Congratulations to Christopher Seay, a 14 year old young umpire, who received $100.00 in Ump-Attire.com gift cards. These were donated by Ump-Attire.com and we are grateful for their contribution.

Christopher has been umping baseball for Zeeland Rec Little League for a couple years. He has a passion for baseball and has a desire to ump at higher levels. He is looking at officiating with GRUA this summer to increase his skills.

Congratulations to Kyler Kooiker for receiving the 2021 “preseason” Grant.  The preseason grant is donated by Ump-Attire every year.  This year the $100 went to Kyler so he could get much needed gear.

Kyler has been umping baseball for a couple years but has not had the gear needed for behind the plate.  He has been fortunate to have fellow umpires let him borrow gear so he can work games.  Thanks Kyler for your dedication to the game!

In 2021 we were able to donate $250 to two separate young umpires.

Congratulations to Justin Mentalewicz and Mitchell Doyle for being the 2021 recipients of the Steve Austin Memorial Grant!

Justin played baseball for Sparta HS and played in the inaugural Steve Austin Memorial Classic.  I have had the pleasure of partnering with Justin during the 2021 season and is dedicated to the game and is always striving to learn more about the “art” of umpiring so he can be better at what he does.  Thanks for your desire to be the best!

Mitchell played HS ball for West Catholic and has been umping baseball for Western LL since he was 12!  Mitchell loves the game and everything the game represents.  He is a all about being the best official he can be.  I look forward to getting to know Mitchell during the 2022 season and watch him become the umpire that he longs to be.  Thanks for loving the game and wanting to give back!