Joe Rydel called his first strike before he could even drive a car.

He began umpiring at 14. His mom had to drive him to the field.

These days, the 28-year-old spends his weekdays teaching fifth grade at Morris Bye Elementary in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. But when the school bell rings and summer rolls around, he’s back behind the plate, calling balls and strikes at games.

Come winter, he trades the diamond for the mat, refereeing high school wrestling.

“It keeps me busy and out of trouble,” Rydel joked.

Many youth and high school sports rely on a gig economy of part-time officials and coaches to function.

Rydel’s side gigs are a helpful supplement to his teaching income. At about $150 per game, and with roughly 100 games a year, he earns around $15,000 from umpiring alone — plus anothe

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