Over the past two years, I’ve umpired for Palo Alto Little League, steadily working my way up through the divisions. In total, I’ve officiated 24 games across the fall 2024 and spring 2025 seasons.

Before the fall season began, I trained in field mechanics and studied the rulebook in detail. That fall, I umpired AAA games (ages 5–8), the league’s lowest division, which runs with only one umpire per game. Being the sole official on the field pushed me to think quickly and apply the rules with confidence.

Logo of the Palo Alto Little League, which depicts a young boy about to pitch the ball, with a background of a baseball diamond and six costal redwood trees.

Photo Credit: Palo Alto Little League – Programs

After a short winter break, I prepared for the more intense spring season and was promoted to umpire PCL games (ages 8–11). Starting in early March, the schedule picked up significantly—sometimes with as many as eight games a week. Using a platform called UmpireCast, I could sign up for three games at a time and add more as I completed each one. I ended up umpiring 19 PCL games in the spring, the most of anyone in the division.

Thanks to my consistency and commitment, I was selected to umpire two playoff games in the PCL end-of-season tournament. Looking ahead, I’m excited to begin umpiring Majors (ages 11–14) next fall.

Being a young umpire requires hard work, extreme focus, and quick decision making. This helps make the games run smoothly.

Photo Credit: Zionsville Little League – Umpires

Umpiring has been a rewarding experience that’s helped me grow my decision-making, communication, and leadership skills. I’m proud to be part of the baseball community in Palo Alto and look forward to continuing my role in seasons to come.