The 2nd annual Walter Estes Memorial Umpire Clinic for Baseball and Softball will be held at Lourdes Gym on Feb. 25 at 1-5 p.m. free of charge to anyone interested in learning how to umpire and officiate, or for anyone who simply wishes to see what officials do. All ages are welcome, meals will be provided and anyone who signs up before Feb. 10 will also receive a free T-shirt.
Major League Baseball umpire Larry Vanover along with multiple local veteran umpires will be helping the community learn how to officiate and get insight on the duties of an umpire. Last year 26 participants signed up for the clinic, and 17 of them went on to umpire in the region.
The clinic is held in honor of Owensboro legend Walter Estes who passed away in June of 2022, and was put together by his son Jeff Estes, Rodney Hawes and Paul Leachman. Over the course of 50 years, Walter Estes coached more than five different sports, including baseball, basketball (at all levels), softball and football. He spent nearly forty of those years as an educator and counselor, providing guidance and support inside the building, as well as on the court and on the field.
Leachman, who has been umpiring Little League for about 20 years, said the clinic began two years ago as a way to combat the issue of dwindling numbers in umpires available in the region. Leachman said the free clinic is a great way to give back to the community while also giving them the opportunity to join in on officiating. He hopes to also introduce high school–to-college-age kids to umpiring as they learn from local veteran officials.
“Yes, this is a clinic, but it’s more than a clinic for us,” he said. “It’s a chance to show people that we as a brotherhood, love this community, this region, and want to give back!”
