In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses NFHS 2023 points of emphasis, NFHS 2023 rule changes, 2-man bases empty shallow fly ball mechanics, an umpire spotlight, strike zone, and assigning dos and don’ts. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics, most notably Bruce Doane’s camps. Kevin has attended the Doane February camp, 2-man advanced camp, and 3-man camp on multiple occasions. He also attended the CBUA 4-Man Invitation Clinic. Kevin has worked high school (MHSAA), JUCO (MCCAA), NAIA (WHAC/Crossroads), and NCAA Division I (MAC) (Horizon) (MVC), II (GLIAC), and III (MIAA) contests. He's also scheduled to work a Big Ten Conference non-con game in 2023 along with MAC and Horizon League series. In 2022, Kevin worked the GLIAC NCAA DII Conference tournament and the NCAA Division III Regionals. Additionally, Kevin has twice worked the MHSAA State Finals (2015 & 2019). He is always trying to hone his umpire skills to continue moving up the umpiring ladder. Recently, Kevin took on an assigner role, assigning MHSAA games for the West Michigan Umpire Association and tournament and travel team games for the Grand Rapids Umpire Alliance. He is happily married, has one daughter, and teaches high school Social Studies and English in Grand Rapids, Michigan.