TEHACHAPI, Calif. — "Play ball!" It's a popular phrase that starts baseball games. But if there wasn't an umpire, who would yell it? Or who would call balls or strikes.

To get ready for the upcoming baseball and softball season, Tehachapi Little League and District 51 hosted an umpires clinic on Sunday. The goal to get more volunteers to sign-up and help call little league games. Sunday about 90 volunteers took part in the umpire clinic.

J.D. Fiske with Tehachapi Little League said there are about 32 Little League baseball team in the area, requiring 60-64 umpires to call the games.

Fiske said Little League is required to not pay for umpires, so it's important to get as many volunteers as possible. If you'd like to help this season the best way to reach out is to do so on their Facebook Page. There is also another umpire clinic later in the month in Bishop.