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May 12, 2025
Thinking about becoming a baseball umpire in the Chicago area? Whether you’re 13 or 43, there’s a clear path to getting on the field, earning money, and being part of the game from the best seat in the house. Umpiring is one of the most flexible, rewarding ways to stay connected to baseball—and we make it easy to get started.
This guide walks you through exactly how to become an umpire in Chicago, from getting your first training to working your first real games with Home Plate Umpires.
Before anything else, check if you meet the minimum age for the level you want to work:
If you're younger, you'll typically start on the bases and work with a partner until you're ready for plate assignments. Either way, Home Plate Umpires has a place for you.
You don’t need to know everything on day one. That’s why we run in-person training clinics across the Chicago area focused on real-world umpiring—not just reading the rules.
We’ll teach you:
You’ll also get chances to shadow experienced umpires before working your own games.
We’ll walk you through which leagues you’re eligible for and help get you registered. You don’t have to figure out who’s hiring or what forms to fill out—we handle all that.
If you're looking to work high school baseball, we’ll help you register through IHSA and prepare for the state certification exam.
If you're focused on youth and travel ball, we’ll plug you into local leagues and tournaments that we assign directly.
To start, you'll need just the essentials:
For youth/base assignments:
For plate work (more advanced levels):
We’ll help you figure out what’s mandatory, what can wait, and where to get affordable gear locally or online.
Once you’re trained and equipped, we’ll start assigning you to real games based on your schedule, comfort level, and experience.
You’ll start with:
From there, you can move up to:
The more you work, the more you earn—and the faster you grow as an official.
We’re not just here to fill schedules. We’re here to build a community of confident, prepared umpires who enjoy the game and know how to manage it. When you join Home Plate Umpires, you get:
Whether you’re looking for a few extra games or want to build a long-term path in officiating, we’ve got you covered.
If you're ready to become a baseball umpire in Chicago, we’re ready to help you do it the right way. Home Plate Umpires will guide you from your first clinic to your first paycheck—and every step in between.
Reach out today and let’s get you on the field.
