Vincent “Vinny” Chapman is known around the world as “The Dancing Umpire.”
Vinny started umpiring baseball during his sophomore year in high school. As a former player from t-ball to the high school ranks, Vincent’s first game as an umpire was a little league game in Atlanta, TX. He viewed umpiring as a way to continue to be part of the game he enjoys so much.
In 2008, he started dancing for fun at youth baseball games in between innings. This earned him “The Dancing Umpire” name. In 2015, a video of Vincent dancing at a game went viral on social media reaching over 12 million views and thousands of shares. Ellen Degeneres uploaded one of his dancing videos on Ellentube increasing his reach even further.
With his unique approach to umpiring continuing to rise in popularity, the Savannah Bananas reached out and offered Vincent an opportunity to be the home plate umpire for the Bananas’ games. He jumped at the chance and has been delighting their fans with his charismatic personality and exciting dance moves since February of 2022.
Listen in for some great takeaways about taking something you love and turning it into a career. Vinny is a vital member of the Savannah Bananas team, entertaining people all over the world through the sport of baseball.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…
- Learn more about Vincent “Vinny” Chapman [3:31]
- How Vinny became the umpire for the Savannah Bananas [4:40]
- Why Vinny became “The Dancing Umpire” [6:40]
- How Vinny’s dancing video went viral [9:04]
- Experiencing the energy of a Savannah Bananas game [12:18]
- How to get your copy of “Financial Planning Made Personal” [15:28]
- The Savannah Bananas moment that Vinny will never forget [18:07]
- What being part of the Savannah Bananas has taught Vinny [22:29]
- Vinny’s advice for aspiring umpires [23:53]
- How to craft your own path in the world [27:37]
- What Vinny did today that put him in the mindset for success [29:03]
Why Vinny became “The Dancing Umpire”
Vinny noticed that most kids at little league games were getting yelled at by coaches, parents, and teammates. It’s a lot of stress and pressure for a child. Vinny wanted to make the kids laugh, relax, and enjoy themselves. Every child is going to strike out at some point—but why not have fun while they’re doing it? If a child can leave a game happy, why not do it?
Vinny has always loved to dance and knew it made others happy. So Vinny started to incorporate it and the kids were smiling and the parents were happy. He broke through the monotony of the consistent stress. He truly believes that a kid will do far better at the plate if they’re relaxed and happy.
How Vinny became the umpire for the Savannah Bananas
Zack Frongillo—The Director of Entertainment for the Savannah Bananas—sent Vinny a message asking if he was still an umpire and still dancing. Vinny wrote back “yes” with a few more videos. After two Zoom meetings, Vinny flew to Savannah the following February to join the team.
When Vinny showed his son the message that Zack had sent him, his mouth dropped and he said “Are you kidding me?!” He was stoked because he knew who the Savannah Bananas were.
It’s been a dream come true for Vinny. He loves making people laugh and feel good. He gets to entertain in front of a million people every year. Everything the Savannah Bananas do is focused on fan-first entertainment: Will the fans enjoy it?
Their goal is for the fans to leave saying, “This is the greatest thing I’ve ever witnessed live!” The players feed off the energy of their fans. There are no low moments, from the time you get in line to the time you leave. There’s no other place he’d rather be.
The Savannah Bananas moment that Vinny will never forget
In 2023, the Party Animals were at bat, and a line-drive foul ball was hit and caught by a fan in the left field, ending the game. The whole place erupted in cheers. It’s never happened in the history of sports. The fan came on the field and celebrated with the team. That child will never forget that moment. Vinny firmly believes that more teams should make their fans part of the game. Because without fans, you’re nothing.
How to craft your own path in the world
If you’re passionate about something, don’t ever give up. Vinny was never going to stop dancing and being himself. He knows it brings joy to those around him. There will always be someone who doesn’t like what you do or who you are. Don’t let it matter. Continue being yourself and never give up.
You may not be able to change the world, but you can change your circle. You can impact the people you interact with. Vinny feels so blessed to have a platform where he can positively impact others.
Resources & People Mentioned
- Get two free chapters of “Financial Planning Made Personal”
Connect with Vincent Chapman
Bio
Vincent “Vinny” Chapman started umpiring baseball his sophomore year in high school. As a former player from t-ball to the high school ranks, Vincent’s first game as umpire was a little league game in Atlanta, TX. He viewed umpiring as a way to continue to be part of the game he enjoys so much. He has umpired multiple youth world series games and many tournament games across Texas. Vincent has also umpired High School baseball in the TASO Chapter for many years.
In 2008, he started dancing for fun at youth baseball games in between innings. This earned him “The Dancing Umpire” name. In 2015, a video of Vincent dancing at a game went viral on social media reaching over 12 million views and thousands of shares. Ellen Degeneres uploaded one of his dancing videos on Ellentube increasing his reach even further.
With his unique approach to umpiring continuing to rise in popularity, the Savannah Bananas reached out and offered Vincent an opportunity to be the home plate umpire for the Bananas’ games. He jumped at the chance and has been delighting their fans with his charismatic personality and exciting dance moves since February of 2022.
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