UMPS CARE Charities is thrilled to share that we held our second Official Leadership Program event in Philadelphia!
Through our partnership with the Phillies and their RBI program for softball and baseball, we were able to introduce teens to umpiring and teach them important life lessons and leadership skills in the classroom.
Special thanks to Monica Clark and the Phillies for their support for this program and to MLB Umpires Chris Conroy and Alan Porter who took time out to meet with the teens in the program, share their stories and pass along some umpiring skills at Citizens Bank Park! Thanks also to longtime supporters at Ump-Attire.com for providing loaner equipment and to Hampton Farms, GIANT Snacks and Big League Chew for filling up our goody bags for the participants. Shout out to Out West Officials for the new plate brushes!
The Official Leadership Program was created to help with the crisis across the country with a shortage of umpires – leading to many games and tournaments being canceled nationwide. This program also teaches leadership skills to teens, so whether they end up working on the diamond or in the corner office, they are prepared for the road ahead.
On deck is our Official Leadership Program in Chicago! Our six-week course starts this Saturday, and we are grateful for the support from the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy for helping this come to fruition!
Learn more about this important program HERE
(Above) MLB Umpires Alan Porter and Chris Conroy inspire the next generation of officials in Philadelphia.
Photos by Erin Grugan
