Who We Are

Manny co-founded NRUA and has helped grow the association to more than 100 members in just five years. A Bronx native, he began umpiring in 2011 and gained extensive experience across high school championships, PSAL games, and college showcases. With more than 15 years on the field, Manny is known for his passion for teaching. He created NRUA’s Rookie Cadet Program where he mentors and develops the next generation of umpires with hands-on training and unwavering support.

Highlights

• Certified high school umpire since 2011 (Hudson County Association, NJ)
• Officiated PSAL high school games and college showcase tournaments across tri-state
• Over 15 years of umpiring experience across multiple organizations
• Co-founded NRUA, growing membership to 100+ in five years
• Appointed President of NRUA in 2021
• Creator of NRUA Rookie Cadet Program for new umpire development
• Serves as a clinician, guiding recruits both in classroom and on the field

Joe launched his umpiring career in 2013 and quickly advanced from youth games to high school championships, earning recognition for his rule expertise and professionalism. By 2021, he was officiating at the collegiate level with UCU and CBUAO. Appointed Vice President of NRUA in 2023, Joe has since secured multiple league contracts and driven the association’s growth across NYC. His passion for mentoring new umpires and elevating standards has helped make NRUA one of the region’s most respected groups.

Highlights

• Began officiating career in 2013 with AFU Rookie Academy
• Advanced to high school level with North Shore Association in 2014
• Selected for multiple high school championship assignments
• Entered college ranks in 2021 (UCU) and joined CBUAO in 2022
• Appointed Vice President of NRUA in 2023
• Negotiated contracts with youth and adult leagues, including CSSA League
• Dedicated mentor helping new umpires build skills and confidence

Luis Martinez has been umpiring since 2001, with more than 20 years of experience across youth, men’s, high school, and college baseball. He began with the Rockland County Umpires Association before joining Gateway Umpires, later transitioning to the American Federation of Umpires (AFU) under Bob Fontaine. With AFU, he gained extensive experience in men’s baseball and college wood bat leagues in Long Island.  Luis went on to join the North Shore Baseball Umpires Association (NSBUA), where he was selected to officiate multiple playoff contests and two New York City high school championships, held at Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium. He now serves under NRUA as a senior advisor, bringing decades of knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to the game to support the next generation of umpires and the organization.

Highlights

• Began umpiring in 2001 with Rockland County Umpires Association (RCUA)
• Officiated youth, Little League, and recreational baseball
• Joined Gateway Umpires covering men’s and youth leagues
• Transitioned into AFU under Bob Fontaine after Gateway merger
• Worked men’s baseball and Long Island college wood bat leagues with AFU
• Joined NSBUA, officiating multiple playoff games and two city championships held at      Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium
• Currently serves NRUA as a senior advisor, supporting growth and development of the      members and organization