Local umpire makes MLB Debut at Truist Park
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - An umpire who’s called years worth of games finally got his first shot in the big leagues.
Friday night, Augusta native Dexter Kelley called his first Major League Baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres.
Kelley attended Josey High School and graduated from Savannah State College, where he played baseball from 2008-2011, before seeking a full-time job as an umpire.
23-year-old killed after being struck by vehicle on Deans Bridge Road
A 23-year-old was killed after being struck by a vehicle on Deans Bridge Road, according to the Richmond County Coroner’s Office.
![[Insert Caption Here]](https://gray-wrdw-prod.gtv-cdn.com/resizer/v2/DPC74M4DRNFHLEQ6MZNOGSV4WQ.jpeg?auth=d897f49e2f340ef35cd3e9fa8f1e5e9362376c8f0a9278f07fba1d31c26cdecb&width=5760&height=3840&smart=true)
According to Savannah State, Kelley worked the ranks of calling high school games, to earning a scholarship to the Wendelstedt Umpire School in Daytona Beach, Florida.
At Wendelstedt, Kelley graduated at the top of his class and moved on to calling games down on the Gulf Coast.
After several more years of calling minor league games, Kelley finally earned his spot on an MLB crew.
Kelley was assigned first base on Friday night, then rotated to second base Saturday night.
During Sunday’s series finale, he’ll make his first major league appearance behind home plate.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
