Bainter

Bainter is pleased with the promotion to Triple-A, but he'll miss his stop in Portland, Maine.

USATODAY.com - Long hours for the love of the game 2001

That created a spot for me, says Bainter, who was working in the Double-A Eastern League.

USATODAY.com - Long hours for the love of the game 2001

Bainter, who is working first base on this night, is the youngest of the crew at 27.

USATODAY.com - Long hours for the love of the game 2001

Bainter officiates high school football and basketball and sometimes calls play-by-play for those sports on a local radio station.

USATODAY.com - Long hours for the love of the game 2001

Boberg and Bainter attended Harry Wendelstedt's ump school, and Goller spent a month at Jim Evans 'school.

USATODAY.com - Long hours for the love of the game 2001

"From March to September, we get about nine days off," Bainter says.

USATODAY.com - Long hours for the love of the game 2001

Three umpires Bob Bainter, Don Goller and Chris Boberg are getting ready (dressing, stretching, polishing shoes) for a Triple-A International League game between the Richmond Braves and Columbus

USATODAY.com - Long hours for the love of the game 2001

Typically, these pairings start out toxic, and then, as the challenge proceeds, the two find common ground, and end up practically in a romantic clinch - think "Woman of the Year," with Bert and Viktor playing the Hepburn and Tracy roles, and Tim Gunn standing in for Fay Bainter as the wisecracking sidekick.

NYT > Home Page By STUART EMMRICH 2011

In addition to noticing his contribution to the camp, Bainter has been impressed with Sewell's dedication in the weight room.

The Seattle Times 2011

"It's a mentorship to young kids, and that's where I think he just said, 'Wow, kids know who I am,' " Bainter said.

The Seattle Times 2011