The Western New York Umpires Association began as the official umpires of the ‘City League’ (later renamed the MUNY League), which was formed on March 25, 1913 and began play on April 27 of that year. These umpires then organized themselves into the Buffalo Umpires Association on February 9, 1914. The Buffalo Umpires Association later changed its name to the Western New York Umpires Association on March 22, 1926.
“Competent Baseball Arbiters Ready to Officiate Anywhere in Western New York”
“Competent Instructors to Discuss Rules and Solve Knotty Problems”
Forty-five umpires attended a special meeting that was held in the Hotel Statler, at which the Western New York Umpires Association was formed. The formation of that organization is for the purpose of furnishing competent baseball umpires to officiate anywhere in Western New York and other localities. The organization has been promised the support of organized baseball and competent are to be furnished every two weeks to discuss rules and solve knotty problems of baseball.
Every umpire who has officiated in any games on the public park diamonds during the last fourteen years is invited to make application for membership. There will not be any initiation fee while the Charter is open. It is expected that the Charter will close at the next meeting which is to be held in the Elmwood Music Hall tonight. The applicants for membership will be subject to the approval of the membership committee and vote of the Board of Directors.
The following officers were elected for one year: Thomas Mercer Jr. – President; James Gray – Vice President; Frank Loughlin – Secretary; Cornelius Reardon – Treasurer; Peter Ciegelski – Sergeant at Arms.
Buffalo Express, Tuesday, March 23, 1926 – Page 15
“Attendance at games played on May 20, 1914 was 15,300. The three week total attendance on these Sundays was 38,400. Police were in attendance to control crowds. Attendance to games from May 20 to June 14, 1914 was 113,100.”
Buffalo Courier, June 18, 1914, Page 9
“How things have changed since that time but in many ways, they haven’t. It’s still a great game and our role as Umpires of the game, have not changed. It’s the only place where you have to be perfect on your first game and then improve over the rest of the season”.
Norb Schmalfeld – President WNYUA – Feb. 7, 2023