85-Year-Old Umpire Marks 20 Seasons with Youth Baseball

Allen Brougham has spent two decades calling games across Carroll County, Maryland.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:21am

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Allen Brougham, an 85-year-old Maryland resident, is celebrating his 20th season as a youth baseball umpire in Sykesville. Brougham has spent the past two decades calling games across Carroll County, while also training and mentoring young umpires. Despite his age, Brougham continues to bring his steady experience and love of the game to every field he works.

Why it matters

Brougham's dedication to youth sports over the past 20 years highlights the important role that volunteer umpires and officials play in providing opportunities for young athletes to learn and grow. His story is an inspiring example of how a passion for the game can keep someone engaged and active, even in their later years.

The details

Brougham, who lives in a retirement home in Sykesville, Maryland, first learned about the youth baseball umpiring program in 2007 and decided to get involved. Since then, he has spent countless hours training new umpires and calling games across the county, bringing his wealth of experience and love of the sport to each field.

  • Brougham started umpiring youth baseball games in 2007.
  • Brougham is now entering his 20th season as a youth baseball umpire in 2026.

The players

Allen Brougham

An 85-year-old Maryland resident who has spent the past 20 years umpiring youth baseball games in Carroll County.

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What they’re saying

“It's a lot of fun out here. Working with the kids, knowing that you're doing something special for the kids. I just love it. It's hard to explain, I just like it.”

— Allen Brougham, Youth Baseball Umpire

What’s next

Brougham plans to continue umpiring youth baseball games in Carroll County for as long as he is able, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of officials.

The takeaway

Brougham's story is a heartwarming example of how a lifelong passion for a sport can keep someone engaged and active, even in their later years. His dedication to youth baseball over the past two decades has had a lasting impact on the young athletes he has mentored and the local community.