standard_democrat
SIKESTON On most baseball fields, the focus stays between the lines, the crack of the bat, the pop of the glove and a close play at home.
But just beyond that, often unnoticed, stands a different kind of team.
A father and a son.
For umpires Jason Davis and Caed Davis of Sikeston, baseball isnt just a game.
Its a shared passion, a ball field and a bond that continues to grow with every pitch they call.
Caed didnt immediately see himself behind the plate.
Like many young umpires, he was nervous at first.
But it didnt take long.
Yes, my dad definitely influenced my decision to become an umpire, said Caed, who is 18.
I was very hesitant, but after that first game, I knew I found something I would love to do.
Caed Davis of Sikeston takes a break from his mask during a timeout while umpiring at a baseball game at Benny Hillhouse Memorial Park in Charleston.
(Myra Gunn Photo) That first game turned into a passion, mostly by watching his father.
From calling balls and strikes to understanding positioning during a mound visit, Caed learned the craft the same way many players learn the game, by studying someone they know.
The best advice my dad has ever given me is to always take games one pitch at a time, Caed said.
Dont beat yourself up because you missed a strike call.
Theres another pitch coming in 15 seconds, so lock in and move on.
That mindset reflects Jasons own journey.
Jason, 44, first stepped onto the field as an umpire when he was a teenager, working Sikeston Little League games during the summers when he wasn't playing American Legion baseball himself.
Jason Davis of Sikeston calls a strike during a Charleston Fighting Squirrels baseball game during the 2025 season at Benny Hillhouse Memorial Park in Charleston.
(Myra Gunn Photo) After high school, his path was leading toward professional umpiring, and he registered for Major League Umpire School.
But life took a different direction, and a call to ministry led him to Liberty University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned his degrees, started a family and stepped away from the game.
But baseball never fully left.
Years later, with his children getting older and the timing finally right, Jason returned to the field in 2024 through Missouri State High School Activities Association.
Not long after, his son joined him.
I was really excited when Caed showed an interest, Jason said.
He was a little hesitant at first, but I assured him that he could do it.
So he jumped right in.
For both father and son, umpiring goes far beyond making calls.
Jason emphasizes three things: know the rules, understand the mechanics and have fun.
Its a game, he said.
Its a gift from God to be able to be on the field, helping run the game and helping kids enjoy playing it.
Caed said umpiring has taught him patience, the ability to stay calm in tense situations and to avoid reacting too quickly.
Jason pointed to communication as one of the most critical skills, not just in baseball, but in life.
Umpires communicate even before the game starts, Jason said.
Our appearance, how we carry ourselves, it all says something.
And during the game, communication can make the difference between a conversation and a confrontation.
Those lessons carry into their daily lives, where baseball often remains a constant topic.
We talk about games and situations very regularly, Caed said.
If you asked most of my family an umpire question, they would probably know the answer from hearing us talk about it all the time.
While theyve worked games together before, one moment stands above the rest: Busch Stadium in St.
Louis.
Thanks to an opportunity with Jackson High School, Jason and Caed took the field together on May 3 on a Major League Baseball field something few father-son duos ever experience.
That experience was incredible, Caed said.
How many people can say theyve gotten to umpire a baseball game with their father on a major league field? Not many.
For Jason, it meant even more.
We had the chance to spend a couple of hours together on an immaculate field doing something we both love, he said.
There were moments I just looked around, took it all in and thanked God for that opportunity.
Umpiring isnt easy.
Both agreed one of the biggest challenges is the expectation of perfection.
We put that pressure on ourselves, even more than anyone else, Jason said.
But sometimes one-tenth of an inch keeps you from being perfect.
Theres also a growing need for officials something both father and son were quick to point out.
The biggest challenge is the lack of umpires, Caed said.
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to stay in the game and give back to their community.
For Jason, the role goes even further.
Beyond the calls, he sees it as an opportunity to invest in young athletes, teaching respect, patience and work ethic.
Sometimes, it even means helping beyond the game.
Sometimes, the baseball field is a fantastic place for a counseling session, he said.
For Caed, the journey may just be beginning.
He plans to attend the MLB One-Day Umpire Camp in Nashville, Tennessee, later this month, with hopes of earning an invitation to the MLB Umpire Prospect Development Camp in Vero Beach, Florida a potential first step toward a professional career.
But no matter where the path leads, the foundation is already set.
Years from now, the scores and standings may fade, but the memories wont.
The games will always be special, Caed said.
But what will mean the most is that baseball gave me and my dad something to share.
Jason agreed.
The games are just that...
games, he said.
But getting to spend time with Caed on the baseball field is priceless.
On a field where every call matters, the most important one might be the bond between a father and his son, built one pitch at a time..