Fansided

MLB adds seven umpires under 40

By Jeff Adcox

Oct 30, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes (right) celebrates with teammates from left Jacoby Ellsbury , Xander Bogaerts and David Ortiz after being called safe at the plate by umpire Jim Joyce in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during game six of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes (right) celebrates with teammates from left Jacoby Ellsbury , Xander Bogaerts and David Ortiz after being called safe at the plate by umpire Jim Joyce in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during game six of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes (right) celebrates with teammates from left Jacoby Ellsbury , Xander Bogaerts and David Ortiz after being called safe at the plate by umpire Jim Joyce in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during game six of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes (right) celebrates with teammates from left Jacoby Ellsbury , Xander Bogaerts and David Ortiz after being called safe at the plate by umpire Jim Joyce in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during game six of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Major League Baseball recently announced that seven umpires have been named to the full-time Major League Umpiring staff.

The process of replay expansion has increased the number of full-time Major League Umpires from 68 to 74. The seventh vacancy stemmed from last October’s tragic passing of 21-year Major League Umpire Wally Bell. MLB’s seven new umpires all have experience as call-ups during regular season and in Major League Spring Training.

They inlcude:

Jordan Baker- Baker, 32, has been an umpire in the Minor Leagues since the 2005 season. In 2013, he worked in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. Baker worked his first game in the Majors on June 24, 2012 and overall, he has been a part of 199 regular season Major League games.

Lance Barrett- Barrett, 29, has been a Minor League umpire since 2003. He is now the youngest full-time Major League Umpire. In 2013, he worked in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. Barrett debuted in the Majors on October 1, 2010 and he has worked 237 big-league games.

Cory Blaser- Blaser, 32, has been an umpire in the Minor Leagues since the 2002 season. In 2013, he worked in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. Blaser made his Major League debut on April 24, 2010 and he has worked 346 Major League games.

Mike Estabrook- Estabrook, 37, has umpired professionally since 1999. In 2013, he was on the staff of the Triple-A International League. Estabrook’s first Major League game was on May 7, 2006, and he has been assigned to 698 Major League games.

Mike Muchlinski- Muchlinski, 36, has been a Minor League umpire since 1999. In 2013, he worked in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. Muchlinski made his Major League debut on April 24, 2006, and he has worked 569 Major League games.

David Rackley- Rackley, 32, has been an umpire in the Minor Leagues since the 2001 season. In 2013, he was on the staff of the Triple-A International League. Rackley had his first Major League game on August 13, 2010, and he has been on the field for 165 Major League games overall.

D.J. Reyburn- Reyburn, 37, has umpired in the Minors since 2000. In 2013, he worked in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. He has worked 440 Major League games since his debut on June 10, 2008.

Two veteran Major League Umpires, Bill Miller and Jeff Nelson, have been promoted to Crew Chief.

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