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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Too Smart to be an Umpire by Jack Oujo chronicles the author’s journey from a baseball-loving kid in New Jersey to a professional umpire working his way through the minor leagues, and eventually to a complete career reinvention in the business world. The book begins with Oujo’s early dream of playing baseball, which moves into umpiring after he realizes a playing career is unlikely. Encouraged by mentors and fueled by repeated positive feedback, he attends umpire school and earns a spot at an elite evaluation camp, launching his professional path. The narrative follows his progression through the minor leagues, highlighting the demands of the job, the personalities he encounters, and the realities of working in professional sports. The story then reaches a turning point when his baseball career does not go as planned, forcing him to start over financially and professionally.
Jack Oujo’s writing is straightforward, conversational, and driven by personal stories. The pacing gently moves through different stages of the author’s life, with short chapters highlighting specific experiences, making it easy to follow. Oujo uses humor and honest reflection to bring moments to life, especially when describing interactions with players, managers, and mentors. Readers who enjoy sports stories, career journeys, or starting over will find much to appreciate in this style. The mix of baseball anecdotes and life lessons creates a read that is both engaging and meaningful. The structure also helps readers connect individual moments to larger themes of decision-making, risk, and personal growth, making Too Smart to be an Umpire appealing to a broad audience beyond just baseball fans.
