Noah Katz is changing the way people view baseball officiating. As the creator of The Umpire Channel, the largest social media platform dedicated to umpiring, he has leveraged digital media to engage, educate, and inspire the next generation of umpires. With over 100,000 followers and millions of views, Katz has built a brand that is reshaping recruitment and retention in the umpiring world.
Katz’s officiating journey began unconventionally. Unlike most young players who focus solely on competing, he took an interest in the umpires in his Little League games. He was drawn to the profession early on, eventually getting connected with his league’s umpire assigner.
“I got to know the umpires in my local Little League and thought it seemed like something really cool to do,” Katz recalls. “I asked if it was something I could do when I was older, and they said yes.”
At 16, he took the field as an official for the very league he grew up playing in. His first game was a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but with the help of an experienced umpire mentoring him through the game, he found his confidence. That experience would shape his understanding of how critical mentorship is for retention in officiating.
“It was a pretty cool experience,” Katz says. “I had no idea what I was doing at first. I bought an umpire hat from a local store, showed up without much gear, and just got thrown into it. Luckily, one of the umpires working the game walked me through things. By the end of the game, I felt like I belonged.”
What started as a way to stay involved in baseball soon evolved into something bigger. Katz quickly noticed a major gap-there was little accessible information for new umpires online. When he searched for resources on how to become an umpire, what equipment to use, or what a career in officiating looked like, he found almost nothing. That realization led to the creation of The Umpire Channel.
“I made a video about why umpiring is a great part-time job,” Katz says. “The first video got 300,000 views, and within two weeks, we had 20,000 followers.”
Since then, the channel has exploded in popularity, offering everything from instructional content to behind-the-scenes looks at professional officiating. Katz has filmed with MLB umpires, covered high-profile games, and attended elite officiating camps, making the industry more visible and engaging for younger generations.
“The biggest thing is just making officiating seem attainable,” Katz explains. “A lot of kids don’t even realize they can become umpires. They think it’s this exclusive thing. I want to show them that it’s actually really easy to get started.”
The ongoing shortage of umpires has been a widely discussed issue in sports, but Katz sees it differently. He believes the problem isn’t necessarily a lack of interest, but rather outdated recruitment and retention strategies that fail to engage new officials.
“The leagues struggling most are the ones that haven’t done enough to improve the experience for their umpires,” Katz explains. “If you make it accessible and welcoming, people will stick around.”
Through The Umpire Channel, he has worked to change that by showing officiating as a legitimate and rewarding opportunity. His platform highlights the flexibility, financial incentives, and camaraderie that come with the job, making it an appealing alternative to more traditional part-time work.
“You can make good money, it’s a flexible job, and it keeps you involved in the game,” Katz says. “For a lot of young people, it’s actually better than working a normal part-time job.”
One of the biggest deterrents for new officials is the perception of mistreatment from players, coaches, and parents. While there are instances of bad behavior, Katz argues that social media amplifies the worst cases, creating a distorted view of the industry.
“Most games are positive experiences,” Katz says. “I started umpiring when I was 16, and people were always really supportive. It’s not nearly as bad as some people might think.”
To shift the narrative, he focuses on showcasing the positive aspects of officiating. He shares success stories of umpires who love what they do and uses his platform to emphasize the sense of community and purpose that comes with the role.
Katz also emphasizes the importance of mentorship in retaining officials. “Having someone there for your first few games is huge,” he says. “You can do all the training in the world, but when you step onto the field for the first time, it’s a different experience. Having someone to guide you makes all the difference.”
Through umpiring and content creation, Katz has had the chance to experience some unforgettable moments. One of his most memorable experiences came when he officiated a Savannah Bananas game at Fenway Park.
“I got to umpire in front of a sold-out crowd at Fenway,” Katz says. “I even got to sign the Green Monster. It was surreal-one of those moments that makes you stop and appreciate how cool this job can be.”
Beyond high-profile games, Katz has also had the opportunity to meet and learn from top-level officials across multiple sports, including MLB and NBA referees. “These guys are at the top of their profession, and there’s so much you can learn from them-even if you’re not an umpire yourself,” he says.
Looking ahead, Katz is focused on expanding his platform’s reach. He envisions The Umpire Channel covering every level of officiating, from grassroots Little League games to the biggest stages in sports.
“We want to showcase officiating at all levels-from travel ball tournaments to the MLB,” Katz says. “There are so many untold stories in this industry.”
Additionally, Katz is considering a potential career as a full-time umpire. “We'll have to see. I'm still a junior in college, so I can't pursue any kind of full-time career as an umpire till after.,” he explains. “But I’ve seen what life is like for professional umpires, and it’s definitely something I’m thinking about.”
By bringing greater visibility to the profession and breaking down barriers for new officials, Katz is proving that umpiring is more than just making calls-it’s a vital part of the game that deserves recognition and respect. As he continues to build momentum, his influence is paving the way for a new generation of umpires to step onto the field with confidence.
