A Blue-Clad Suburban Connection to The MLB Playoffs

You may not know his name, but if you are a baseball fan, you’ve probably seen him. He’s the guy in the video tossing out Robin Ventura back in 2016.

His name is Mark Carlson, a Joliet West graduate and current MLB umpire. He is part of the crew that is officiating the ALDS between the Yankees and Rays.

Carlson, who’s also a US Marine, grew up in Joliet and went to Parkland College. He graduated from umpiring school in 1993 before a few years in the minor leagues. He made his MLB debut in 1999  — a Cubs/Sox series at Wrigley Field, no less!

He’s worn the blue for several divisional and league championship series, a few All-Star games, and even worked the 2015 World Series.

I’m going to try to get a hold of him, I think it would be a fun conversation!

If you are watching the Rays/Yanks series in the next few days, keep an eye out for the ump wearing #6…a local guy doing his thing at the highest level!