Umpiring is a job of passion for award winner Kevin Kirsch
Kevin Kirsch isn't just known for calling balls and strikes. He's also become one of the more personable umpires in the area.
LAFAYETTE — A man fitted in a mask and chest protector went with the song that blasted over the loudspeakers at Loeb Stadium as Lafayette Jeff sophomore outfielder Austin Franklin came up to bat. IHSAA umpire Kevin Kirsch couldn't help himself. "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins came on, and he had to jam out.
BOP BUM BOP BUM BOP BUM DUM DUM POW! Kirsch did the air drums, then calmly put his mask on, smiled and pointed his finger to junior pitcher Adam Sarota, a native of Poland. More: Photography offers new path for McCutcheon sophomore Josh Stephens More: New Central Catholic baseball player provides heroics in second game "I'm a Phil Collins guy and I love Loeb Stadium," Kirsch said.
"The kids seem to love it. I try to umpire there 4-5 times a year. " Baseball is Kirsch's love and has used umpiring as his way of staying in the game.
"I do it for the kids," Kirsch said. "I love the competition. And I'll continue to it as long as my wife lets me.