Bullock Creek Hosts 35 Aspiring Umpires
January 27, 2017
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
More than 35 aspiring baseball and softball umpires met for instruction from a number of veteran officials as part of the Mid-Michigan Clinic on Jan. 21 at Bullock Creek High School.
High school-aged umpires who received instruction are part of the MHSAA Legacy Student Officials Program, which works to provide opportunities and mentoring to high schools interested in becoming part of the officiating avocation.
Saturday’s instructors included 10 who worked at the college level and three who worked in the minor leagues last season. The clinic received financial support from the Mecosta-Isabella-Clare, Midland and Bay Metro officials associations, plus all adults who attended including those who presented. All legacy umpires also received indicators, brushes and hats as part of their clinic experience.
“An excellent staff provided a full day of training, and it was wonderful to see so many faces young and old,” said MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl, who serves as director of officials. “This is one of the largest clinics of its kind in our state, and we’re thankful for the work of all who had a hand in such a great event to provide instruction for our next generation of umpires.”
Officials also received assistance from the Lancers’ baseball and softball programs, and in return all revenues from the clinic were donated to those programs.
What's My Why: Official Shawn Ballor
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
October 7, 2026
Shawn Ballor, Alpena
Ballor has begun his 31st school year as an MHSAA-registered official and worked on the wrestling mat all but one season of his first three decades. He’s also registered for volleyball and basketball this school year and has officiated baseball and softball in the past, baseball also for all but one year over his first 30.
I guess why I continue to officiate is because it feels really good to be a small part of helping young people develop as individuals and athletes. Over the years, I’ve found that officiating has contributed a lot to my personal growth as well.
One of the things that I like about officiating is that whether you’re an athlete or have another job, or you have a family, you’re able to choose how many games or matches you work each week so that you can balance your time with other priorities in life.
Finally, the relationships and interactions you’ll have with student-athletes, coaches and other officials over the years will stay with you forever.
“What’s My Why” is a weekly feature telling the stories of MHSAA-registered officials in their own words. If you’re an MHSAA official and would like to share your reason why, please submit a 15 to 45-second video, taken horizontally, to director of officials Sam Davis at [email protected].
What's My Why
Oct. 1: Tim Erickson, Rockford - Watch
Sept. 23: Patricia Treman, Grand Rapids - Watch
Sept. 16: Tony Bertuca, Coloma - Watch
Sept 9: Jenna Schroeder, Berkley - Watch
Sept. 2: Joey Crawford, Newton Square, Pa. - Watch
Aug. 26: Ron Torbert, Hanover, Md. - Watch
Aug. 19: Kari Seitz, Mill Valley, Calif. - Watch
Aug. 13: Mike Pereira, Sacramento, Calif. - Watch
Aug. 5: Dino Paganelli, Wyoming - Watch
Aug. 3: Stacy Smith, Caledonia - Watch
July 22: Jason Nickleby, Lake Elmo, Minn. - Watch
July 15: Sam Davis, Lansing - Watch
July 9: Candace Cox, Quincy - Watch
July 1: Robert Williams, Redford - Watch
June 24: Will Godfrey, Jackson - Watch
June 19: Jarrett Skorup, Midland - Watch
June 12: Brady Driver, Sturgis - Watch
June 8: Cindy Tyzo, West Bloomfield - Watch
June 3: Jeff Spedoske, DeWitt - Watch
June 1: Mike Carrier, Commerce Township - Watch
May 27: Stan Wright, Warren - Watch
May 26: Murray Rose, Zeeland - Watch
May 22: Mike VanLaan, Alto - Watch
May 18: Clint Abbott, Newaygo - Watch