The fourth annual Walter Estes Umpire Clinic is set for March 1 and offers a free opportunity for anyone interested in officiating baseball to learn from some of the region’s top instructors, including retired Major League Baseball umpire Larry Vanover.
The clinic will run from 2-5 p.m. at the Lourdes K–3 Gym at 4017 Frederica Street. Sponsored by Independence Bank and hosted by the 3rd Region Baseball Officials Association, the event honors longtime coach and community figure Walter Estes.
“This is a great way to give back to the game and the community,” said event coordinator Paul Leachman. “Plus, it’s a good side job. You can make some extra money and be part of a sport you love.”
The clinic is open to all levels of experience. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in classroom settings, plate mechanics, and on-field positioning. Multiple officials who have worked the KHSAA state tournament will be on hand to lead sessions.
Vanover’s attendance offers a rare opportunity to learn from someone with decades of experience at the highest level of the sport.
Last year’s clinic brought in approximately 40 participants. Of those, around 15 went on to officiate games during the summer. Many worked Little League games, while a few also took on KHSAA contests.
Leachman said local leagues and playground programs will be present this year to offer immediate job opportunities for the spring and summer seasons.
“There’s a growing need for officials at every level,” he said. “This clinic helps get people started, and even if we add just a few new umpires each year, that makes a big difference.”
Anyone who pre-registers by February 15 will receive a free clinic T-shirt. To register or learn more, contact Leachman at 270-993-5603.
The clinic is completely free to attend. Additional support comes from Kentucky Farm Bureau agent Chris Hoskins and Champion Ford.
“We want to give people a clear, realistic idea of what umpiring is like, whether they’re brand new or looking to improve,” Leachman said. “It’s also a great way to honor Walter Estes and what he meant to this area.”
