Umpires Without Borders

Umpires Without Borders

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Non-profit organization promoting amateur baseball and softball officiating around the world, with an emphasis on those sports in developing nations.

The group is non-code specific and honors all amateur baseball and softball programs. The organization promotes awareness, training and education as well as collects donations of equipment, clothing and written materials to help those in need get the resources they need to officiate the games of baseball and softball. UWB has an emphasis in promoting baseball and softball officiating in under-deve

Photos from IHSA Officials's post 10/28/2025

It's with great sadness to learn of Andre' Morgan's passing. Andre' was an outspoken, dedicated baseball umpire as well as an official in three other sports, who was deeply committed to the craft. UWB was able to help him once just after he moved from IL to AZ as his equipment got stolen and he was in need of emergency equipment due to impending games.

Best wishes and condolences to his family as they go through this difficult time.

08/25/2025

It's with sadness to report that Wendelstedt Umpire School will have its final class this coming January, ending an almost 50 year run educating some of the best umpires in professional baseball and the only remaining independent professional umpire academy that sends graduates to MLB.

In 2023, UWB sponsored the first UWB/WUS scholarship winner, Femi Aina, who was also the first native African to ever attend a professional umpire school or attend Wendelstedt. The collaboration with WUS was paramount to bringing a professional level of umpiring to Africa which continues to grow today.

We will forever be grateful for the partnership and support WUS has given UWB. Thank you for your collaboration and best wishes to all associated as well as all current and future graduates!

For Immediate Release:

The Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School is formally announcing that 2026 will be the 50th and final class, marking the end of our longstanding tradition of providing the best umpires to Major League Baseball.

For one final time, as we have done for the last 50 years, we will continue to provide this year’s class of umpires with a pathway into professional baseball.

It has been our distinct honor and pleasure to serve the umpiring community for the last 50 years!

We hope you join us for one final class!

Major League Training from the First Pitch.

05/27/2025

This Memorial Day in the US, we'd like to extend our gratitude, condolences and appreciation to the men and women who served and didn't come back, and to the families who bore the pain and suffering of that loss.

While many enjoy the day off work and 'celebrate,' there are many who see the day as a reminder of tragedy and pain.

Thank you to all who served and did not return and thank you to the families for sharing their loved one(s) with our country. You paid the ultimate sacrifice. It will not be forgotten.

01/15/2025

If you have lost your baseball / softball officiating gear, clothes or shoes due to the please send a private message here and we will do our best to help replace what you've lost.

While supplies last.

01/09/2025

UWB is sad to announce the loss of an early supporter of UWB, Joel Marrs. Condolences and best wishes to his family, friends and all who knew him.

12/31/2024

As 2024 comes to a close, UWB wishes to thank everyone who has donated as well as everyone who has supported our mission and cause.

This idea can't be done without the gracious and generous support of people. This is a people helping people endeavor. Thank you, again, for all of your support this year.

Best wishes to you and yours for a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous 2025!

12/26/2024

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate!

Donate to Umpires in Need: Your Donation Makes a Difference, organized by Dave Ducat 12/17/2024

As I was looking through GoFundMe for UWB's fundraising info, I noticed it had expired and was deleted.

Times are difficult for all of us and everyone is asking for financial help. If you have even $1 to spare, it will go to great use helping baseball and softball umpires around the world to get the things desperately needed - especially in areas where it's difficult and/or costly to do so.

Thank you for your consideration and generosity!

Donate to Umpires in Need: Your Donation Makes a Difference, organized by Dave Ducat Umpires Without Borders (UWB) was founded in 2016 to help get baseball an… Dave Ducat needs your support for Umpires in Need: Your Donation Makes a Difference

11/28/2024

Here at UWB we wish everyone in the US a happy Thanksgiving (and anyone else who celebrates).

We are thankful for all of you, your donations and your support of UWB and our mission to help umpires all over the world with equipment, clothing, shoes and other gear. Your support is crucial in helping fulfill this mission.

11/17/2024

We are greatly honored to be featured at the first universities baseball game in Nigeria!

Thank you to Femi for his generosity and inclusion in this prestigious event!

10/01/2024

Thank you for those who have contributed financially to UWB. We couldn't do any of this without your generous financial support.

We continue to be challenged financially. With the cost of storage, shipping and even our business mailbox going up significantly over the last year (50% or more), it is becoming even harder to simply operate UWB let alone continue our mission to serve umpires in need all over the world.

We know times are difficult. We know that even though the economy appears to be trending in the right direction, people are still finding it difficult to deal with financial hardships or simply aren't feeling better about their own financial situation.

If you can spare any financial investment, no matter how small, it would go a long way to help us achieve our mission. We are funded completely by donations. While we have explored various corporate sponsorships, grants, etc. they simply haven't panned out. Our mission is a bit too niche for most public funding grants, and too small for corporate sponsors to see any potential return.

Thank you for your consideration of our ask and our financial condition. Thank you, in advance, for any assistance you can provide. If you can contribute, please see the pinned link on top of the page.

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Location

Telephone

Address


4044 N. Lincoln Avenue #321
Chicago, IL
60618

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm