They say, “Umpiring is a thankless job.” And that is not only TRUE for major league baseball but also for every sport. Though they get the best view of the baseball field, the job is very stressful. The stress becomes more intense when you consider they have to travel a lot. And here comes this question, “Do MLB Umpires Pay for Travel?”
What do you think? Should they be? Umpiring is not calling strikeout, tag out, etc. As a college baseball umpire, I know how much training I have to undergo to make a decision in a split second.
MLB umpires, Minor league umpires, and even college baseball umpires have to undergo rigorous training to become professional umpires. That is not the easy job most of you think of.
Do Major League Baseball Umpires Pay For Travel?
Major league umpires have to travel a lot from park to park to operate the game. And, NO, top-level MLB umpires do not pay for travel. Top-level umpires get quite a lot of benefits from working for MLB.
MLB provides first-class commercial tickets to MLB umpires for travel. And the travel ticket is not only for the playing session.
As you might know, there are 30 clubs in the major baseball tournament in the USA. The season spans over six months, and the number of games played is 2,430. MLB umpires don’t only get the ticket for games only. Besides, they get an air ticket for post-session games, spring training, and special events such as All-star games.
If you are planning to be an MLB Umpire, I have some other good news for you!
Every Major League umpire gets USD 400 each day for hotel and food costs while on the road. The amount was USD 100 more in 2020. And the flight is free!
Even though umpires don’t get the privilege to fly on the private charter jets of the club, the committee takes proper care of them.
Do MLB Players Wear New Uniforms Every Game? what do you think?
So How Many Free Trips Do Major League Umpires Get?
So, now you know Major League umpires don’t pay for their trips. But how many trips do they make? Is it equal to the number of games played throughout the series?
Major league baseball teams typically play each other in groups which are called “series.” Most of the time, there are two to four consecutive games. Sometimes the number of games played at once can be five.
So, umpires don’t need to travel for every game. In most cases, MLB umpires fly to a city and stay there for some time (Just like Baseball team players and officials). However, there could be a single game in some cases. Umpires will travel to manage the game if that happens.
However, lots of travel is exciting for some people, but that is not the case for everyone. And believe me, that is not why you should sign up for a job.
Therefore, many times, Major League umpires are assigned to a match or series close to their place. Though that is a lot of travel, it is easier to maintain that.
MLB Umpires’ Employment Status
Independent contractors, not employees, MLB umpires are not directly employed by the league. This means that they are on their own in terms of paying taxes and contributing to perks like health insurance and 401(k)s. Neither paid vacation nor sick leave are offered by the league.
MLB umpires are not represented by a union in contract negotiations, unlike their counterparts in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. Instead, they have the World Umpires Association (WUA) to speak for them and fight for improved compensation and working conditions.
In addition, there is a rigorous procedure for aspiring MLB umpires to follow. To be considered for a job in the major leagues, candidates must first complete professional umpire school and work their way up through the ranks of minor league baseball.
Even though MLB umpires face unique challenges as independent contractors rather than employees of the league, the position is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious in the sport of baseball officiating.
Comparison with other sports’ umpires/referees
There are many types of officials in sports that ensure that competitions are run smoothly and fairly. The umpires entirely handle the balls and strikes and the bases-loaded/runners-out decisions in baseball. However, how do MLB umpires stack up against officials in other sports?
In basketball, referees travel just as much as MLB umpires, but they are full-time employees with benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. NBA referees also make more money than their MLB counterparts.
Similarly, NFL referees are considered part-time employees but earn significantly more than MLB umpires per game. However, unlike MLB umpires, who work in four-man crews throughout the season, NFL refs work in seven-man crews for only 17 weeks during the regular season.
Hockey officials face similar travel demands as baseball umpires, but they also have a union representing them that negotiates things like pay rates and benefits packages.
While every sport has its own unique officiating system, it’s clear that being an MLB umpire means facing different challenges compared to other sports officials – including less job security and lower wages.
How their employment status affects their travel expenses
MLB umpires are considered independent contractors, which means Major League Baseball does not technically employ them. Instead, they work game-by-game and receive compensation for their services. This type of employment status affects their travel expenses in several ways.
As independent contractors, MLB umpires do not receive the same benefits and perks that regular employees enjoy. They must pay for their travel expenses such as airfare, rental cars or ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, and incidentals.
