Umpires Say Shortage Isn't About the Money. Find Out How Attrition Could Affect Youth Baseball and Softball This Summer in the Carolinas

Umpires say shortage isn't about the money. Find out how attrition could affect youth baseball and softball this summer in the Carolinas

GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- The person behind the plate may be one of the most important people on the baseball field -- vital to calling games.  But local umpire James Hayes says it's been tough keeping a stable number of officials.  "It’s been experiencing a shortage for the past couple of years," Hayes said.   Other local umpires say the shortage started during the pandemic. Summertime is around the corner, and recreation and travel l…

Burke receives Twins grant to help with youth baseball, softball field renovations

BURKE, S.D. — The youth baseball and softball fields in Burke are receiving a significant, and much-needed facelift, thanks in large part to a $15,000 matching grant from the Minnesota Twins Community Fund. Burke received the grant from the Twins’ Fields for Kids program. According to the Twins, “The program makes matching grants for renovation projects that will make community ballfields safer, more accessible, and a better home for youth baseb…