Talking With Thalia: Coachella Valley Baseball Needs More Umpires

Attention baseball lovers — there’s now a fun and flexible way to make extra money while giving back to the community.

The Coachella Valley’s California Baseball Umpire Association says it urgently needs more umpires for upcoming varsity and junior varsity baseball seasons across the desert.

Joining NBC Palm Springs was Andy Diaz, who says the organization currently has just 18 umpires covering games throughout the Coachella Valley, 29 Palms and Anza.

“That’s not enough,” Diaz said. “We need more umpires so we can continue serving the entire valley.”

The good news for anyone interested? You don’t need previous baseball experience to get started.

“No experience is needed,” Diaz explained. “We’ll train you.”

Diaz says his love for the sport inspired him to become an umpire after playing baseball at Indio High School in the 1980s.

“I just love the game,” he said. “That’s why I do it.”

He also says many people quickly become hooked once they start umpiring.

“You meet great people, coaches are friendly, and it becomes addicting,” Diaz said.

Of course, one of the biggest concerns many people have about officiating sports is dealing with upset parents and coaches. Diaz admits there have been difficult situations over the years, especially in youth sports.

“You can’t have rabbit ears,” he joked, referring to ignoring criticism from the stands. “But when it becomes vulgar or out of control, then law enforcement or school officials may need to get involved.”

Diaz says the association trains new umpires on how to manage tense situations and maintain professionalism on the field.

“We definitely talk about those issues during meetings and training,” he said.

Another perk? The pay.

Diaz says umpires make more than $100 per game, with most games taking place in the evenings. Officials also have the flexibility to create their own schedules by selecting the games they want to work.

Anyone interested in becoming an umpire can learn more through the association’s website and social media pages under the Coachella Valley Unified Baseball Association.

For more information, visit CBUA-CV.com.