Our Mission
Here in the USA, baseball and softball are woven into the national culture - the fabric of our every day lives. Both baseball and softball were born here, of course, and are as American as apple pies and Chevrolets.
Over the years, the sports have expanded their reach worldwide. Japan and South Korea have adopted baseball as their national sports. Australia has become a baseball powerhouse and has been a leading competitor on the world softball stage for years.
As the sports have grown in popularity around the world, the need for properly outfitted, trained officials has grown as well. Sadly, however, the majority of the professional level equipment is made in the United States, Japan and/or China, and costs to acquire it are high and often bordering on the astronomical - especially for people in countries that are classified as ‘third world’ or are definitely economically challenged.
Umpires Without Borders (UWB) seeks to answer that challenge by leveraging serviceable umpire equipment, shoes, clothing and accessories that can be collected and shipped to umpires (and future umpires) in-need around the world. UWB provides equipment and services free-of-charge to qualified individuals, leagues and/or programs. UWB seeks donations from umpires in the US and Canada, where the majority of umpires, both amateur and professional, reside and who often change out or upgrade their gear as standards change and/or new products become available.
Thank you for the donations!
"Thank you for being there in our time of need!”
— Oluwafemi Aina, President of Ado Ekiti Little League, Ado Ekiti State, Nigeria
Umpire gear that’s five years old, for example, is brand new to someone who’s never used it before! Again, as long as it’s serviceable, clean and can hold up to the rigors of gameplay, we can get it to someone who will use it!
We recognize the investment people make in umpire gear, shoes and clothing. We’re umpires too! If you knew that your old equipment would go to someone who could really make use of it, especially in a country that baseball or softball isn’t their national sport, would that be a powerful extension of your investment? Your generosity will pave the way for someone else to get their chance to experience the same excitement and passion you’ve developed for the game, and you never know - you might just get invited to go there and show them how it’s done!
If you have used umpire gear, shoes or clothing that’s still serviceable and a desire to make sure it gets used by someone who will truly appreciate it - please consider donating it to UWB! We’ll make sure it gets into good hands.