Lynn native Joe Gill keeps a busy schedule and wears many hats. On Beacon Street, Gill’s a Legislative Director to State Representative Dan Cahill. In the fall, he’s the assistant varsity boys soccer coach at St. Mary’s. In the spring, Gill can be found on the diamond umpiring high school baseball games across the North Shore.
Gill was elected President of the North Shore Baseball Umpires Association in June. He’s currently tackling the task of adding young umpires to the organization in hopes of increasing membership.
“We’re lucky enough to have a lot of veteran umpires who’ve umpired a lot over the years with plenty of quality assignments,” Gill said. “With that said our young members are hurting. We’re looking for young umpires to step in and take over when the veteran class steps aside. We’re looking for the veterans to mentor and teach as we move forward.”
The first step in bringing new faces into the fold is getting the word out. Gill, who joined the NSBUA in 2007, believes interested participants will reach out as the organization spreads the word.
“I think the challenging part is getting the information out there,” Gill said. “I think this is a solid part-time job and a great way to stay involved in the game. The tough part is getting the word out there. The best way to do it is to continue to hit the pavement. It’s important to get out there and show people how to get involved.”
But umpiring is far from easy. Anyone interested in wearing the blue uniform on the diamond must undergo proper training before yelling “batter up.”
The NSBUA is offering new umpire training sessions that will take place at Essex Tech (from 6:00-8:00 p.m.) beginning next Monday. The school is located at 565 Maple St. in Danvers.
The cost for the class is $100.00, which includes materials, first-years NSBUA dues, and the NSBUA certification exam. No previous umpiring experience is required.
The course is taught by NSBUA interpreter Steve Carroll, who’s assisted by Dick Newton. Both Carroll (2007-2010) and Newton (2013-2016) are former NSBUA presidents.
“Steve’s been in the organization for over 25 years,” Gill said. “He was a former collegiate umpire. Potential umpires will learn the rules of the game to proper game management. Steve does a terrific job. He’s assisted by Dick Newton. They’re two great examples of expertise on our board.”
Newton, the athletic director at English, has been a NSBUA member since 2000.
“If you’re done playing, which I was, and I was done coaching, it’s a good way to stay involved in the game,” Newton said. “Anybody that has a feel for the game can start out with the Little League levels and move on to the high school levels.
“It’s enjoyable,” Newton added. “There’s so many games out there. There are so many AAU leagues that there’s a shortage of umpires. We’re looking for younger umpires to step in. The way to do that is by taking the class. If you’re motivated, the opportunity to move up and do as many games as you want is there.”
The organization received a solid turnout at last year’s training.
“Last year was the best-sized class we had in a while with 20,” Gill said. “It’s a good opportunity to ask questions without getting lost. It’s great. Last year we got teenagers, coaches who want to learn the rules better, parents who’ve kids went off to college and now have an empty nest. It’s a broad range of people who are lifelong baseball fans to people who are getting their first crack at baseball.”
To reserve your spot or if you have any questions please contact Carroll at [email protected].
