News Summary

In 2025, Long Island’s shortage of high school sports officials has given rise to a new generation of umpires. Notable among them is Bryan Frascogna, a 19-year-old who transitioned from player to umpire. Organizations like the Long Island Baseball Umpires Organization are stepping up to train these eager young officials. As they navigate challenges and gain experience, these umpires are crucial for ensuring the future of youth sports in the region remains bright and dynamic.

Long Island’s Young Umpires Step Up Amid Shortages

Long Island is buzzing with young talent as the demand for high school sports officials continues to grow in 2025. A notable name in this fresh wave of umpires is Bryan Frascogna, a 19-year-old college freshman and recent graduate from Patchogue-Medford High School, who recently took to the field as a first-base umpire during a thrilling varsity baseball match. The game, hosted behind the South Huntington Library in Huntington Station, featured a duel between Walt Whitman and William Floyd, capturing the attention of local sports fans.

From Player to Umpire

Frascogna, who just a year earlier was catching for his high school team competing in Suffolk’s League I, has made a significant switch. He decided to hang up his cleats to stay in the game he loves—this time with a whistle in hand. Despite being surrounded by familiar faces, he approaches his new role with a professional mindset, focusing on the game rather than the nostalgia of his past playing days.

The rise of young umpires like Frascogna comes at just the right time as there’s a pressing shortage of officials navigating the high school sports scene on Long Island. This gap has left many teams scrambling to find legitimate referees for their games. The urgency to recruit younger, fresh-faced umpires has resulted in organizations like the Long Island Baseball Umpires Organization stepping up to the plate to train a new generation of officials.

A Love for Officiating

Frascogna has been passionate about umpiring since childhood, inspired by a local umpire who molded his love for the game. Instead of venturing into collegiate baseball as a player, he embraced the role of an umpire, eager to give back to the sport that shaped his youth. His dedication is mirrored by other young officials emerging in the area, all with competitive backgrounds that add to their expertise on the field.

The Shortage’s Impact

This shortage isn’t just affecting high school games; it’s trickled down to middle school sports as well. In some cases, games have devolved into scrimmages with coaches or parents stepping in to officiate. The LIBUO recognizes the pressing need to equip more young umpires through concentrated training programs aimed at accelerating their journey into officiating.

While quick advancement through the ranks sounds promising, it does raise some eyebrows due to the inexperience that often accompanies youth. However, promising umpires like Frascogna, Aidan Russo, and Kevin Rorke are already making a mark on the field with their impressive performances, earning the respect of coaches and players alike.

Building a Foundation

Young umpires face their fair share of challenges, often dealing with the perceptions that come with their age. Nevertheless, Frascogna reported an encouraging debut season, wrapping up his spring officiating journey without any ejections—a sign of his ability to manage games calmly. Russo had a remarkable spring season, officiating 32 varsity games, while Rorke had a notable first-game experience with an ejection during an intense moment on the field.

Coaches are keen on helping these young umpires grow, stressing the importance of knowing players’ names and maintaining solid relationships with the catchers to facilitate smoother game management. As Frascogna and his peers embark on this unique journey, their commitment to learning the rules and mechanics of baseball is evident.

The Future of Youth Sports

The connection between young umpires and local communities holds a promising future for youth sports on Long Island. Training programs and mentorship opportunities offered by LIBUO set the stage for future officials to cultivate their skills and boost their confidence while refining their understanding of the game. This partnership ensures that young officials are well-prepared to handle the pressures and demands of officiating.

The presence of young umpires like Frascogna brings a refreshing energy to high school sports. They’re not just filling a void but also laying down the groundwork for a future rich in athletic opportunities. As these young officials continue to rise through the ranks, the next chapter for Long Island sports looks bright and full of potential.

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