/UMPIRING

Make the Call

I started umpiring in 2021 because central Idaho needed umpires. What began as answering a shortage became another way to understand the game.

START: 2021BASEBALL + SOFTBALLIDAHO + EASTERN WASHINGTON + ARIZONA
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Christopher Merry working behind the catcher during a baseball game
BEHIND THE PLATE STATUS: GAME IN PROGRESS

Experience

PLAY BALL

My assignments have ranged from freshman through varsity and 1A through 5A high school baseball, using both two- and three-person crews. The work has included regular-season, district, and state games as well as Legion and adult recreational baseball.

In 2024 and 2025, that expanded to both baseball and softball across high school, Legion, and adult recreation leagues in central Idaho and the Spokane area.

In 2026, I umpired at the MSBL World Series in Phoenix, working games across multiple age divisions from 18+ through 55+ at venues including Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the spring training home of the Diamondbacks and Rockies.

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Salt River Fields at Talking Stick viewed from the stands behind home plate
2026 MSBL WORLD SERIES SALT RIVER FIELDS · SCOTTSDALE, AZ
LEVELS

Where I've worked

High school · Legion · Adult recreation
MSBL World Series · 18+ to 55+
Regular season · District · State

CREWS

How the game is covered

Two-person and three-person mechanics across baseball and softball.

Umpiring is decision-making with imperfect information, a short clock, and an audience. See the play, make the call, communicate it, and move on.