As They See 'Em: A Fan's Travels in the Land of Umpires by Bruce Weber

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Weber, a New York Times reporter, takes readers on a behind-the-scenes tour of an umpires’ world. After enrolling in the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring and subsequently umpiring a few low-minor league baseball games, Weber learns first hand the treatment of umpires from coaches and players and spectators. Weber travels across the country to interview umpires in the minor and major leagues and to see them in action. Along the way, readers learn about the history of umpires and how their role has been redefined countless times in baseball on the field and in the commissioner’s office.

I’m a baseball fan, and I like to read books that talk about the history of the game. I was not disappointed in this account. As Weber states in his book, there are few resources such as this book that provide an exclusive view of the umpiring world. Weber pretty much establishes up front that umpiring is no easy job. Umpires have to anticipate where the ball is going to go, where the play will be, where the base runners will be, etc before each pitch is thrown. Plus, umpires lead a somewhat invisible life outside the ballgame, having fun just like everyone else, but with no groupies attached to them. Though, sometimes umpires face dangers off the field, when fans and others disagree on calls made during the game and begin harassing or even threatening bodily harm to them.

After reading this book, I do not think I will be looking at the game in the same way again; this book proves that umpires are the vital key to a ballgame, whether you agree with the calls or not.

I highly recommend this book to any avid baseball fan or sports enthusiast.

Reviewed by Jessica