Three USA Softball umpires to call at 2018 WBSC World Championships

OKLAHOMA CITY – Three USA Softball umpires have been selected to represent the United States at this summer’s World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) World Championships.  Two umpires have been assigned to the WBSC Junior Men’s World Championship slated for July 7-15 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada, while one umpire has been selected to call at the WBSC Women’s World Championship August 2-12 in Chiba, Japan.

“Congratulations to these three highly-respected USA Softball umpires,” said USA Softball Director of Umpires, Kevin Ryan.  “There is no greater honor than representing your country on the international stage and this selection is a testament to their hard work both on and off the field.  They have worked incredibly hard to get to this place in their career and I'm sure they will represent USA Softball very well.”

USA Softball umpires that have been selected for the WBSC Junior Men’s World Championship will be Mike Burwell (Westerville, Ohio) and Dave Selden (Reese, Mich.).

Burwell, who is affiliated with USA Softball of Ohio, is also an Elite Umpire and is Blue status in the Medals Program.

“To work a championship at any level is a tremendous honor,” said Burwell.  “To be one of two umpires from the United States invited to a World Championship is humbling!  I am looking forward to the challenge of meeting others from different countries that share the same passion and interest in softball that I do.  I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to a special week of softball played at the highest level in the world!”

Selden, who is affiliated with USA Softball of Michigan, is an Elite Umpire and has Gold status in the USA Softball Umpire Medals Program.  He has also been a member of the National Indicator Fraternity since 2006. 

"I am excited about the opportunity and proud to represent USA Softball and USA Softball of Michigan this summer as an umpire at the Junior Men’s World Championships in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada,” said Selden.  “It’s a thrill to represent the United States.  I look forward to some great competition from the young men, meeting umpires from around the world and building new friendships."

In addition to the WBSC Junior Men’s World Championship, Christina Drumm (Oceanside, Calif.) has been selected to umpire at the WBSC Women’s World Championship.  Drumm, who registers with USA Softball of Southern California, is an Elite Umpire and Gold status in the USA Softball Umpire Medals Program.  This marks the seventh WBSC World Championship Drumm has umpired.  She has also served as an Assistant Umpire-in-Chief for WBSC Junior Women’s and Women’s World Championships.  Drumm also is a member of the WBSC Regional Softball Umpire Coordinator Committee, which oversees umpire activities and programs across the globe.

"I am extremely grateful to USA Softball for their support and nomination for this prestigious event,” said Drumm.  “I am honored and humbled on my selection and I am excited to work with a very experienced and diverse umpire crew from around the world.  I look forward to an extremely competitive World Championship.”

To find out how you can become a WBSC-certified umpire, please visit USASoftball.com.