Sports media student gaining experience behind the plate, microphone

A Northwest Missouri State University student returned to one of baseball’s grandest destinations for the second summer to umpire youth baseball games, gaining an official’s perspective he plans to carry into a career in sportscasting.

Jayden Morris, a sophomore sports media major from Blue Springs, Missouri, was first selected to umpire games last summer at the American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame Tournament in Cooperstown, New York. He was asked to return this year by a Missouri team he officiated with during past tournaments. 

Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Jayden Morris inside the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse at Northwest. (Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University)

“It is rare for an umpire my age to get to go to Cooperstown, so to be asked to go again means I’m doing something right and other people are noticing it,” Morris said. “In my head I was ecstatic to get to go back because it was such a fun experience the first time.” 

During the tournament, Morris regularly umpired three to five six-inning games in a day.

“There’s not much more pressure at that level than at the Missouri level because I don’t let it come to that,” Morris said. “I hold myself to a high standard whether it is at the Missouri level or a higher level.”

Last year, Morris began officiating for intramurals organized by Northwest Campus Recreation, umpiring slow-pitch softball, officiating flag football and keeping score for basketball. He says the practice keeps his instincts sharp between seasons. 

“I do see my role with Campus Rec and Little League umpiring connect in that they both involve working with people and being able to manage some complicated situations,” Morris said. “It’s also connected to my major because I want to go into sportscasting, and this has helped me see the inside world of being an official.” 

Jayden Morris keeps an eye on the field action while refereeing a flag football game at the Hughes Fieldhouse on Oct 5. (Photo by Gracelynn Brown/Northwest Missouri State University)

Beyond Campus Recreation, Morris is involved in the practicum for Northwest’s student-led radio station, KZLX, and calls games for Bearcat athletic broadcasts. 

“I want to cover sports, not just to call the games but also be able to explain the rules because I know how difficult it is to make a decision on a close call in a high-tension situation,” Morris said. 

Despite the national stage, Morris is eager to continue umpiring youth baseball games in his hometown while pursuing a career in broadcasting. He enjoys teaching players and coaches about the rules of the game to help them make better calls in high-tension moments. 

“Northwest is helping me reach my goals by giving me the opportunity to learn and practice what my future career is,” Morris said. “My other experiences have given me a better understanding of certain sports that I don't watch often and learning what officials of that sport look for.”