One Salmon Arm youth has been named BC Baseball Umpires Association’s (BCBUA) pro-image junior umpire of the year. That youth is 13- year-old Riley Jepson, who started umping just two years ago.
“I felt good because it sounds like they think I am a good ump,” says a humble Jepson, who was presented with the award May 1.
In the past the award has typically gone to those in the Kamloops area, but this year it was Jepson who stood out for BCBUA area six (Thompson-Okanagan) representative Kris Hartley.
“It was mainly his hard work and dedication and his willingness to take assignments – overall his general officiating ability,” says Hartley, noting many were impressed with Jepson’s professionalism and demeanor on the diamond.
In order to determine who is deserving of the award, Hartley receives feedback from observers in the baseball community. These are people who have witnessed the various youth umpires in area six, who number about 40 currently, says Hartley.
“He is a role model for the younger umpires,” he said, adding that officials look for someone who has the potential to stick with umping.
A baseball player himself, Jepson says he became involved with officiating because he thought it would be a fun way to earn extra money. What he enjoys the most, however, is the simple fact he gets a front-row seat at games.
Now a level 2 umpire, Jepson is able to ump bantam teams on down and says officiating has given him a better understanding of the game and newfound respect for umpires.
Being an umpire is no easy task and having thick skin is a requirement.
“You have to stick with the call you have made and trust your gut,” he says of the pressure that comes with being an umpire.
The biggest challenge for him: “Probably believing that you made the right call,” he says.
And while hazards exist for an umpire, such as getting hit with the ball due to wild pitches or foul hits, Jepson says his gear protects him well enough that it doesn’t worry him.
Jepson umps about two games every two weeks, he says. Typically he officiates alongside another umpire who he rotates with between plate and base umpire.
But for Jepson, plate umping is more exciting because you make more calls, he says.
As for a future in umping, Jepson says he knows it provides opportunities and he plans to stick with it.
“I just like the game,” he says.
