You make the call

Nobody loves the ump (rhymes with chump). But we gotta have 'em if we're going to play baseball. So we might as well have good ones. Or at least ones considered to know their stuff.
Which brings us to the Major League Baseball Umpire Camp, scheduled for Nov. 5-12 and Nov. 12-19 at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton.

Current MLB umps Derryl Cousins (27 years of service), Randy Marsh (24), Larry Young (21), Tim Tschida (20) and Kerwin Danley (nine) will be helping those who want to improve their technique, knowledge and arguing ability (OK, so that's not part of the ciriculum, but it could be slipped in there somewhere on the side).

“This is an outstanding opportunity for somebody on the west coast to stick their foot in the water to see if umpiring is for him or her,� said MLB Umpire Supervisor and MLBUC Camp Coordinator Rich Rieker. “People at all levels of baseball, from Little League up, will learn from the most senior-level staff we’ve ever assembled.�

At the camps, attendees will improve their plate work, positioning for plays on the bases and situation management. Participants also will receive conditioning, nutritional, equipment and safety instruction.

It's not a freebe: Those who don't need a hotel room and are driving in each day have a $749 fee. But you get a T-shirt and cap.

For more information about MLBUC or to enroll in camp, go to www.mlbuc.com.