From Name: From Email: To Name: To Email: Optional Message: Having a ball learning to be umpires from Los Angeles Times Major League Baseball operates the Urban Youth Academy in Los Angeles' Compton neighborhood, where attendees take classes in such subjects as the philosophy of the strike zone and home plate positioning. The officiating school is designed to prepare wannabe umpires for jobs with minor league teams and, eventually, the major league. During the past seven years, however, it's turned out to be even more valuable for local parks and recreation districts, Little League groups and other amateur sports organizations. more 7701 Las Colinas Blvd., Ste. 800, Irving, TX 75063