My dad was a carpenter and I would work with him during the summer and umpire on the nights I wasn't playing. Jim Evans
After one year in the Texas League, the American League bought the rights to my contract. They optioned me back to the Texas League for the 1970 season. Jim Evans
Anyone interested in becoming a professional umpire and becoming eligible to work in the minor leagues must attend one of the two umpire schools sanctioned by Major League Baseball. Jim Evans
I attribute my success to my mental approach to the game. I have always been a serious student of umpiring. I enjoy studying rules, situations, and positioning. Jim Evans
Game management is accomplished by staying constantly alert and then reading and reacting to potential problem situations before they materialize. It all boils down to paying attention to details. Jim Evans
I learned a valuable life lesson that summer. You should find something in life that you really enjoy and seriously consider making that your life's work. Jim Evans
I personally developed the Academy training program. All our training is based on solid educational principles. We present the material in four training formats: lecture, demonstration, drill, and implementation. Jim Evans
Minor league umpires are evaluated in their respective leagues each year and rated numerically. This enables umpires to know where they stand and helps them make prudent career decisions. Jim Evans
My main objective is to prepare candidates for professional baseball; however, the majority of our graduates will go home as much better qualified amateurs. Jim Evans
Our students learn more in 30 days than one could learn in 30 years without our training. To really maximize your potential as an umpire, you need to get a solid foundation as soon as you can. Jim Evans
No one respects the umpire's job more than I do; but, if I were a manager, I would probably be ejected three or four times a season fighting for my team. Jim Evans
Looking back on those games, I probably hustled out of position as much as I hustled into position since I really never had any real training. I was working on instincts alone. Jim Evans
I had a great first year and Mr. MacDonald was my biggest supporter. He gave me the encouragement I needed that first year to get my career started on a positive note. Jim Evans
During the final two weeks of training, our students work simulated game situations in which our staff members role-play as players, managers, and coaches. They are given immediate feedback following each camp game. Jim Evans
Most plays that are missed by the umpire are caused by the umpire not reading those cues early enough and making the proper adjustments. Jim Evans
I have looked back on situations and thought that I could have handled a few differently and probably better. Jim Evans
Umpires, like players, are expected to show constant improvement each season and at each level. Inconsistent plate work and the inability to handle situations are probably the two biggest problems that minor league umpires face. Jim Evans