22-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Umpire at State Tournament

Most 22-year-olds are still figuring out their careers, but Peyton Schroder just achieved what takes most umpires decades to reach.

The Mitchell native became the youngest umpire selected for South Dakota's Class B state amateur baseball tournament this summer. He worked seven games at the same Cadwell Park field where he grew up watching the tournament as a fan.

Schroder's journey started in 2019 when he began umpiring youth baseball games around Mitchell. At 19, he decided to get serious about the craft, setting his sights on reaching the state tournament level.

Getting there required nearly three years of dedicated work. Schroder traveled to Kansas City for umpiring clinics, learning from experienced instructors and evaluators while working games with three-man crews.

"It took a lot of grinding and getting in front of instructors and evaluators to get to this point for myself," Schroder said. His effort paid off when he was selected as one of just 25 umpires to work the state tournaments.

The requirements weren't easy. Umpires must have at least three years of experience and attend preseason clinics before they can even be considered for the tournament.

Why This Inspires

Schroder's story shows what happens when young people commit fully to their passions. While most people his age are still exploring options, he identified his goal and worked systematically toward it.

Working the tournament in his hometown added special meaning to the achievement. Instead of watching from the stands, Schroder now stood on the field in front of his community.

"It was truly an honor," Schroder said. "To be in front of my hometown and in front of the fans, it was really awesome to be a part of."

The experience also gave him access to veteran umpires who've spent years perfecting their craft. Schroder used every opportunity to learn from their expertise.

"Just working the state amateur tournament for my first year was a really awesome turnout," he said. "Baseball has always been a sport I love, and to be able to stick around it has been really awesome so far."

For Schroder, this first tournament isn't a finish line but a new beginning in a career he's already building with intention and heart.