The Umpire Is Out: Calling the Game and Living My True Self

Dale Scott, a former Major League Baseball umpire, has written a book about his nearly forty-year career, including his experiences as the only umpire to come out as gay during his career. Scott's book offers insights and memorable anecdotes from his time among the world's greatest baseball players, managers, and games, and is fascinating for his umpiring career and his pioneering work for LGBTQ people in baseball and sports.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Dale Scott's remarkable career as a professional baseball umpire spanned nearly forty years, including thirty-three in the Major Leagues, from 1985 to 2017. During this time, he officiated an impressive thousand games, showcasing his expertise in calling balls and strikes at the highest level. Scott's umpiring journey took him to every Major League Baseball stadium, where he interacted with a diverse range of individuals, including fellow top-flight umpires, colorful managers, and hundreds of talented players, ranging from future Hall of Famers to one-game wonders.

Scott's experiences on the field are a treasure trove of stories, and he shares numerous captivating anecdotes throughout the book. While he aims to avoid settling scores, he remains honest about the managers and players he encountered, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. What sets Scott's book apart is his unique perspective as the only umpire in professional baseball history to come out as gay during his career. This revelation came after decades of living in the closet, and he writes vividly and movingly about the challenges he faced in navigating the complexities of maintaining a facade of straightness while privately embracing his true self and building a lasting relationship with his future husband.

Scott's story extends beyond his personal journey, as it also encompasses his role as a pioneer for LGBTQ people within baseball and sports. His decision to come out publicly was a significant milestone, inspiring others to be true to themselves and advocating for inclusivity and acceptance in the world of athletics. Throughout his career, Scott encountered both support and resistance from those around him, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to promoting diversity and equality.

In addition to his umpiring career and his advocacy work, Scott's book offers valuable insights into the world of professional baseball. He shares memorable anecdotes and observations from his decades of experience, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the game and the players who inhabit it. His insights are particularly valuable for those who are passionate about baseball, as he offers a unique perspective that is often overlooked.

Overall, Dale Scott's book is a captivating and inspiring read. It offers a rare glimpse into the life of a professional baseball umpire, as well as a powerful testament to the power of perseverance, authenticity, and diversity. Scott's story is fascinating both for his umpiring career and for his pioneering efforts in promoting LGBTQ rights within baseball and sports. His journey is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and determination, and his book will undoubtedly resonate with readers of all backgrounds.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496230447