Since umpiring assignments can vary from one location to another within short notice, especially during playoff season, this means that MLB umpires may incur significant travel expenses throughout the course of the season.
Moreover, since they are responsible for booking their own travel arrangements without any assistance from Major League Baseball, it is important for them to be vigilant when it comes to finding cost-effective options.
Being an independent contractor has its advantages but also presents unique challenges when it comes to managing travel expenses as an MLB umpire.
MLB Umpires’ Travel Expenses
MLB Umpires are responsible for traveling to various cities across the United States during the baseball season. As a result, their travel expenses can quickly add up, from transportation fees to hotel accommodations and meals.
The travel expenses provided by MLB cover airfare or other modes of transportation, lodging in high-quality hotels, meals, and ground transportation between airports and hotels.
Travel expenses are calculated based on the distance between two places that must be traveled. The umpire’s union negotiates these rates every year with MLB officials.
To cover daily food and drink costs while they’re on the road, MLB umpires receive per diem allowances. Per diem amounts vary depending on where an umpire is working at any given time.
Some cities tend to have higher per diems than smaller ones.
MLB provides its own travel agent who books all flights for each umpire crew throughout the season. In addition, if an umpire has preferred airlines or hotels that they prefer generally but still needs to find affordable prices, then these preferences will be taken into account when booking their arrangements.
Umpires can reduce costs by coordinating with fellow colleagues regarding sharing rooms or renting cars together as well as finding cheaper accommodation in less expensive neighborhoods outside major city centers.
What travel expenses are included
MLB umpires have a demanding job that requires them to travel frequently, sometimes across the country. As such, their travel expenses are taken care of by the league office. But what exactly is included in these travel expenses?
Firstly, transportation costs are covered. This includes airfare or any other mode of transportation required to get from one game location to another. The cost of ground transportation between airports and hotels is also included.
Secondly, accommodations are provided for umpires during their travels. Hotels or other types of lodging arrangements are made for umpires based on certain criteria such as proximity to the stadium and quality standards.
Thirdly, a per diem allowance is given to cover meals and incidental expenses incurred while traveling. This allowance varies depending on the city they’re visiting and its cost of living.
It’s important to note that not all miscellaneous expenses are covered by MLB when it comes to umpire travel. For example, any personal entertainment expenses like sightseeing tours or additional hotel services requested outside normal business hours will be paid out-of-pocket by individual umpires.
How Travel expenses are calculated
All of the MLB umpires’ travel costs, including flights, hotels, and food, are on them. These are covered by a per diem allowance provided by the league office.
Umpires must submit proof of all travel arrangements made and receipts detailing the amount spent on each expense in order to be reimbursed for their travel costs. When making travel arrangements, umpires have the option of using their own credit cards or the league’s corporate card.
MLB players receive a per-diem payment that fluctuates in amount based on where they are sent to play. The cost of living in New York City, for instance, is more than in Kansas City, so an umpire working in New York will be compensated with a higher allowance.
Additional costs, such as parking or tips to hotel staff, incurred by umpires may be covered.
In order to get paid fairly by the league office, umpires need to keep careful records of all their expenditures and submit complete and accurate reimbursement claims on time.
Per diem allowance and its purpose
Major League Baseball umpires receive a per diem allowance to help with travel costs. This sum is intended to cover miscellaneous expenses incurred by the traveler, such as meals, transportation, and lodging.
Umpires receive different per diem rates depending on where they are stationed for the game. This means that workers in large cities with greater costs of living will be compensated more than their counterparts in smaller cities and rural locations.
Per diem acts as both remuneration for time away from home and reimbursement for travel costs. Because baseball umpires spend weeks on the road during the season, it’s crucial that they be able to support themselves financially to focus on their job.
For tax purposes, per diem is treated as reimbursement for business-related expenses rather than as income. However, umpires must keep detailed records of all expenses and have documentation to back up any claims they make should the Internal Revenue Service conduct an audit.
The per diem allowance is an essential part of making sure MLB umpires can do their jobs when away from home. It lessens their financial burden and frees their minds from off-the-field concerns so they can concentrate on making good decisions on the field.
Booking Travel Arrangements
When it comes to booking travel arrangements for MLB umpires, the responsibility falls on the league office. They have a dedicated travel department that handles all of the logistics, including flights, hotels, and rental cars.
