.S. signal saying that the city is in serious need for umpires to make the calls behind the plate for the 15U and 18U age divisions, and with the season getting started on May 1, time is running out.

“We have had a lot of attrition in the past few years as umpires retire, move away from the city or can no longer make the time commitment… and this year is looking very dire,” said Duane Krip, president of the Prince Albert Minor Baseball Association.

“Right now, we do not have any certified umpires to call games for the 18U division and only a very small handful to umpire the 15U division.”

PAMBA says they need 10-15 umpires, at least, to be able to call 40 games this season with two at each contest, one plate umpire and one base. In an effort to help the situation, the association is making the call to all former baseball players and/or other athletes to sign up to become an umpire.

FSIN

Chief Bobby Cameron re-elected for fourth term as FSIN Chief

Oct 31, 2024

victim still sees no compensation

Sentencing issued in SaskPower vs. Blayne McKay

Oct 31, 2024

Economy

Economy stalled in August, Q3 growth looks to fall short of Bank of Canada estimates

Oct 31, 2024

In conjunction with Baseball Sask., the two will be hosting a level one Umpire Training Clinic on Saturday April 15^th with all training and certification being provided.

“We pay umpires to call games and they will earn either $45.00 or $50.00 per game in the 15u and 18u division,” Krip continued. “Plus they get to see the games from the best seat in the house, right on the field.”

He added that he’s hopeful that the community will rally to call for help and they can fill up the clinic.

—

logan.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann