MLB Umpires Vic Carapazza (left) and Nick Mahrley (right) – both of whom served in the U.S. Air Force – took time out last season before a Houston Astros game to meet with this group from the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy.
UMPS CARE Charities is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. On the 20th of each month, we will share some stories and memories of the charity. This is the fifth installation in our series about the charity over the past two decades.
Throughout the year, UMPS CARE Charities partners with an organization called the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy. This nonprofit supports wounded veterans who are now working as umpires in their local communities.
The Major League Baseball Umpires, some of whom have served in the military themselves, have taken time out each season to meet with WWUA participants. Through UMPS CARE Charities, WWUA members have been able to meet with MLB Umpires on the field before games.
Some MLB Umpires have participated in the WWUA monthly Zoom calls to discuss the life of an MLB Umpire and to inspire these veterans. MLB Umpires have also donated equipment for WWUA members to use. In addition, MLB Umpires, Minor League Baseball Umpires, Umpire Supervisors and retired MLB Umpires have participated in WWUA clinics throughout the country.
UMPS CARE Charities chairman Gary Darling, former Vice President Jim Reynolds, retired MLB Umpires Greg Gibson and Ted Barrett and MLB Umpire Nick Mahrley, who served in the United States Air Force, have played in the WWUA golf tournaments. MLB Umpire Crew Chief Laz Diaz, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps reserves, attended a clinic in Florida for the veterans and his crew has hosted numerous participants before ballgames.
And every year for the past five years, UMPS CARE has organized a Stars and Strikes campaign to raise funds specifically to help and honor these veterans. What means the most to the veterans involved with this program is that the Major League Baseball Umpire family has taken time to meet the WWUA participants and their families.
The Stars and Strikes campaign will be extra special this year as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 20th anniversary of UMPS CARE. Be on the lookout for our limited-edition caps, in this our fifth season running the campaign. Proceeds from the sale of these caps are used to fund our events with WWUA participants. We partner with UMP ATTIRE, a longtime supporter of the charity, to create the hats each year.
“At the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy, we’re dedicated to giving our veterans a renewed sense of purpose, belonging, and community through umpire training,” said WWUA President and founder Greg Wilson. “But what UMPS CARE Charities does for our Warriors goes beyond the field. Through their incredible Stars and Strikes campaign, they give our veterans something that’s often hard to put into words — the chance to feel truly special again.”
“Thanks to UMPS CARE, our participants are treated to unforgettable MLB experiences each summer. From behind-the-scenes stadium tours to thoughtful refreshments and prime game seats, they’re welcomed like VIPs. But it’s not just about the game — it’s about the feeling. The feeling of being valued. The feeling of being seen. The feeling of knowing that someone cares deeply about their journey.”
“This partnership means the world to us. UMPS CARE Charities doesn’t just support our mission — they amplify it with heart, compassion, and generosity. We are forever grateful for the love they show our veterans, and we’re proud to stand beside them in their efforts.”
Major League Baseball Umpires Nick Mahrley and Shane Livensparger, who is currently in the U.S. Air Force, recently participated in Zoom calls with WWUA members. During these calls, the umpires not only share their stories but also talk about everything from rules to what it means to serve the country.
Already this season, UMPS CARE has hosted WWUA veterans at games. These meet and greets include goodie bags with snacks, vouchers to use toward concessions, caps and, of course, tickets and field access.
“I can’t really describe what it means to me to meet the big-league guys,” said WWUA member Jeremy Caldwell. “For these guys to take time out for the little guy – not that there’s anything little about me – is truly amazing. It’s like having a big-league player come down to Little League and give hitting tips.”
The feeling is mutual. Whenever UMPS CARE reaches out to the MLB Umpires to meet with the veterans, it is an easy call.
“I’m so glad I have been connected with this organization,” said Greg Gibson, who worked in the majors for more than two decades and has participated in WWUA clinics in his retirement. “This is one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of.”
Check out this article in Referee magazine about MLB Umpire Shane Livensparger and how he balances life in the big leagues and being in the U.S. Air Force (while also being a husband and a dad!)
Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy President and Founder Greg Wilson
Ted Barrett, Dan Wickham, Alex Tosi, Greg Gibson, Jim Reynolds and Gary Darling supporting WWUA at their annual golf tournament.
The umpire crew of Dylan Bradley, Ben Phillips, Dillon Wilson with participants from WWUA before an Albuquerque Isotopes game last season.