Umpire Shortage Offering Recession Proof Jobs for Teens

May 29, 2010 - PRLog -- College and high school students looking for a summer job might be wise to look to the great American pastime of Little League baseball. While this month’s employment report indicates job situation is starting to look better for adults, unemployment among 16- to 24-year-olds stands at nearly 20% heading into this summer – double the rate before the beginning of the recession. According to author and long-time umpire, Ron Hartnett, an umpire shortage in Nebraska communities and across the nation is offering teens and young adults a money-making opportunity that is difficult to find elsewhere.

“An umpire can easily make a couple hundred dollars for a few hours work on the weekend,” says Hartnett, the author of The Complete Guide to Successful Umpiring (Varsity Prints/2009). “But even more important than the money, umpiring can help a kid develop the confidence and leadership skills that are necessary later in life.”

Hartnett, a former Nebraska teacher and school administrator who has umpired more than a thousand youth baseball and softball games, says he knows many umpires that have used the money to pay their way through college. “Learning to be a good umpire is a small investment that can pay a huge dividend.”

Hartnett says the shortage of umpires plus his love of the game prompted him to write his book as an easy-to-use guide to train future umpires and help current officials brush-up their skills. More information is available at http://americasbluecrew.wordpress.com/resources.  

“Youth baseball and softball is a rite of summer,” says Hartnett. “As a fan – and a dad – I hate to see games and tournaments cancelled because of a shortage of umpires.”

To arrange an interview, contact:  
Cyndy Salzmann (Ron’s publicist): cyndysalzmann@cox.net, 402-681-8288 or contact Ron directly: Ron Hartnett, nyu61@cox.net, 402-301-4993.