Rotarian Mark Watson knows baseball. His entire family is has been involved in sports at many levels, including Major League Baseball (MLB) Because of this, he has some tremendous connections with the type of people who have great stories to share; the types of stories that resonate with our Club members.
Most recently, the Rotary Club of West Polk County had the great honor of hearing from Pat Hoburg. While it was a long road to get to where he is today, he said it was worth the wait and the hard work to become a Major League Baseball Umpire; a title he has held full time since February 2017. While hearing from anyone in his position would be great, it is even better when it is a hometown story. Pat is a graduate of Urbandale High School and Grand View University (where he played basketball).
Pat shared how he was able to go from a local boy to where he is now. In short, it wasn’t luck, but rather a case of having a dream, a well researched and informed plan, and (although he didn’t share this part) a great deal of talent. In fact, at age 33, Pat is relatively young in his career, but is already considered one of the top ten performing home plate umpires in terms of accuracy in calling balls and strikes in the league.
Pat was kind to share his opinions and answers to questions on a great variety of baseball topics. However, he was also very excited to share information about an organization that he is involved with called “UMPS CARE Charities”. UMPS CARE Charities was founded through the compassion of Major League Baseball (MLB) umpires. UMPS CARE provides financial, in-kind and emotional support for America’s youth and families in need. A few of the things that Pat and the other involved umpires do through this charity include hospital visits to young children, supporting Foster Care Clubs, take kids to games, and financial assistance via a variety of fundraiser support and appearances.
We would like to publicly thank Mr. Hoburg for presenting to our Club. Thanks also to Mark Watson for extending the invitation. If you would like to serve your community and also have the opportunity to hear from great speakers, consider becoming a member of the Rotary Club of West Polk County.