IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE BASEBALL!

BY: MATTHEW PRESLAR

With travel ball organizations playing until November and school ball training kicking off early January, baseball is nearly a year round sport. As an umpire, I enjoyed the seven week offseason, but I am already busy preparing for the new baseball year… and the best part of it: OPENING DAY!

Mid-November until Early January:
Grew my OFF SEASON BEARD

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Thanksgiving:
Enjoyed Taco Thanksgiving With The Family

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Early December:
Had Laser Eye Surgery (for the 2nd time!)

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December 21, 2018:
Made Friends with the FAYETTEVILLE WOODPECKERS Organization (and Signed a Beam Going in their New Stadium... Read All About It HERE)

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Christmas:
Celebrated with Loved Ones

​Purchased New Umpiring Equipment (as a Present to Myself!)

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January 1:
Broke Out Our 2019 Ballpark Adventures Calendars

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January 6:
Attended my First Training Clinic of the Year with School Ball Group (Baseball Season Officially Back in Swing!)

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January 19:
School Ball Group Hosted a One-Day Training Clinic With Major League Umpire Will Little

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Late January:
Began Studying this Year's Rule and Case Book to Prepare for the NCHSAA 100 Questions Exam

Early February:
Took Exam and Scored 98%

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Finally, all the formalities and technicalities are complete. The hard part is done. The equipment is ready. And while the training and studying are never over, it’s now time to put everything into action…
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This Saturday, February 16, begins official scrimmages in North Carolina. These required scrimmages are an umpire’s version of a dress rehearsal. This is our time to freshen up, try new mechanics, and get used to 90 mph fastballs coming at our face. While professional Opening Day is nearly 6 weeks away, High School baseball starts in about two weeks. The off-season is over… and I can’t wait to get back to the ballpark.