So, I was curious about how much those guys in blue make, the MLB umpires. You know, the ones calling balls and strikes, and sometimes getting an earful from players and fans. I did some digging, and here’s what I found out about MLB umpire pay.
First off, I started by hitting up the usual spots on the internet, just to see what the general consensus was. It seemed like everyone was saying the same thing: the average MLB umpire pulls in about $235,000 a year in 2023. That’s not too shabby, right?
But then I got to thinking, “It can’t be that simple, can it?” Of course not! I kept digging and found out that the pay really depends on how long these umpires have been in the game. The rookies, the ones just starting out, they’re making around $150,000 annually. Not bad for a starting salary, but definitely a lot less than the big shots.
On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got the seasoned veterans, the umpires who’ve seen it all. These guys can earn upwards of $450,000 a year. I guess experience really does pay off in this field, too. It’s like any job – the longer you’re at it, the more you hone your skills, and the more you’re worth.
I also stumbled upon some info about the 2022 season. Apparently, the starting salary back then was also $150,000, with the average being that same $235,000 figure. But some umpires were raking in over $400,000 that year. Must be nice!
Now, here’s something interesting I learned: MLB doesn’t just hand out these salaries and call it a day. These umpires also get a pretty sweet benefits package. I’m talking health insurance, life insurance, and even a 401(k) plan. It’s like they’ve got it all covered, just like they cover the bases on the field.
I read a funny story about an umpire who got hit by a ball and ended up working extra innings, without getting extra pay. Can you believe that? It’s like, “Hey, I just took one for the team, can I get a little something extra?” But nope, it doesn’t work that way.
Extra Stuff I Found
- One of the names that popped up was Mark Carlson. This guy has been umpiring for MLB since 1999. He worked the World Series in 2015 and 2020 and was selected as crew chief for the first time.
So, there you have it. That’s what I learned about how much MLB umpires make. It’s a pretty wide range, from $150,000 for the newbies to over $450,000 for the experienced pros. And don’t forget about those benefits! It’s a tough job, but it seems like MLB takes care of their umpires, at least when it comes to pay and perks.
