My name is Rob Calvert and this upcoming season is going to be my 4th year being an umpire. I started to umpire when I was 12 years old. I umpired for Half Hollow Hills LL, Long Island, New York, for 3 years and thought I had a great understanding of the rules...( I was young, what did I know !!!! ) and then came the AFU rookie school. I shocked to find out what I didn't know and that's where my story begins.

I was first introduced to the AFU when I attended a Half Hollow Hills clinic. As I mentioned I had already been umpiring for Half Hollow Hills before but this was a mandatory clinic if you wanted to qualify as an umpire for the coming season (2002). I said to myself "Even though I know the rules, I guess I can pick up some little stuff". It was a 3 session clinic but I knew these AFU guys were the real deal in the first 30 seconds of the clinic. They were professional and thorough in their explanations for 2 hours of class. I learned alot that night and in the next two clinics.

My goal was to increase my overall knowledge of umpiring but I knew I was very young to be considered for professional training. I had asked adult umpires in my area if I could be considered for advanced training and always got the same response, "You're probably too young, wait a few years". So with nothing to lose I sent an e-mail to the AFU website among others requesting info on their Rookie School and forgot about it. A few days passed when I received a phone call from the UIC. He asked me many questions about myself and why I wanted to umpire. The conversation lasted over 20 minutes. I found out some time after, that it was a recruiting interview, who knew? The UIC told me I could become a rookie candidate in 2003 beginning in January. I did not know what to say. I was shocked! So what started out in my mind as a no chance call turned into me becoming a rookie candidate. It seems that AFU wasn't so much concerned about my age as it was about my attitude toward umpiring and whether I had the determination to follow through on the 11 weeks of training that is required each Tuesday night and then on to a full season of baseball.

I started Rookie School on January 14th not knowing what to expect. With 4 more weeks to go before graduation and certification I have a clearer, more professional understanding of rules, mechanics and positioning then ever before. But I also understand that I still have much more to learn in class and on the field.

So here's the point of this story. If you think you are too young to do something because people say you are, don't let them talk you down. If I did I wouldn't be writing this story nor be in the AFU rookie class with a few weeks to graduation. Work your ass off and don't doubt your ability to succeed, no matter what your age. Some one will show up to give you a chance.

Editor's note - Rob has shown a level of maturity well beyond his years as he continues his umpiring education. We are happy to welcome individuals like Rob into our umpiring ranks.

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Any member of the AFU that would be interested in writing an article about umpiring and would like to have them published on our web site please contact Dave Mekelburg AFU#9 at: info@americanfederationofumpires.com