Umpire Profile
Duane Cordrey
By Gary Reals
Blues, chances are, most of us regard umpiring baseball games as often fun and fulfilling. However, it’s probably not life-saving. Even Duane Cordrey may not take it to that ultimate pinnacle. But this relatively new member of our ranks does credit “being on the field with players and partners….as very therapeutic for me.” And, brothers, that therapy and that drive to keep moving contributed mightily to Duane prevailing in a persistent battle with prostate cancer. More on that to come, but suffice to say, Cordrey’s character and dedication to “keep moving” go way back and are lifelong.
Expansion Needed
Duane grew up in the 1970’s and ‘80’s in the “hog capital of Ohio.” Even before graduating from high school in Wilmington, he had made the huge, life-shaping decision: “I need to expand my horizons.” Before graduating, as Vice-President of his class, Cordrey enlisted in the US Navy’s delayed entry program. But it wasn’t too delayed. Within 2 weeks from diploma day, his bags were packed, and he was on his way to Navy Boot Camp at Great Lakes, IL. Basic training was completed in a flash, and Duane was accepted into the Navy’s Nuclear Power Training School, then located in Orlando, Florida.
As many of us know, the lives of young entry-level enlisted men and women move very fast. Just the way he likes it! For Duane, within a year of graduating from high school and completing those naval training programs with distinction, his Commanding Officer thought the young Cordrey guy might make a pretty good officer and submitted a formal recommendation.
Based upon that missive and Duane’s scholastic and athletic background, Cordrey was admitted and entered the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, in July, 1986. With the exception of several subsequent postings, including a 6-month tour in Operation Desert Storm, this Wilmington, Ohio, transplant has lived most of his years since then in Maryland.
Expansion Accomplished
He received his Mechanical Engineering degree in 1990. In short order, Duane was assigned to the USS Briscoe, a Naval destroyer that spent much time in the Red Sea. Serving as the ship’s Officer and Navigator, Cordrey and crew received a Presidential Citation for carrying out 275 searches of merchant vessels mandated against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.
In 1995, Cordrey was released from active duty at the Office of Naval Intelligence in Suitland, MD. In his first civilian position, he went to work as an Operations Manager for Lucent overseeing installation of cell sites throughout the Mid-Atlantic region
Diamonds Galore
His new life as a civilian enabled Duane to return to one of the true loves of his life: BASEBALL!!! Back in high school, he shined in the outfield and was a die-hard fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Johnny Bench. At Annapolis, he threw a couple of no-hitters in fast-pitch intramurals. In the mid-90’s, living in Anne Arundel County, Cordrey fell into DCMSBL and later the Chesapeake MSBL.
Knock! Knock!
Eventually, after his knees started acting up and his sons started playing travel ball, Dad took the familiar route into coaching. As we know, that road often and naturally leads to another component of baseball, in Duane’s case…the Anne Arundel Umpire Association. In 2021, during the COVID aftermath, he didn’t get many games. For a gent who likes to work, disappointment grabbed hold. Brother Cordrey realized it was time to move on to greener pastures. By the next year, he had heard much about MAC and decided to knock on our door. Just another good move, Duane!
In short order, he was bowled over by one of the staples of MAC and something he had been hungering for: heavy-duty umpire training. Quickly, he came to regard our 1st year training program as “awesome…the MAC umpire instructors worked with tremendous feedback. They lifted me up!” By 2023, a very happy and uplifted Duane was assigned to “tons of games.” And perhaps not so coincidentally, he had his first encounters with “Mr. Intensity” and fellow Marylander, Michael Chmar.
Says Michael: “He had great energy which carried him into lots of growth. He takes feedback very well.” Rob Porter points out, “sometimes umpires who come over from another group and were taught a shit way, aren’t able to make the adjustment and flame out.” Not so much, Brother Cordrey. He stood out from the crowd, says Porter: “He has a lot of upside.”
Let’s Go!
But throughout all of this, there was Cordrey’s epic battle with cancer. It began in 2021, when a biopsy revealed an aggressive form of prostate cancer….8 on a scale of 10. Confronted with that potentially life-altering news, Duane told the doctor, “OK, what’s the plan…and let’s go!” The doctor responded, “You’re taking it pretty well. I like your attitude.” Testing indicated the cancer was confined to the prostate. In September 2021, Duane’s prostate was surgically removed. Thereafter, he was tested every 6 months. For the next year and a half, all was clear. Change of a most unwelcome variety arrived in January, 2024. The tissue located where Duane’s prostate used to be had metastasized. That February, the first of 40 rounds of radiation, 5 days a week, commenced and concluded the following May.
Now, Blues, you may well discern those months….February through May… just happens to coincide with the entire high school baseball season. No problem, Brothers! Duane was cloaked in a positive and constructive attitude: “I’m going to stay active. It’s the best thing for me.” That March, he contacted Rob Porter to inform him of his diagnosis, prognosis, and daily radiation therapy regimen. He also advised Rob that his plan: “was to work a normal high school schedule.”
Mr. Porter: “I was surprised in a good way. He hasn’t missed a beat.” Duane Cordrey did not miss one game due to any of his treatment programs. No turnbacks. And that’s not all, Blues. Oh no.
In the midst of all that, in April 2024, out in Wilmington, OH, Duane’s father died. Of course, his son didn’t miss that either. At 6 AM on a Friday morning, Cordrey received his radiation treatment for the day and then drove out to Ohio to attend his Dad’s funeral. Alas, he did have to turn back one game that weekend.
Rob Porter has one word to describe Duane: “Determination.” Michael Chmar adds, “Cancer sets you sideways. When you have a will like that, it says a lot about you: Fortitude.”
Movement Needed
Very clearly and unmistakably, Duane’s mindset throughout has been to “stay active. Being on the field with players and partners…It helped to reduce the effects of radiation. It took my mind off all that was going on. It was therapeutic.”
So here in 2026, Duane Cordrey is staying active for sure. He works full-time for a major defense contractor. Wife Carol is the brightest star in his constellation. Daughter Elisabeth is a veterinary technician. Son Braden is currently at Purdue University, but recently accepted a Congressional appointment to attend the US Military Academy at West Point this Fall. Blues, that appointment is quite likely to fire up a rather lively rivalry at the Cordrey household this December for the ritual Army-Navy football game. Duane doesn’t have another medical check-up until November….now on annual visits rather than semi-annual. And Cordrey, the umpire, has his full diet of game assignments for Spring 2026.
And y’know, this guy has some goals at the forefront of his mind. More college games please… ”hoping for some Division-1, but I know it’s a stretch, based on my age.” He’d love a state high school championship game, too. And how about the annual Congressional Baseball Game? “I’m just climbing the ladder and paying my dues. I’m not striving for perfection. I’m striving for excellence.” Amen!
Blues, wherever he goes, whatever he does, Duane Cordrey is certain to remain synonymous with movement! For him, there just is no other way. Go….Do….Baby!