Keep ‘em honest, kid.
Growing up, lots of children aspire to put on a Major League uniform. It isn’t everyday you find a kid already sporting an umpire’s uniform. But most kids aren't Bradley Vinson.
Vinson looked like a natural last week when he was spotted officiating his own game from the stands behind the plate at Blue Wahoos Stadium during Double-A Pensacola's series against Columbus. The 13-year-old made quite an impression, dressed in full umpiring gear, helmet, facemask and armbands and making all the calls from behind the protective netting beside his father, John.
Bradley said he first discovered his interest in umpiring at a Miami Marlins game. That interest blossomed into a passion as John took him to Spring Training and Minor League games in Palm Beach, Fla, where he was also spotted officiating from his seats in February.
“I like to be in charge,” he said. “I wanted to call games because I thought it was a bunch of fun and I really love to do it.”
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Bradley has been making a name for himself as the kid umpire of Florida's Minor League ballparks. John said working umpiring crews have encouraged his son, gifting him with umping gear like clickers and brushes.
"As soon as he wakes up in the morning, he’s calling balls and strikes," John said. "All day long, as soon as he comes home from school. He watches YouTube videos and he studies all the umpires."
Baseball is a kids' game. Why can't umpiring be too?
“Fans definitely cheer me on," he said. "But if I made a call wrong, they would definitely boo me too."
Bradley doesn't just want to be a big league umpire when he grows up. His dream is to be behind the plate on the biggest stage.
"I want to be on a Major League Baseball field, calling balls and strikes in the World Series," he said.