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Home Plate Umpires was founded by Christopher Del Valle and David Alvarez and has been proudly serving the greater Chicago baseball community for 15+ years.
Chris began umpiring at just 13 years old. His dedication to the craft earned him a spot at the MLB Umpire Camp in California, where he further refined his skills.
That experience ignited a passion—not just for officiating, but for teaching and developing others in the umpire community.
HPUA started as a local family business and has grown into a respected name in youth and high school baseball through relationships with Little League and Travel Ball teams. Post-COVID, Chris has stepped in to rebuild the brand and carry the mission forward: To provide a quality product on the field that results in memorable, safe, and well-managed games for players and families alike.
At HPUA, baseball is more than a sport. It’s about camaraderie, character, and creating positive community impact—one game at a time.
Our mission is simple: develop great umpires and great people. Through mentorship, training, and a strong support system, we help umpires thrive.