10/01/2025
Lets meet one of our Umpires:
Jose Falero!
When most people think about baseball, they picture players on the field, coaches in the dugout, and families in the stands. But for one local umpire, the game took on a deeper meaning after a family tragedy and a simple challenge posted on a Little League fence.
“I got into umpiring four years ago in October because my niece and nephew played softball and baseball for Little League,” he said. “My dad passed away from Covid and they missed having him there at their games to cheer for them. I wanted to support them in some way.”
That support took an unexpected turn one afternoon when he noticed a volunteer behind the plate struggling to call the game. “Even to someone who knew very little, it was obvious they were horrible at umpiring,” he recalled with a laugh. Then he noticed a sign on the fence that read: ‘Before you complain, have you volunteered?’
Instead of just watching, he took action. “I asked how hard is it to get behind the dish and call balls and strikes, safe and out? The league hooked me up with John Crosser, and he invited me to the next game that was scheduled.” What followed was the beginning of a new passion. “John gave me a quick 10-15 minute clinic on how to do it as a base umpire and next thing you know I’m working my first game,” he said. Crosser also handed him a rule book and spent hours mentoring him, offering tips on positioning and judgment calls. “That quickly turned into a hobby I enjoyed, and with John’s help I grew.”
He started with the basics—Little League minors and majors softball and baseball. But soon the door opened to bigger opportunities. “The following season he helped me get into high school officiating, quickly followed by doing travel ball and men’s league amateur baseball,” he explained.
Now, nearly four years later, he’s accomplished more than he ever expected. “I have done state championship games, and have built a reputation that brings all kinds of opportunities to work different age groups and rule sets.” He credits much of his growth to the support of Space Coast Umpires. “Thanks to Space Coast Umpires I get to help make a difference from the top of the county to the bottom, and the opportunity to expand farther than I ever thought possible,” he said.