The league office uses a travel agent who specializes in sports travel to ensure that umpires get the best deals possible while also being comfortable during their travels. This helps keep costs down as well as eliminate any stress or hassle for the umpires.
Umpires are not permitted to book their own travel arrangements unless they receive approval from both their supervisor and the league office. This is done to maintain consistency and avoid any potential conflicts or issues with scheduling.
It’s important to note that some umpires may choose to drive instead of fly if it makes more sense logistically. In those cases, they would be reimbursed at a rate per mile determined by the league office.
Booking travel arrangements for MLB umpires is handled efficiently and effectively by the league office’s dedicated travel department.
Who is responsible for booking travel arrangements
MLB umpires are constantly on the move during the baseball season, traveling from one game to another. But who is responsible for booking their travel arrangements?
The league office takes care of all the travel logistics for MLB umpires. This includes booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and other necessary transportation. The league office coordinates with a designated travel agent to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Once the travel arrangements have been made by the league office and its designated agent, they are communicated to each individual umpire. Umpires receive detailed information about their upcoming schedule, including flight times, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation.
It’s important to note that while referees in some sports may be responsible for making their own travel arrangements, this is not the case for MLB umpires. This ensures consistency across all teams and prevents any discrepancies or issues regarding scheduling or expenses.
It’s clear that umpires can focus solely on their job of officiating games without having to worry about organizing their own travel plans, thanks to the support provided by Major League Baseball.
Use of the same travel agent as the league office
MLB umpires have a unique employment status, and that includes their travel arrangements. The league office is responsible for booking and paying for the umpires’ travel expenses. This includes airfare, hotel accommodations, rental cars or ground transportation, and other related costs.
To ensure consistency in the booking process and to reduce expenses, MLB uses the same travel agent for all of its umpire-related travel arrangements. This means that no matter where an umpire is traveling to or from, they will work with the same agent who knows their preferences and needs.
Working with a single agent also helps maintain a level of security when making reservations. By working directly with one trusted party within MLB’s circle of trust ensures sensitive information stays confidential while keeping track of different parts needed by each individual during their travels.
This system benefits everyone involved by streamlining communication regarding schedule changes or cancellations and saving time on administrative tasks like record-keeping. It also results in cost-saving measures since using one supplier allows for better rates based on volume purchasing power.
Using the same travel agency as the league office benefits both parties involved: ensuring timely bookings at lower costs while maintaining confidentiality during sensitive transactions related to sports events.
How umpires can reduce travel expenses
As MLB umpires are not considered full-time employees, they have to pay for their own travel expenses. However, there are some ways through which umpires can reduce their travel costs.
One of the easiest ways is to book flights and accommodations well in advance. By doing so, they can avail of discounted rates and save money on last-minute bookings.
Another way to cut down on expenses is by choosing budget-friendly airlines and hotels. While it may require a bit of research, this can help umpires save a considerable amount of money over time.
Umpires can also consider sharing hotel rooms with other officials or traveling together in groups, as this reduces individual costs. Additionally, opting for public transportation instead of taxis or rental cars can also help them save money.
Taking advantage of rewards programs offered by airlines and hotels is another great way for umpires to reduce their travel expenses over time. By accumulating points from these programs, they can earn free flights, or hotel stays that would otherwise be costly.
While paying for their own travel expenses may seem daunting at first glance, there are plenty of ways MLB umpires can reduce their costs without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Inside Story of MLB Umpire Travel and Disputes
The Tiresome Journey
Just imagine a life where you travel from city to city with a huge bag full of clothes and protective guards.
Baseball umpires have to wear the approved apparel and gear on the field. And like the catcher, umpires also carry their heavy mask, work uniforms, and protectors for your chest.
Officials who work over bases or outfield lines often wear unique clothing to protect themselves from the environment. For example, officials stand outer parts of the field wearing ear covering, lightweight wind-protecting vinyl jackets, or rain-protected coverings.
Traveling and staying at hotels with all those protected elements and uniforms is not that exciting a job you might think of. And add the tension on the field, players’ aggression, and the chance of abuse from the spectators.
Not an easy job to do at all!
Disputes Between MLB umpires and the MLB
The relationship between MLB and the umpires is very healthy. But like any other relationship, disputes happen (Think of your life partner.)
The ugliest disputes that happened between the MLB management and umpires of major leagues happened in the 1999 MLB season. Not paying for travel was not the reason for the dispute. Umpires were not happy with the whole compensation module.
