“Its like standing on a radiator:” Youth Sports Battling the Heat

MADISON, Ala. (WAFF) -Officials say it’s important to be aware of your body temperature when traveling to tournaments.

Being outside for a long period of time can be dangerous on hot days. And for America’s past-time the focus can shift from hot dogs and dugouts to dehydration.

“It’s just like standing on a radiator,” Local Umpire Bill Ward said.

Bill Ward has been through 17 summers as a baseball umpire.

“One thing that you’ve got to remember is that players and coaches get to take a break in the shade every half inning… We dont,” Ward said.

Ward said umpires wear what is close to 25 lbs. of gear under their uniform so he has to find tricks to stay safe.

“You need to start pre-hydrating at least a day if not 2 days beforehand,” Ward said. “A lot of guys drink pickle juice… mustard… those things are good.”

Generally, games are played on a field made out of dirt and grass that doesn’t radiate any heat, but recently a different type of field has become more popular. With the spike in numbers of turf fields, there’s also a spike in temperatures radiating off of those fields.

USSA travel baseball director Dee Black Has already prepped for the weekend weather.

“We’re actually playing on turf this weekend in Birmingham and I’ve just reminded everybody literally minute ago to make sure they bring a cooler to make sure they keep their catchers cooled off,” Black said.

Why would anyone voluntarily endure these conditions? Ward say’s it’s simple

“I just love the game and its a way to stay around the game and contribute back.”

Ward says you can become an umpire, with registration starting in January.

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