Proudly serving Harford County (MD) baseball officiating needs since 1999
Featured Member - February 2019
Ralph Thompson
Outside of umpiring, what do you do for a living?
"I currently work as an Environmental, Health and Safety Supervisor for a logistics company."
When and where did you begin umpiring?
"I began umpiring in 1993 with Chesapeake City Little League."
In what year did you join Harford County Umpires Association?
"I joined HCUA in 2010."
Where else have you umpired?
"I have umpired for Chesapeake City Little League, I was Umpire-Chief for the Greater Newark Babe Ruth Association in Delaware for 2 years. I have worked with a semi-pro league. I was selected to work the Maryland and Delaware State Babe Ruth Tournaments. I was selected to work 2 Ripken Baseball sponsored charity softball tournaments. Finally, I was selected to umpire for the Cal Ripken World Series Consolation games."
What's been your proudest achievement in umpiring?
"Selected to be the Crew Chief for the 9/10u Delaware State Babe Ruth Tournament"
What was the strangest situation you've ever been involved with while umpiring?
"I was working a charity softball game at the Ripken Complex on Fenway when a gentleman smashed a fly ball to left field and it struck the top of the Green Monster and cut into the metal overhang of and became stuck. At which time Cal Ripken Jr. walked out on the field and said “Well Blue what do you have?"
Funniest heckle you've heard while umpiring?
"Hey Blue! Is that your final answer, or do you need to use a lifeline?”
Do you have a goal that you are hoping to achieve in 2019?
"To continue to improve my on the field mechanics and achieve the “1% “ improvement every veteran umpire wants to achieve."
What's the best advice you would give to a new umpire?
"Find a mentor, be consistent, have a short memory, and never take anything said by a coach, player, or fan personal, and always remember who you are on the field for."