Our History
HISTORY AND FORMATION OF THE WOUNDED WARRIOR UMPIRE ACADEMY
The Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy was born from a simple but powerful idea: that baseball—and more specifically umpiring—can provide far more than a skill on the field. It can restore purpose, create belonging, and forge lifelong connections. Long after playing careers end, the game continues through umpiring, offering a meaningful way to stay connected. When veterans with shared military experiences come together to learn the craft, they discover something deeply familiar—a new band of brothers. This brotherhood does not transfer, dissolve, or fade. Wherever our students go, the umpiring community and the game of baseball provide immediate connection, acceptance, and renewed purpose.
The concept for the Academy began in 2013 while I was serving on active duty as a Marine stationed in San Diego, California. A sudden cross-country transfer required me to rebuild both my professional and personal life, including my involvement in collegiate baseball umpiring. While seeking guidance on continuing my umpiring career after relocating, I attended a national development camp where I was immediately reminded of the parallels between military service and the umpiring profession—shared standards, accountability, teamwork, and a strong sense of identity.
During that experience, it became clear that the bond Marines feel with one another mirrors the camaraderie found within the umpiring community. That realization planted the seed for what would become the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy: a program where veterans could rediscover the same esprit de corps they once relied on in uniform, this time through baseball.
As conversations continued within the collegiate umpiring community, the idea emerged to create a dedicated training camp for wounded and transitioning veterans. With my subsequent assignment to work directly with wounded Marines at Camp Lejeune, the pieces came together. Planning began in earnest, and the framework for the first Wounded Warrior Umpire Camp was established, with the inaugural program held in the summer of 2014.
To ensure credibility, sustainability, and adherence to strict ethical standards surrounding veteran-focused programming, the Academy was initially organized under an established umpiring association. This structure ensured the program met all requirements necessary to protect both the integrity of the Marine Corps and the dignity of the wounded warriors we serve. Veterans and the organizations that support them deserve nothing less than the highest level of professionalism and care.
Following a successful first year, the program received approval to continue as an annual charitable event. In 2015, the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy was formally incorporated as an independent organization, solidifying its mission and long-term commitment to serving veterans through umpire training, mentorship, and community.
Since that time, the Academy has grown well beyond its original vision. At nearly every camp, at least one participant has shared that the experience “saved their life.” With an average of more than 20 veterans lost to suicide each day, these words carry enormous weight. While we wish we could reach every veteran in need, we remain deeply proud of the impact this Academy has had—and even more proud of the brotherhood that continues to grow, support one another, and endure long after the final out is called.
Semper Fidelis!
Gregory A. Wilson
Major, USMC Retired
President, Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy