Tim Barreras, a 29-year-old umpire currently officiating in Triple-A, is living a dream many aspire to achieve in the world of baseball. This week, he finds himself in his hometown of Albuquerque, where he is officiating a six-game series between the Albuquerque Isotopes and the Tacoma Rainiers. For Barreras, this assignment is particularly special as it marks the first time he has worked a game in his home city.
Growing up in Albuquerque, Barreras was immersed in sports from a young age. The son of Ken Barreras, a former Athletic Director for Albuquerque Public Schools, and Deb Barreras, an educator, he and his brother Joe were raised in an environment that celebrated athleticism. Tim excelled in baseball and football during his time at Sandia High School, where he was a standout player on the baseball team and served as a two-year starting quarterback for the football squad.
However, after graduating from Sandia in 2015, Barreras pursued a degree in civil engineering at New Mexico Tech, where he found that varsity sports were not offered. Instead, he participated in club teams and intramurals, which allowed him to maintain a connection to athletics, albeit in a different capacity. Upon completing his degree, he realized that he wanted to remain involved in baseball, but playing was no longer an option.
Determined to stay connected to the sport he loved, Barreras turned to umpiring. He had some experience officiating Little League games during high school and continued with high school games after college. In 2022, he made a pivotal decision to attend the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in Florida, investing in his future in officiating. His hard work paid off when he was selected by Major League Baseball Umpire Development Staff to attend an advanced course, leading to his current role as a professional umpire in Minor League Baseball.
Now, just four years into his career, Barreras is already officiating at the Triple-A level, where he shares the field with other aspiring umpires and players who all have their eyes set on the major leagues. "The goal is to be a Major League Baseball umpire," Barreras stated, emphasizing that there is no specific timeline for achieving this dream. He acknowledges that the path to the major leagues mirrors that of players, requiring progression through the various levels of professional baseball.
Despite the challenges that come with being an umpire, including the occasional heckling from fans, Barreras remains passionate about his role. He appreciates the support of his mentors and the learning experiences he has gained along the way. "You miss all of the opportunities that you don’t take," he advises aspiring umpires, encouraging them to pursue their passions in sports.
As he wraps up the series in Albuquerque, Barreras and his crew, which includes umpires Steve Hodgins and Joe McCarthy, will soon hit the road again, following the typical schedule of a Triple-A umpiring crew. This involves a demanding routine of games across various cities, with Mondays off. Despite the transient nature of the job, Barreras expresses his love for the lifestyle and the thrill of being part of the game he cherishes.
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