i. Umpire of the Year (min. 1 / max. 1 umpire)
ii. Noteworthy Umpire of the Year (min. 1 / max. 2 umpires)
iii. Honorable Umpire of the Year (min. 0 / max. 2 umpires)
iv. Most Improved Umpire of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1 umpire)
v. Crew Chief of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1 umpire)^
vi. Worst Umpire of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1 umpire)
vii. Fill-In Umpire of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1 umpire)
viii. Best Ejection of the Year (min. 0 / max. 2 ejections)^
Points scale for post season awards: i. (+5); ii. (+3); iii. (+2); iv. (+1); v. (+1); vi. (-3); vii. (+2); viii. (+1).
*An eligible umpire for Awards i-vi started the season at the MLB-level, or was promoted to the MLB-level prior to the All-Star Break. An eligible umpire for Award vii is not on the Full-Time MLB Staff and has worked at least five games at the Major League Level.
^Denotes new award for 2011.
i. Umpire of the Year: This Umpire has been the best MLB Umpire the past year, bar none. This Umpire has been more dedicated, professional, and positive than all others. This award will be given to one umpire.
ii. Noteworthy Umpire of the Year: This Umpire has been dedicated, professional, and has worked hard. Perhaps a rising star, the Noteworthy Umpire of the Year is an umpire to keep an eye on, for an expectation of great things down the line. This award will be given to one or two umpires.
iii. Honorable Umpire of the Year: This Umpire has been the most honorable Umpire during the past year. Perhaps through Community Service, or through struggling with and overcoming his own difficulties, this Umpire has been the most personally admirable of all. This award may or may not be given to either one or two umpires.
iv. Most Improved Umpire of the Year: This Umpire has improved his overall performance from the previous season more noticeably than any other Umpire. Generally, this umpire has developed into a solid arbiter within the past year. This award may or may not be given to a maximum of one umpire.
v. Crew Chief of the Year: This Umpire has been the best MLB Umpire Crew Chief, the past year, bar none. This Umpire has led his crew(s) better than all others. This award will be given to one umpire.
vi. Worst Umpire of the Year: This Umpire has shown a continual regression in ability, and might have had a regrettable incident(s) occur in-season. The Worst Umpire of the Year is unprofessional and does a disservice to Umpires and the game. This award may or may not be given to a maximum of one umpire.
vii. Fill-In Umpire of the Year: This Umpire has been the best AAA Call-Up Umpire the past year, bar none. This Umpire has been the most dedicated, professional, and positive AAA/Non-MLB Full Time Umpire of all non-MLB Full Time Umpires. This award may or may not be given to a maximum of one umpire.
viii. Best Ejection of the Year: In the form of "Umpire (1)," this award recognizes the best ejection(s) of the year. Nominated and selected due to form, mechanics, entertainment value, reason for ejection, or overall quality, the Best Ejection of the Year is awarded to one or two umpires for one or two specific ejections. The award may be given to one umpire for two separate ejections, in which case, he receives one point for each ejection.
Please take some time to consider an umpire for as many or as few awards as you prefer, and reply to this entry with your nomination(s). Nominations will be accepted throughout the post-season, and awards will be distributed after the World Series has concluded.
