RACINE, Wis. — Retired MLB umpire and Calling for Christ co-founder Ted Barrett has been selected to receive the 2024 Gold Whistle Award, presented by the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). The award will be presented in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, during the Celebrate Officiating Gala, sponsored by Fox 40 International. The Gala caps the 2024 Sports Officiating Summit.
Barrett worked his first MLB game in 1994 and was hired onto the full-time MLB staff in 1999. He was appointed crew chief in 2013 and retired following the 2022 season. During his onfield career Barrett was assigned five Wild Card games, 10 Division Series, nine League Championship Series, two All-Star Games (2007, 2018) and five World Series (2007, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2021).
The Gold Whistle Award is presented annually by NASO and is the officiating industry’s highest honor. Those considered are individuals or groups that have made significant contributions to the betterment of officiating, exhibit a high degree of integrity and ethics and other qualities that are held in high regard by the industry. Candidates must have a consistent record of presenting officiating in a positive light as well as exhibiting a “service above self” attitude. Public service to officiating, having a motivating effect on others and/or strong community involvement are also considered in the selection process.
“For decades, Ted was the consummate professional and the embodiment of a crew chief as a Major League Baseball umpire,” said NASO President Bill Topp. “But much more than that, Ted continues to be an inspirational leader for countless umpires, officials, and others in need of personal and spiritual guidance and support. His sphere of influence is immeasurable. We are fortunate to have people like Ted Barrett in our officiating industry, and NASO is proud to honor him as our Gold Whistle Award recipient.”
Off the field, Barrett was ordained as a minister in 2007 and earned a doctorate of philosophy in theology/theological studies, with an emphasis in pastoral ministry, from Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary in 2013. Barrett was at the forefront of founding the group Calling for Christ, a Christian ministry of major and minor league umpires committed to teaching and sustaining umpires on and off the field. He also serves on the board of Unlimited Potential Inc., a professional baseball ministry which has allowed him the opportunity to teach umpiring in Mexico, Germany, and Cuba.
Closer to home, Barrett was an instructor at MLB’s inaugural Umpire Camps that were held at MLB’s Urban Youth Academy in Compton, Calif., in 2006 and was an instructor at MLB’s Umpire Camp for Marines in San Diego in 2009.
“I am humbled and honored to join the long list of outstanding individuals who have received this prestigious award,” Barrett said. “I look forward to accepting the award and celebrating all of officiating at the upcoming NASO Sports Officiating Summit.”
The Gold Whistle Award is presented annually by NASO. Those considered are individuals or groups that have made significant contributions to the betterment of officiating, exhibit a high degree of integrity and ethics and other qualities that are held in high regard by the industry. Candidates must have a consistent record of presenting officiating in a positive light as well as exhibiting a “service above self” attitude. Public service to officiating, having a motivating effect on others and/or strong community involvement are considered.
Fox 40 International is the premier producer of officiating whistles. The complete line of Fox 40 products includes whistles for all uses, whistle attachments, Fox 40 gear, pro coaching boards, mouthguards and marine & outdoor products. Fox 40 continues to invest in new technology, designs and machinery, resulting in many new products being launched each year. Fox 40 has sponsored the Celebrate Officiating Gala and the Gold Whistle Award for more than two decades.
