Introduction

The Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School, formerly the Al Somers Umpire School, was re-named in 1977. Al Somers was the founder of the Daytona Beach based school. He also was the originator of the entire training process. Al Somers has set every record for training umpires. More than seventy of his students have reached the Major Leagues during Al's fifty years of training. Al died 10 years ago. His memory and methods live on through the staff and training techniques they use. This great umpire dedicated his life to this profession. Click for a Tribute to Al.

Harry Wendelstedt was trained by Al Somers and served as Chief Instructor at the Al Somers Umpire School for seventeen years.

Wendelstedt is regarded by baseball people as on of the games most competent officials in history and has won world wide acclaim for his work in five World Series, five All Star Games and eleven Championship playoffs. He has been honored by the nations top sports banquets five times as the Major Leagues top umpire. He has served four terms as President of the Major League Umpire Association.

Among his honors, Sports Illustrated released a poll of major league ball players naming Harry Wendelstedt the best ball and strike umpire in the National League, and the best rated umpire several times by a Major League Baseball poll.

In 1998 Wendelstedt retired after 33 years as a National league umpire. He now resides in the Ormond Beach area and has dedicated himself to professional umpire training.

Please direct all communications to Harry Wendelstedt, Jr., 88 South St. Andrews Drive, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174. Ph. #1 (386) 523-4619 Ph. # 2 (386) 672-4879. FAX (386) 672-3212.
e-mail: admin@umpireschool.com

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