Behind the plate at Loeb Stadium, the familiar rhythm of a baseball game took a musical turn. As Lafayette Jeff's Austin Franklin stepped into the batter's box, the iconic opening drum fill of Phil Collins's "In The Air Tonight" pulsed through the speakers. For IHSAA umpire Kevin Kirsch, the call was irresistible. Between pitches, he broke into a spontaneous air-drum solo, drawing smiles from players and fans before calmly resetting with a point to the pitcher. This moment perfectly captures why Kirsch isn't just an official; he's a passionate fixture in the game.

For Kirsch, umpiring is far more than calling balls and strikes—it's a 17-year labor of love and his chosen way to stay connected to the sport. "I do it for the kids," he says. "I love the competition. And I'll continue to do it as long as my wife lets me." That infectious energy and positive demeanor haven't gone unnoticed. Last year, his peers and coaches across Indiana honored him by voting him the Umpire of the Year for his district, a recognition that left him genuinely shocked and humbled.

His dedication has placed him at the heart of Indiana's biggest high school baseball moments. Kirsch has worked the IHSAA Class 2A state championship, officiated the North-South All-Star Game, and called the American Legion Baseball state championship. It's a demanding schedule that suits him perfectly, keeping him as one of the busiest officials in the state. Even when he's not on the field, baseball remains a family affair, as he follows the collegiate career of his son, a starting pitcher for Wabash College.

Kevin Kirsch embodies the spirit of the game—the focus, the fun, and the deep respect for competition. It’s a reminder that the heart of sports often beats strongest in those who officiate, coach, and support from the sidelines, driven purely by passion for the play.