2020 UEFL Year-End Awards Nominations Open

The Umpire Ejection Fantasy League's Postseason Awards nomination season coincides with the 2020 Presidential Election and you have a chance to have your voice heard by voting for Umpire of the Year categories from Best, Promising, Honorable, Fill-In, Crew Chief, Most Improved, Ejection, and Disappointing Season. Fill out the following form to cast your ballot and comment here to discuss rationale. You may cast your Awards votes through Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Don't forget to vote.

Link to Postseason Awards Ballot (also appears below):

a. Umpire of the Year (min. 1 / max. 1 umpire) [+5 pts]

b. Promising Umpire of the Year (min. 1 / max. 2) [+3]

c. Honorable Umpire of the Year (min. 0 / max. 2) [+2]

d. Fill-In Umpire of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1) [+2]

d.1 Triple-Digit Rookie Umpire of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1) [+2]

e. Most Improved Umpire (min. 0 / max. 1) [+1]

f. Crew Chief of the Year (min. 0 / max. 1) [+1]

g. Best Ejection of the Year (min. 0 / max. 2) [Link: 2020 MLB Ejections List] [+1]

h. Most Disappointing Season (min. 0 / max. 1) [-1]

Click here for a complete history and table of UEFL Postseason Award recipients

An eligible umpire may be selected for as many or as few awards as that umpire is eligible for; Ballots will be accepted until 11:59pm on Tuesday, November 3, with awards distribution beginning shortly thereafter.

All 12 Triple-A Umpires who were on the 2019 call-up list are eligible to be written in for any UEFL Award, in addition to the Fill-In Umpire of the Year award (see 2020 Call-Up Umpires, sorted by MLB experience). The 19 minor league umpires authorized to call MLB games in 2020 and who made their MLB debuts during the 2020 season, signified by their triple-digit sleeve jersey numbers, are eligible for a 2020-exclusive award, the Triple-Digit Rookie Umpire of the Year Award. Umpires named by MLB as interim chiefs for the 2020 season (see MLB Names 7 Interim Crew Chiefs for 2020 and 2020 MLB Umpire Crews [Modified for Coronavirus Season]) are eligible for this year's Crew Chief of the Year Award.

Definitions:

a. 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.

b. Promising Umpire of the Year: This Umpire has been dedicated, professional, and has worked hard. Perhaps a rising star, the Promising Umpire of the Year is an umpire to keep an eye on, for an expectation of great things down the line. Formerly known as Noteworthy Umpire of the Year, this award will be given to one or two umpires.

c. 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.

d. 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 who also worked at least one MLB game during the 2019 regular season.

d.1 Triple-Digit Rookie Umpire of the Year: An award just for 2020, this umpire had an MLB debut during the COVID-modified 2020 season, signified by a uniform with a triple-digit sleeve number, and made the most of this shortened season and impromptu try-out at the major league level. This award may or may not be given to one umpire who had an MLB debut in 2020.

e. 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.

f. 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.

g. Best Ejection of the Year: In the form of "Ejection 123: 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.

h. Most Disappointing Season: This Umpire has demonstrated a regression in ability, and might have had a regrettable incident(s) occur in-season. The Most Disappointing Season award may or may not be given to a maximum of one umpire.

Ballot as follows: