Umpire shortage helps contribute to Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK vs. Holy Trinity softball cancellation
Gianna Scaglione #7 of Holy Trinity, right, bats while Emily Orth #14 of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK plays the roles of both catcher and home plate umpire during the top of the second inning a softball scrimmage at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School on Friday, April 11, 2025. The competition was originally scheduled as a non-league game but became a scrimmage when umpires were not available. Credit: James Escher
For those walking toward the softball field, ready to watch Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK host Holy Trinity in non-league action Friday, it was odd to see the catcher behind the plate calling the balls and strikes for their pitcher.
The Hawks and Titans were forced to convert their scheduled game into a scrimmage after their umpires were taken for another event and they were unable to find replacements.
“We found out at about 10 a.m. that they took the umpires,” POB-JFK coach Karen Napoli said. “We called around multiple times, even tried to see if we could get umpires from the Catholic League.”
With the game being unlikely to be rescheduled, each team will lose a game off its schedule.
“We do understand that there’s a shortage of umpires,” Holy Trinity coach Dolores Diemicke said. “Unfortunately, things like this do happen. The conference games take precedent, so there’s nothing we can do about it.”
Situations like this have become more common in recent years as there has been a trend of declining officials over the past decade on Long Island.
“It’s especially concerning that there aren't enough new people coming up the ranks,” Napoli said. “We’ve been short in other sports as well, not just softball. The fact that umpires get pulled from non-league or JV games just shows that there aren’t enough people.”
Plainview senior pitcher and Avery Desner has struck out 12 or more batters in four games this season. The Hofstra commit tried to find the bright side in the situation.
“In school ball, it always feels like there’s a chance umpires may not show up,” Desner said. “This is still good practice for us. It’s better to have umpires, but it’s helpful to go out there and still see someone pitching live.”
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
