In Memoriam

We recently lost a beloved father, friend, mentor, and tremendous umpire. Harry Wendelstedt walked the fields of Major League ballparks for 33 years, comanding respect from everyone he crossed paths with. He was known for his larger than life presence, but also for his caring and considerate heart, and willingless to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Though his Hall of Fame career ended in 1998, his dedication and devotion to the game he loved never did. He continued to operate this school until his passing, and will continue to influence the staff of instructors he has left behind forever. Enough can never be said about the effect he left upon everyone he knew, both in baseball and out. He was incredibly proud of his lustrious career, spanning over five decades, but was equally fullfilled with the contributions he made to the people and communities that surrounded him. He may be gone, but will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.

A Note From the Chief's Desk

To My Fellow Umpire and Potential Student:

I want to take a moment to thank you for your interest in attending our school. We are the only independently run professional umpire school recognized by Minor League and Major League Baseball, and we have prepared more umpires to move into professional baseball, and more umpires to move into the Major Leagues, than all other programs in history, combined! I am very happy to hear that you are interested in becoming one of our next success stories. Whether your aspirations in umpiring are to become a Big League umpire, or just to improve your skills at the amateur level, our training program is designed for you. . . Continue

Did You Know?

• The Wendelstedt Umpire School is proud of of record as the oldest and most attended umpire school in the world! At #26, our State of Florida Education License is one of the oldest for all institutions, including Major Universities, within the state. Please feel free to contact the Florida Department of Education at 888-224-6684 for confirmation.
  
  
• 100% of the Wendelstedt Graduates were called for placement in baseball, as well as our entire school reserve list! More of our umpires are placed in positions at the highest levels than any other program in history.
  
  
• We are the ONLY program that also provides its students with exclusive opportunities with independent professional leagues all over the world.
  
  
• We are the only program with current Major League Umpires on staff! It is also composed of a Baseball Hall of Fame Nominee, Minor League umpires from all levels of professional baseball, and international professional umpires.
  
  
• We are a recognized and approved training program for Umpires by the Florida Department of Education, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, the Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation, and many Independent Professional Leagues all over the country.
  
  
• Our former and current instructors are some of the most successful in the world. Two more of our former instructors were selected as MLB Supervisors following their retirements from the field. The list of former instructors on the MLB supervisory staff is now seven, and includes Charlie Reliford, Cris Jones, Bruce Froemming, Rich Rieker, and Chuck Meriwether. These supervisors are part of the group that determines umpires' promotions to the big leagues. The success of our students is, in part, due to the ability of our staff members to reach the highest levels of the Major Leagues.