By TIM KELLY
Volunteer umpires are a key component of youth baseball.
The Ocean City Youth Athletic Association is currently in need of volunteers, age 14 and up, to officiate games in the Little League program’s 7 to 12 age group.
An often selfless task, umpiring on a volunteer basis keeps the Association’s costs lower, and allows access to the game for the town’s young players. Though volunteer umps are not paid substantial money, they receive the satisfaction of helping kids to learn and appreciate the game and to have fun playing it.
“The OCYAA was always intended to be a volunteer program, and we are committed to teaching baseball and sportsmanship,” said Greg Donahue, who has coached and/or directed the league for more than four decades.
“Our volunteer umpires help keep the games running and allow us to achieve that goal,” Donahue said.
Sometimes, however, parents and friends of the players show less maturity than their children. They disagree with a play or a call on the field and take it out on the umpire. This can be a reason why some folks are reluctant to volunteer their time.
As a result, there is a real shortage of volunteer umpires around South Jersey and Ocean City is no exception, according to Donahue.
“People have told me, ‘I don’t need verbal abuse from parents,’ and we wholeheartedly agree,” Donahue said. “We pledge to back up our volunteers to keep the experience positive for parents, friends and especially for our young players.”
Ocean City resident Ken Wisnefski, who has been involved with Ocean City baseball for more than a decade, said “no one cares more about the kids and the game than Mr. Donahue.”
“He is always trying to find ways to improve. I really admire his level of dedication,” Wisnefski added.
Meanwhile, to help overcome the shortage of umpires the Ocean City Little League is partnering with the Atlantic County Umpires Association to provide training and mentoring for the volunteers, young and old alike.
“We feel that our leagues have the perfect audience to recruit potential (paid) umps,” Donahue said. “Our aim is to build a core group of volunteer umpires to assist in covering all levels of the league and to provide a chance to perform a much-needed community service.”
“We will provide equipment and possibly a small stipend,” Donahue noted.
Interested volunteers are asked to email Greg Donahue at gregdonahue@hotmail.com for more information.
“I thank you in advance for your consideration,” Donahue told potential volunteers. “We really need your help.”
