Top-level sports demand commitment, availability, courage, and selflessness. While we often think of players first, the same applies to umpires. Baseball TV France sat down with Fabien Carrette-Legrand, a pillar of French officiating, as he announces his retirement from Division 1 and international baseball.
BTVF: Outside of baseball, who are you, Fabien Carrette-Legrand?
F.C: What can I say? I’m turning 50 soon…
I’ve been married to an exceptional woman, Stéphanie, since October 5, 2019 (before the pandemic, with a reception and meal at Vipères Park).
Though I don’t have children, I consider Cassandra and Nathan, hers, as my own, just as my mother’s partner—later my adoptive father (hence the added name ‘Legrand’)—did with me, always standing by my side.
I’ve worked at CNRS for over 25 years and am currently an Engineering Studies Manager, overseeing the administrative operations of the Chevreul Institute (CNRS / University of Lille) on the Cité Scientifique campus in Villeneuve d’Ascq.
BTVF: 12 years at the helm of the National Arbitration Commission—what are your proudest achievements?
F.C: Always striving to do my best, with rigor but also, when necessary, the flexibility demanded by the realities of the field…
I don’t know if it’s a point of pride or rather a heartfelt thank you, but I’ve always been surrounded by a team—one that has evolved over the years—composed of motivated, dedicated individuals sharing common values.
Over these 12 years, I’ve always tried to strike the right balance between what is somewhat pejoratively called ‘the grassroots’—regional officiating—and national-level officiating, with access to the top tier being the natural outcome of the former.
Establishing and overseeing the Regional Baseball Arbitration Commissions, as well as ensuring territorial coverage with arbitrator trainers, have always been priorities for my team.
Training, led by Stéphane Larzul as the sector’s responsible member within the Commission, has also been a key focus (numerous developments have occurred in these 12 years, always aiming for greater efficiency).
Our mantra, especially with Stéphane, has always been to help each umpire progress as much as possible in their ‘career.’
If I’ve contributed to fostering, or even just preserving, the camaraderie, solidarity, and friendships that exist among baseball umpires, that alone is a great source of pride.
Individual successes—Serge Makouchetchev at the World Baseball Classic, Stéphane Giraud in Little League, and future achievements—along with the seamless transition of leadership to someone equally dedicated and motivated, Ludovic Meillier, are all sources of satisfaction.
BTVF: Years of officiating at the highest levels in France and internationally—what memories stand out? The highs, the lows, the triumphs, the tensions?
F.C: Like anyone in their commitments and passions!
For any umpire, and in life in general, it’s essential to evolve and progress by knowing how to question oneself.
My worst officiating memories are the 2012 Challenge de France final in Sénart, where, as a 2B umpire, I took a relay throw from third base squarely on the back of my reinforced cap—likely saving my life—and the following year’s final in Paris, which I consider a failure as the home plate umpire. I nearly hung up my stripes after that, but my friend Serge, calling me almost daily, lifted my spirits and got me back on track.
In fact, after that, I refused to officiate the 2014 Challenge de France final and declined to take the plate in subsequent editions until 2018 and the Valenciennes tournament, where, as a home game, I couldn’t refuse if I earned it—which I did—and be worthy of it.
Elite and Division 1 finals have often been high-pressure moments, but that’s part of the job.
Who could forget the celebration that is the 12U World Cup, where I had the honor of officiating in 2015 on Taiwanese soil, or the opening ceremony of the 2017 Universiade, also in Taiwan, with the cauldron lighting featuring a baseball theme?
But the essence of it all, very sincerely, is the people I’ve met, the friendships formed, the richness of this human adventure!
BTVF: In late September, you’ll step away from the European Championship. What does international officiating bring to an umpire like you?
F.C: Once again, the richness of the encounters is essential, both on a human level and for progressing in officiating.
Indeed, having the chance to officiate alongside umpires from more structured and higher-level leagues, or even professional umpires, with our shared passion encouraging the exchange of experiences, can only help you progress if you’re open to feedback and advice.
I hope I’ve been able to return the favor to less experienced umpires, both internationally and in France.
Just a small clarification: I’m stepping back from Division 1 and international officiating but will continue in Division 2, representing Valenciennes, and at the regional level if needed.
BTVF: Like in all sports, « umpire bashing » from players, coaches, and fans can take a toll. How have you dealt with it, and what advice would you give to a young umpire just starting out?
F.C: Certainly, it can take a toll!
The issue isn’t when a judgment or decision is contested. Mistakes, if they happen, are human, and one can understand the frustration of a manager—or even a player—feeling wronged, rightly or wrongly…
The real problem, and it’s not just in officiating but in society as a whole, is when the focus shifts from the decision to the person, the individual.
The first piece of advice, which isn’t advice but a fundamental principle, is that impartiality must guide every moment of an umpire’s career.
Regarding the players and coaches, it’s important to communicate what is and isn’t acceptable. Everyone will have their own threshold, but mutual respect is key. As emphasized in umpire training—and it’s crucial—when a warning is issued, if a subsequent penalty is warranted, it must be applied (for the umpire’s credibility), and penalties must be fair, graduated, and legitimate.
As for the fans, there’s not much you can do… And the worst part is often recognizing the person behind the backstop hurling insults. What always shocked me was the rookie umpire, officiating their first games to help out their club, getting completely torn apart by club members or associates… Often, they never come back, a loss for both officiating and their club.
If I were to offer some scattered advice on the topic, it would be to stay focused on the task at hand when on the field (concentrate on what you need to do), to remember that you’re just one part of the game and that when you’re the star, it’s rarely a good thing, and to avoid social media, especially if the topic might come up.
BTVF: In your view, what does France need to advance in baseball and softball officiating?
F.C: A broad topic!
First, I believe the Federal Arbitration Commission operates very effectively, and its work is recognized by our entire community.
As they say, and it’s very timely, money is the lifeblood of progress… The current federal context and operations can’t support much more than what’s already being done in terms of training. The maximum, given the resources deployed, is being done. Moreover, training—particularly continuous training—is also an individual responsibility, and I know that most umpires are constantly documenting themselves, practicing, etc.
It’s undeniable that there’s a strong correlation between the level of competition and the level of officiating… If our championships evolve and strengthen, the level of baseball and softball officiating will naturally follow.
And since we’re talking about France, on a broader scale, I think public authorities are completely absent on the issue of officiating. Incentive measures for this type of volunteering, beyond the 2006 Law, are almost nonexistent.
Although the French Association of Multisport Arbitration Bodies continually alerts and intervenes on all issues related to judges and umpires, few truly effective measures are taken to promote this mission, which is a shame as it could prove detrimental to many disciplines in the coming years.
BTVF: What can we wish for you?
F.C: All the best!
I’ll continue officiating in Division 2 and at the regional level when needed, as well as remaining a member of the CFA (mainly focusing on budgetary aspects).
I’ll keep investing in the Valenciennes club, with hopefully more time to do so. I’m also the manager of the 15U section, which is a fun new challenge.
I’ll complete my term as Vice-President of the Federation until the next electoral General Assembly and then submit my ‘departure’ declaration to the High Authority for the Independence of Public Life (yes, really…).
I’ll try to stay in touch with all my friends in officiating and hope we’ll share more convivial moments.
But right now, in this moment, it’s me thanking you for this interview and wishing continued success to your passionate media outlet.
Photo Credits: FFBS, Célia Bautchon
