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Welcome to our 4B Umpire Development website where our goal is to Be So Good They Can't Ignore You (BSGTCIY)

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4B Umpire Development was birthed in March 2020 when the nation went into shut down mode because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Baseball season was cancelled and the need to find a way for umpires to continue their training was at a paramount state. We launched 4B as a training tool for minority umpires by weekly zoom conferences. We initially started with eleven umpires from Mississippi and quickly grew to over fifty from all over the nation. Umpires who worked in the College World Series, Major League Baseball minor league affiliates, Division 1 conferences, and high schools were in attendance on a weekly basis.
The mission of 4B Umpire Development is to train umpires at all four bases, hence, the name 4B Umpire Development, and to ensure umpires receive the high-level training necessary for advancement from high school to the NCAA Division I level. We provide situation-specific training, education, and mentoring to those interested in advancing to the next level.
4B Umpire Development gives individuals the opportunity to improve understanding of mechanics and judgment while working live and simulated games. We also provide extensive classroom instruction and discussion with video presentation.
4b Umpire Development, LLC have quality clinicians who have worked in the Major League Baseball Minor League system, College World Series, SEC, ACC, C-USA, SWAC, Southland and a host of other conferences.
Our Philosophy is simple……BE SO GOOD THEY CAN’T IGNORE YOU (BSGTCIY)

Mission

To ensure that umpires receive adequate training necessary for advancement in the baseball profession from recreation to Division I programs.

Objectives

Increase the number of umpires working on the collegiate level.

Identify umpires and provide training, education, exposure, and mentoring.

Provide opportunities for umpires to be seen/recognized and evaluated by conference coordinators/assignors and regional observers.

4B Umpire Development Camp Topics

The How of getting it done

Training

Education

Exposure

Mentoring

Professionalism

Character, conduct, ethics

Rules knowledge & Application

Overcoming Road Blocks and Obstacles

Conflict Resolution

Strategies to mitigate unconscious bias

Perfecting your craft

Finances/Insurance

Network Opportunities

4B Umpire Development Vision

OBJECTIVE

Increase the number of umpires working collegiate baseball.

Identify umpires and provide training, education, exposure and mentoring.

Provide opportunities for umpires to be seen/recognized and evaluated by conference coordinators/assignors and regionals advisors.

All Videos

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Clinic Ball/Strikes Mechanics

05:36

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NCAA Umpire Prospect Camp 1

00:11

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NCAA_Prospect camp-RH

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Umpire Devotions
Devotions by Shane LeBoyd

Umpire Devotion: The Ejection

No umpire enjoys ejecting a player or coach, but sometimes it’s necessary to maintain order, uphold the rules, and protect the integrity of the game. Ejections come when behavior crosses the line, disrupting fair play and creating an unhealthy environment. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, there are things we must “eject” to stay in alignment with God’s will.

Hebrews 12:1 says, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Just as an umpire must remove disruptions for the good of the game, we must remove sin, negativity, and distractions that keep us from growing in faith.

As you consider the role of ejections:

Know When to Take Action – Just as excessive arguing or unsportsmanlike conduct must be addressed, we must also confront sin and bad influences in our lives.

Stay Calm and Firm – An ejection should never be personal but done with authority and fairness. Likewise, we must let go of harmful habits with a steady heart, trusting God’s wisdom.

Protect the Integrity of the Game (and Your Faith) – The goal is not punishment, but correction. In the same way, God calls us to remove sin so that we can live more fully in His purpose.

Umpire Devotion: The Lineup Card

Before every game, the lineup card is exchanged, checked, and confirmed. It sets the foundation for the game, listing the players, their positions, and the order in which they will take the field. A well-prepared lineup ensures structure, fairness, and accountability—just as God has a divine plan and order for our lives.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Just as a manager carefully crafts a lineup to maximize success, God has already prepared a path for each of us to follow.

As you handle the lineup card:
• Trust the Plan – Just as each player has a place in the lineup, God has positioned you exactly where you need to be for His purpose.
• Make Adjustments When Needed – Sometimes, a lineup needs to be changed due to injuries or strategy. In life, we must be willing to adjust and trust God’s leading when unexpected changes come.
• Stay Accountable – Umpires ensure the lineup follows the rules. In the same way, we should be accountable to God’s Word, living with integrity and purpose.

A game without a lineup would be chaotic, just as life without God’s direction would be uncertain. Trust that He has written your name in His divine plan, and step onto the field with confidence, knowing you are right where He wants you to be.

May your decisions be wise, your heart be steadfast, and your faith be unwavering as you officiate the game and live out God’s purpose.

Umpire Devotion: Mechanics Matter

Every umpire knows that good mechanics are essential. Proper positioning, timing, and signals ensure the game is officiated with accuracy and consistency. Without disciplined mechanics, even the best knowledge of the rules can fall short. In the same way, our walk with Christ requires spiritual discipline, consistency, and faithful execution of what we know to be right.

James 1:22 reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Just as an umpire must not only know the rules but also apply them correctly, we must not only hear God’s Word but live it out daily.

As you focus on your mechanics:

Position Yourself Well – Just as good positioning helps make the right call, positioning yourself in God’s presence through prayer and Scripture keeps you aligned with His will.

Be Consistent – Umpires must make fair and steady calls; likewise, our faith should be consistent, not wavering with life’s challenges.

Communicate Clearly – Your signals and voice matter on the field, just as your words and actions reflect Christ in your daily life.

Good mechanics lead to respect, trust, and confidence on the field. In the same way, spiritual discipline leads to a strong, faithful walk with God. Stay steady, be intentional, and let your actions—both on and off the field—speak of integrity and wisdom.

May your mechanics be sharp, your calls be confident, and your faith be unwavering as you step onto the field today.

Upcoming Schedule

Tournaments & Training

4B Training Sessions

Introduce/Discuss umpire philosophies

Provide/Utilize video case plays with discussion.

Test study prep and review.

4B Umpire Camps

Fall 2024

September 28-29 Wesley Barrow Stadium, New Orleans, LA--Canceled

October 5-6 Freedom Ridge Park-Ridgeland, MS--Canceled

October 12-13 Prairie View University, Prairie View, TX--Canceled

October 18-19 Mississippi College, Clinton, MS --Canceled

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There may be no better way to communicate what we do than through images. As you browse our site, take a few moments to let your eyes linger here, and see if you can get a feel for our signature touch.