PLAYING BY THE RULES : UMPIRES

The education may not offer the same rewards as, say, an MBA from Stanford. But for those who have ever aspired to go nose-to-nose with Tom Lasorda or to have dirt kicked on their shoes by the likes of Billy Martin, the Harry Wendelstedt School for Umpires near Daytona, Beach, Fla., is just the place. The demands are not only physical but mental, and of course there’s plenty of time devoted to making your calls just right. And if you can’t make it to first, second or third base, you may be right at home at the plate. If the shin protectors fit, wear ‘em.