Detroit Tigers Partner with UMPS CARE Charities to Host Leadership Clinic at Wayne State University

Complimentary six-week program provides social and emotional skill building for teenagers from underserved communities while introducing basics of umpiring and employment opportunities

The youth sports industry across the country is experiencing significant growth, with thousands more young athletes each year competing in sports they love. This growth also creates an increased need for qualified sports officials.

Through their Official Leadership Program, UMPS CARE Charities is creating a solution for the need for youth baseball and softball umpires by teaching crucial skills and umpiring mechanics while providing mentorship and a direct line to employment to young people in underserved communities.

On March 2, UMPS CARE Charities, in partnership with the Detroit Tigers, completed a free six-week junior umpire training clinic at Wayne State University, where male and female participants ages 13-18 learned the fundamentals of umpiring to prepare them to work as officials in their communities.

“The Tigers are extremely excited to partner with UMPS CARE to host this incredible Official Leadership Program clinic at Wayne State,” said Ilitch Sports + Entertainment baseball growth initiatives coordinator Jess Mehr. “UMPS CARE is a phenomenal organization that helps young people become leaders. The skills these local boys and girls learned during this clinic will help shape their future and become a résumé builder while strengthening the youth sports community in metro Detroit.”

UMPS CARE Charities was founded by a group of MLB umpires in 2006 and provides financial and emotional support for America’s youth and families in need. The organization also provides VIP experiences to participants from youth-based organizations and military families, visits to pediatric hospitals and college scholarships.

The final clinic on March 2 featured classroom work and a game of umpire jeopardy to test the aspiring umpires on everything they’ve learned throughout the six-week program. The participants then conducted a simulated baseball game and took turns putting their skills and umpire knowledge to the test with real-life situations they’ll face as on-field officials.

The clinic concluded with participants receiving personalized certificates of completion, indicating they’ve learned the necessary skills to become a youth umpire. Each program graduate also received a Tigers gift bag and a $150 gift card to purchase their own umpire equipment.

Program graduates have also been invited to the Tigers game on May 27, where they will enjoy a meet and greet with MLB umpires and will be recognized on the Comerica Park videoboard.

UMPS CARE Official Leadership Program instructor Ian Land led the six-week clinic at Wayne State University and said programs like these are fundamental to help kids become officials while strengthening their confidence, leadership abilities and sense of responsibility.

“It takes a village to raise a child. This program and programs like this are greatly important,” Land said. “It is all our responsibilities to help younger generations mature into productive members of society. This program allows children to be part of a team, part of something larger than themselves and gives them an opportunity to see themselves as more than just a kid.”

Land said this clinic and many similar programs wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of the Tigers.

“I'd like to thank the Detroit Tigers for partnering with UMPS CARE,” Land said. “I do not believe we would have this program without the involvement of the Tigers. The Tigers moved mountains and made the planning of the program so much easier.”

One of the Official Leadership Program graduates on March 2 was Cass Tech High School sophomore Emmet Mitchell, who plays shortstop, outfield and pitcher for Cass Tech’s varsity baseball team.

Mitchell, who has big dreams for his baseball career, including being selected in the 2027 MLB Draft out of high school and eventually being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, said being part of this program and becoming an umpire will help him become a better leader on and off the field.

“Baseball is my passion, and I really want to be involved in the game, outside of just being a player,” Mitchell said. “The last six weeks, I’ve learned so much, like how to always keep my composure and always stay prepared.”

For more information on UMPS CARE Charities, visit UmpsCare.com.