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The 5 Unbelievable Facts About Bradley Vinson: The Viral Kid Umpire Who Stole The Cardinals-Cubs Game

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The viral sensation known as "the kid umpire" has captivated the baseball world, transforming a routine St. Louis Cardinals game into an unforgettable spectacle. As of today, December 21, 2025, the buzz surrounding 13-year-old Bradley Vinson remains high, with fans and professional baseball figures alike praising his dedication and passion for the often-maligned role of the umpire.

This article dives deep into the full story of Bradley Vinson, whose appearance in full umpire gear at Busch Stadium during a high-stakes Cardinals-Cubs matchup on August 9, 2025, made him an instant icon. Far from a simple fan, Bradley is a dedicated aspiring professional who has already made a name for himself in the world of Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and is setting his sights on the Major League Baseball (MLB) diamond.

Bradley Vinson: Biography and Viral Moment Profile

The story of the viral kid umpire is more than just a cute fan moment; it's the beginning of a potential professional career. Here is a complete profile of the young man who has taken the baseball world by storm:

  • Full Name: Bradley Vinson
  • Age: 13 years old (as of late 2025)
  • Hometown: Palm Beach, Florida
  • Viral Event: Calling balls and strikes from the stands in full umpire gear during a St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs game.
  • Location of Viral Moment: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri.
  • Date of Viral Moment: August 9, 2025 (during a nationally televised Sunday Night Baseball broadcast).
  • Key Media Appearances: Interviewed live on the Cardinals-Cubs broadcast by reporter Taylor McGregor.
  • Aspiration: To become a professional Major League Baseball umpire.
  • Notable Calls: Delivered a passionate home run call (the "fist pump") on a Matt Shaw homer during the Cubs game.

Bradley Vinson's appearance was so convincing that many viewers initially thought he was part of a special promotion or a Make-A-Wish foundation event. However, Vinson is simply a superfan with an extraordinary level of commitment to his dream, attending games with his own gear and equipment.

The Shocking Level of Dedication: Full Umpire Gear and Training

What makes Bradley's story unique is not just his age, but his shocking level of commitment to the role. He doesn't just wear a jersey; he wears the full, professional uniform, a detail that immediately caught the attention of the broadcast crew and fans at Busch Stadium.

The Full Umpire Kit

Bradley Vinson's uniform is a testament to his seriousness. He is often seen sporting the full kit, which includes:

  • A professional-grade umpire mask.
  • A chest protector (worn under his shirt).
  • A dark blue or black umpire shirt.
  • Official umpire pants.
  • A ball-strike clicker (indicator) for keeping count.

He even performs the signature, dramatic strikeout and home run calls with the precision of a veteran MLB official. During the viral Cardinals-Cubs game, his enthusiastic "home run call" on Matt Shaw's blast became an instant highlight, showing off his flair for the dramatic and his deep knowledge of the game's mechanics.

His dedication is not limited to the St. Louis Cardinals. Bradley has traveled to other baseball venues to practice his passion, including a Spring Training game between the Cardinals and the Miami Marlins on February 27, 2025, and a Double-A Pensacola game on June 8, 2025.

The Path to the Majors: Bradley Vinson's Professional Umpiring Dream

Bradley Vinson's ultimate goal is to become a Major League Baseball umpire. While most kids his age dream of hitting the game-winning home run, Bradley dreams of making the correct call at the plate. This is a crucial distinction that has earned him respect from the professional baseball community.

To achieve this dream, Bradley will need to follow a highly specialized and rigorous career path. The MLB has a clear, albeit difficult, pipeline for aspiring umpires, which provides excellent context for Bradley's future endeavors:

The Professional Umpiring Career Path

The journey from a passionate fan in the stands to a Major League Umpire involves several critical steps, all of which Vinson is likely aware of:

  1. Attend Umpire School: Aspiring umpires must attend one of the two MLB-recognized professional umpire schools. These are the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy or the Wendelstedt Umpire School.
  2. MLB Umpire Camps: These camps, often free and one-day events, serve as a pathway for observation and instruction by Major League Baseball’s Umpire Prospect Development team.
  3. Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Placement: Graduates who show promise are placed into the Minor League system, typically starting at the lower levels like Class A. They are evaluated and critiqued continuously by the Professional Baseball Umpire Corp.
  4. Advancement: Umpires must work their way up through the various levels of MiLB (Single-A, Double-A, Triple-A), a process that can take many years of dedication and travel.
  5. The MLB Call-Up: Only the most elite and consistent umpires are eventually selected for a Major League contract.

Bradley Vinson's early exposure and passion, particularly in a Minor League setting like the Pensacola game, suggest he is already on the right track to understand the realities of the profession. His admiration for the game's officials is a refreshing change of pace in a sport where umpires are often the target of criticism.

Fan and Media Reaction to the Viral Umpire

The reaction to Bradley Vinson's appearance was overwhelmingly positive. The broadcast team, including Chicago Cubs reporter Taylor McGregor, was visibly charmed by his enthusiasm, dedicating a segment to interviewing him and sharing his story with a national audience.

The general sentiment among fans on social media and in the stands at Busch Stadium was one of genuine delight. In a sport that sometimes feels overly serious, Bradley's pure, unadulterated joy for the technical side of baseball provided a much-needed moment of levity and inspiration. His story has become a powerful example of how a unique passion can lead to unexpected viral fame and a spotlight on the often-overlooked profession of umpiring.

Bradley Vinson’s journey is a reminder that the love of baseball extends far beyond the players on the field. His dedication to mastering the rules and the art of the call, complete with the full umpire gear, makes him a true superstar in his own right. The baseball world will be watching closely to see if this 13-year-old superfan from Palm Beach, Florida, eventually makes his way from the stands of Busch Stadium to the professional diamond.

The 5 Unbelievable Facts About Bradley Vinson: The Viral Kid Umpire Who Stole the Cardinals-Cubs Game
kid umpire at cardinals game
kid umpire at cardinals game

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