And the number of umpires who resigned from the tournament was a staggering 68! And what was more surprising was that MLB approved those resignations and hired replacements.
After some hurdles of disputes, MLB was bound to re-hire those umpires. Twenty-two umpires were not hired. Some of them became permanent former MLB umpires, and some others were hired again by MLB.
In 2020 the umpire union again was face-to-face with MLB in the year 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic harmed every game on the earth. Mejor League season was shortened because of Covid’s pandemic.
The umpire union was in dispute with the MLB for their compensation. At last, in May, MLB declared that umpires would get 70% of their salary and would be paid for the games they worked on only.
You Might Also Want to Know
What are the Average Salary and Benefits for Umpires in the MLB?
That is a question I hear more often, how much does an MLB umpire make? The salary range of MLB umpires was between USD 120,000 to USD 350,000 in 2017. But the salary range was redefined in 2020, and since then, MLB umpires have made between USD 110,000 to USD 432,000. Seasoned umpires earn more than new ones.
Major Leagues umpires earn more than any officials in other games except the national basketball association (NBA)
Also, they receive daily expenses and travel tickets with hotel bills. In addition, MLB umpires receive a four weeks vacation during the regular season.
The salary range of Major League umpires was also affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, Major League umpires’ accepted salary was 70% of their actual salary.
Do Baseball Umpires Get Fined For Bad Calls?
NO, MLB has no right to punish their umpires for any fumble in the field. Players can challenge their decision, and the decision made in the field can be changed seeing the video reply.
But MLB can not take action against wrong decisions. And yes, MLB umpires undergo many tests and practices before operating a real game. You can not find an official for the wrong decision as that will make them more vulnerable to making the right decision.
Major league games are high-pressure games, and it is not fair to find an umpire for wrong decisions on the field.
How Can I Become an MLB Baseball Umpire?
There is a guideline on the MLB official website on becoming a major league umpire. And the process is not so easy, my friends.
The first step is to be admitted into one of the two umpire schools approved by the Minor League Baseball Umpire Development. The approved schools are Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School and the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy.
Both schools offer a year-long training program that starts in January. The tuition fees are a bit high (USD 2400), but that is worth it considering the facilities they provide and the amount you will earn as an MLB umpire in the future.
But don’t take your spot for granted for the next level. Only 15-20% of participants are allowed to take part in the Minor League Baseball Advanced Course. That course runs for one week in the middle of February.
If you can pass the advanced course only, you will be permitted to participate as an umpire in the Class A short season or rookie leagues. And that is just the beginning. From there, you have to participate as a triple-A level or minor league umpire to achieve the stairway to the Major league.
How much do Minor Leagues Umpires Earn?
The opening income for rookie or short-season league of umpires is USD 2,000 – USD 2,500 per month (According to MLB). The income can rise up to USD 4000 for the Minor leagues. Moreover, they can get a USD 66 daily allowance.
But unfortunately, a minor league umpiring job is not a year-long job. The minor league games run for five months. Therefore, an umpire’s highest income from the minor league is not more than USD 20 thousand.
That’s why most minor league umpires have a second job for their vacation time.
Do MLB umpires travel with the team?
Major League umpires travel throughout the league’s territory without a base. Moreover, MLB ensures that umpires should not handle many games of a particular team. Besides, umpires should not have come too close to players or team management off the field.
So, umpires do not travel with any team. Umpires get a first-class commercial ticket and travel with commercial airplanes.
Why are Baseball Umpires so Angry?
Baseball is a game of tremendous pace and pressure. An umpire gets a split second to take a decision which is not appreciated most of the time by the team who does not get the decision in their favor.
Most of the time, players challenge umpires for their decision. Moreover, some teams use this as a tactic to maintain pressure on the field umpires. So, umpires need to be strict about their decision and ignore anything from the players.
And when you have to ignore an angry person, you have to be angry also. What else can baseball umpires do?
Want to know how you can make a wooden baseball bat in 10 steps at your home?
Final words
Baseball umpiring is a very difficult and stressful job. I can feel the heat of an MLB umpire as I have been doing that in college for some years now.
I do not pay for my travel as a college baseball umpire. So, Do MLB umpires pay for their travel? No, they don’t. I hope now I know more than that. If you want to be an umpire yourself, I hope now you know how to do that. Want to be one? You have my best wishes.
Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.