Free MLB Umpire Camp Coming to Nashville on Saturday, June 27

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NASHVILLE, TN — Major League Baseball will host a free MLB Umpire Camp in Nashville at First Horizon Park on Saturday, June 27, according to camp information provided by MLB Umpiring. The one-day clinic is scheduled to begin with check-in at 7 a.m. and is expected to conclude by 12 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). MLB says the camp will run rain or shine.

Umpiring in baseball has undergone a long transformation—from local, often unpaid volunteers in the 1800s to a professionalized, unionized workforce.

In early years, a single umpire typically oversaw games, and as the sport evolved, officiating responsibilities shifted toward more structured crews: two-man systems emerged in the early 1900s, followed by the standard four-man crew by 1952.

Today, the path to the majors requires extensive training at designated umpire schools, followed by years of working up through various levels of the minor leagues, starting from rookie leagues up to Triple-A. Once they reach the majors they are assigned into 19 four-person crews with a crew chief. They also now incorporate video assistance to review select calls.

Nashville will host one of five camps that will occur around the country to find the next batch of professional umpires.

The camp is designed to introduce prospective umpires to professional instruction from MLB Umpire Supervisory Staff. MLB Umpire Camps are described as nationwide and free for anyone to attend. At the conclusion of the one-day camps, MLB states that finalists will continue through a vetting process. If selected, those finalists are invited to the MLB Umpire Prospect Development Camp at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida. MLB describes that invitation-only program as all-expenses paid and lasting four weeks, with the camp convening in January.

MLB also outlined expectations and participation details for attendees. The camp requires participants to sign a standard liability waiver upon arrival, and MLB notes that if a participant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign. Attendees are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing for umpiring drills and to use flat-bottom shoes only, with no cleats. MLB also suggests participants bring a mask for umpiring if they have one.

MLB Umpire Camps are described as opportunities for people of all umpiring experience levels, and the organization says no previous umpiring experience is required to attend a free one-day clinic.