Local umpire selected for Junior League Baseball World Series

Tyler Reddick, a longtime member of the East Nepean Baseball Association, has been selected to umpire at the 2026 Junior League Baseball World Series in Taylor, Michigan. Appointment to the volunteer umpiring crew at a World Series is the highest honour Little League can bestow on an umpire

For Reddick, the moment he received the call is still hard to believe. “I got a call from the head of umpiring for Canada, completely unexpected,” he said. “I had just woken up, and he told me they wanted me to work the World Series. I was over the moon excited.”

The selection marks a significant milestone in a journey built on years of dedication to the game. Umpiring at this level requires not only a deep understanding of baseball, but also discipline, consistency, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

“You train really hard, you study, and over time you hope to build toward something like this,” Reddick said. “It takes a lot of work, constantly asking questions, learning the rules, and always trying to improve.”

At higher levels of competition, the expectations for umpires are especially demanding. “You’re at a level where you really can’t make mistakes the same way a player or coach can,” he explained. “It’s about being in the right position, applying the rules correctly, and getting those close calls right, every time.”

Despite the pressure, Reddick emphasizes that passion is what drives success. “If you’re passionate about it, it all comes naturally. It’s not hard work, it’s fun work.”

As he prepares for the World Series, mindset will play a key role. “It’s about having a positive approach, reminding yourself that you’re good enough, and just being yourself,” he said. “There can be pressure to try to be perfect, but you have to remember they selected you for who you are.”

Reddick also hopes his experience will inspire others in the community to consider umpiring, highlighting the strong development pathway available locally. “We have such a great program here, and people don’t always realize how much fun it is,” he adds “It gives you a completely different perspective on the game, learning the rules and being part of those key moments on the field.”

For Reddick, the opportunity is especially meaningful given his deep roots in East Nepean. He has spent a decade involved in the organization, both as a player and as an umpire, growing alongside the program he now represents on the international stage.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about my first game at Doug Frobel Park and the journey I’ve had,” he said. “This organization is really all I’ve ever known. To represent East Nepean at the World Series, it means everything to me.”

Reddick’s journey is a testament to the impact of community baseball and the opportunities that can grow from it. His pride in representing East Nepean on the world stage reflects not only his personal dedication, but also the strength of the volunteers, coaches, and programs that helped shape his path. As the organization continues to grow, stories like his serve as a reminder that getting involved — whether as a player, umpire, or volunteer — can be deeply rewarding. For those considering stepping onto the field in a new role, Reddick’s experience highlights something simple but powerful: the game gives back just as much as you put into it.