J. EDMUND BARNES

PHOTO: Come on, Blue! Umpires face a variety of challenges, from low pay to fans who always believe the other team has paid them off. (Staff photo by J. Edmund Barnes) LUTCHER – They are the most under-appreciated, berated, and underpaid people in baseball. For a pittance, they spend hours of their free time under the unblinking glare of parents and coaches – and no matter what they do, they are always wrong. Even if they’re right. They are the umpires. Bobby Hidalgo has been calling baseball games for 10 years. Being an umpire is his night’ job – during the day he works at Colonial Sugar as a maintenance supervisor, a job he’s held for 30 years. During high school he played baseball for Lutcher High School: “I had a little speed when I was younger. That’s what kept me going,” he laughs. Hidalgo graduated in 1966 and spent two years with the army in Germany. He played a little baseball and softball while serving his country, but once he returned to Louisiana he gave it up the ball game. That is until he joined the River Parish Umpires Association. “We have classes and look at films. We have classes and clinics with college umpires,” said Hidalgo. The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) gives them a test. But the best experience is out on the field, said Hidalgo. According to Hidalgo, the hardest play to call is the bang-bang play at first base, or really at any base. “You’ve got to make your decision and call it,” he said. Chris Tamplain has been calling ball games for 17 years. “Its not a glamorous job. Its always tough, especially in the private leagues.” Tamplain, who works for the Louisiana Department of Transportation, said that the main problem facing umpires today is a lack of new blood. Recruiting younger umpires is difficult because of the long hours and low wages. “We’re trying our best to get people into it. You’ve got to live with all of the abuse you get.” Hidalgo said that he’s never experienced any of the unpleasantness that has marred community and little league games elsewhere in the country. “The fans call you all sorts of names, but I’ve never felt anything all the years I’ve been doing it.” Hidalgo credits the River Parish Umpires Association with running a professional and credible organization, but he also believes the close knit communities that make up the River Parishes are another reason there is no unpleasantness: “Everyone knows everyone.” “You try and do the best you can. Sometimes you’re going to blow the call,” said Tamplain. “You’ve got to love the game to do it,” said Hidalgo.