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.

Umpires Trevor Hemphill and Joe Rydel, left to right, stand for the national anthem before a Junior League State Tournament baseball game between Excelsior and Bayport at Red Haddox Field in Bloomington, Minnesota, on Aug. 1. Alex Kormann, The Minnesota Star Tribune

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 hig

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