Monofrax Technician Spends Summer as Baseball Umpire

It’s summertime and the living is easy – unless you’re Larry Rodgers, Monofrax senior technician, who devotes his free time between April and September to the Chautauqua County Baseball Umpire Association. Rodgers has been a member of the association since 1965 and currently serves as both play/rules interpreter and umpire

“From late spring through the summer, I spend about 20 hours a week involved with umpiring – but I do it because I really enjoy it,” said Larry. On the average, Larry will officiate at five games per week during the height of the baseball season. The teams range from college level to Little League. “I like the interaction with the kids and the coaches that I have on a regular basis through the association. I also enjoy the opportunity to travel. This job takes me all over,” said Larry.

Through his participation with the Umpire’s Association, Larry umpired the ‘84 and “85 Babe Ruth World Series for 16 to 18-year-olds in Jamestown, N. Y. and Frederick, MD, respectively. In addition he has officiated at the New York State High School Championship seven times since 1980, each year in a different city.

In addition to actually being on the field in uniform, Larry shares his 15 years of experiences with new officials by interpreting rules and clarifying certain play situations.

Although the baseball season ends in September, Larry’s athletic involvement doesn’t. “I am also a member of the Southwestern Chapter of Football Officials which generally runs from August through November,” explained Rodgers. A football official since 1986, Larry also serves as interpreter for the Chapter.

Athletic prowess runs in the Rodgers’ family, daughter Kristal plays basketball and volleyball while son Mark enjoys baseball, basketball, and volleyball. It’s summertime and, for the Rodgers, the living is busy.