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Behind The Mask:
Mike Cascioppo - Minor League Umpire
1. Describe your morning routine. Do you work out at the gym? Go to lunch with the crew?
I start my mornings with a protein shake and then off to the gym with my partner for about an hour. When were done, depending on the availability of places to eat in the city we will cook on the George Foreman grill or eat out. Once that’s all done I have another protein shake, check my emails, do a section out of the PBUC manual and watch a movie.
2. What is your pregame routine?
I like to have a small snack, fruit, peanut butter and jelly, and or a granola bar.
I like to listen to music or watch a movie while rubbing the baseballs. About 30 minutes tell game time I start doing dynamic stretching and start strapping on the gear.
3. Describe your travel, including when you go “up” to work MLB games.
Travel can be tough, sometimes you have late night drives, or you need to leave early in the morning. You also hope the vehicle is big enough to hold all the equipment, luggage and still provide you with comfort to travel in. Usually this is the time you are catching up with family and friends back home to kill some travel time. I also use the travel time to bond more with my partner.
4. How do you make sure the crew is getting along well? What kinds of things do you do together?
Going to the gym is important for your appearance and to push each other to work hard. On off days my partner and I like to go get a nice meal and watch a movie. I always talk things out, no matter if it’s on the field or issues that occur off the field. Doing things together builds that bond that helps both of you shine while you work.
5. Describe your family life. Explain the difficulties and the benefits, if any, to being on the road so much.
Well being married for almost three years, I have yet to spend an anniversary together. But I am very fortunate I have a wife that is overly supportive in what I do. It’s always hard being far away, but if your family comes to visit, consider it like a working vacation. I make sure to call my wife once a day and put some time in. It’s always difficult to be far away from your family, but this is one of the greatest professions in the world and I love every minute of it.
7. How do you prepare for the long season?
Well first make sure you get yourself into shape. It is easier to try to stay in shape on the road rather than try to get into shape. I always make sure to keep all my uniforms in excellent condition and start the year with new umpire shoes. I also set myself with goals, like making sure to be set with all my plays, and improve on your mistakes in your evaluations. Then it has always been my tradition to have a going back to work party before I leave and spending enough time with my wife Erin. I also like to have a plan on how to pace myself so I don’t get burnt out.
1. 6-14-2011 Hickory at Asheville, Calling a play at
first base.
2. 5-15-2010 an off day on the golf course in Extended
Spring Training with, Nate White, Blake Felix, Brian Fields, Mike
Cascioppo, and Matt Heersema.
3. 4-10-2011 Charleston at Lexington, play at the plate.
4. 4-12-2011, In the locker room representing
5. 3-25-2011, Arizona Spring Training Camp
Padre getting ready for the Annual Umpire Dodge Ball Tournament.
Brandon Misun, Richard Gonzalez, Mike Cascioppo, Chief Gerard Ascani
Jr., Matt Deane.
