Joe Perez finds time for everything from umpiring city league softball to managing a pool, or reffing basketball in the winter, taking care of his wife and two kids and even following his beloved Oakland Raiders.
The point is, most of the time he doesn’t get thanked for what he does. That isn’t a problem for Perez, who chooses to keep his head down and work hard regardless of what others say.
Originally from Santa Fe, Calif., Perez moved to Camp Verde in 1998 where he currently makes his home.
On most Thursday nights in the summer, Perez can be seen behind home plate, umpiring the Sedona Summer Softball League, and taking plenty of flack, enough for two umpires.
Perez finds himself all alone while calling a game that is bound for the occasional argument, and he can handle it all by himself. The other field always has two umpires, at minimum.
“I’ve umpired for Rachel [Murdoch] for two years, and I just do it because she needs an extra umpire,” Perez said. “I also referee the Grasshopper League for basketball for her.”
Perez is an Arizona Interschol-astic Association certified official for basketball, but is mostly seen officiating games at Big Park Community School or West Sedona School in the winter.
A 2002 graduate of Camp Verde High School, Perez played three seasons of basketball for the Cowboys while earning one varsity letter in soccer and baseball.
Perez was a part of the front court for the Cowboys during his tenure, switching back and forth between center and forward. He also played third base for the Camp Verde baseball team and was a midfielder in soccer.
Perez once held a job with the city in Camp Verde in its Parks and Recreation Department, but he was laid off. It wasn’t long before he made his way to Sedona.
“I enjoyed my time there in Camp Verde. I got to know a lot of people in the community,” Perez said.
He has a wife, Corina Perez, and two kids, 4-year-old Julian and 1-year-old Jerome.
Currently, Perez spends his work days at the Sedona Community Pool running the show and keeping everyone in line.
Perez got his associate degree in management from Yavapai College in 2010 and still continues to go to school, studying public management at Northern Arizona University.
Although he umpires, Perez still finds time to play softball in Cottonwood and is a current member of the High Rollers coed team. He plays for the Home Boys in Cottonwood too.
When asked what other hobbies he has, Perez responded with a big smile and said he’s all about sports.
“I don’t have hobbies; I just like sports — anything recreational or outdoors. It’s how I spend my free time. I mean reffing is probably my only hobby,” Perez said.
Perez is a die-hard Oakland Raiders fan, which takes up enough time in itself. He has a room in his house dedicated to Oakland Raiders memorabilia.
“The carpet is black, the walls, everything is black and silver. I have so much Raiders stuff,” he said.
Perez follows the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals as well, and he was even at the Cardinals and Raiders game last season in Peoria.
“I was so mad, we got beat by a field goal after we missed three of our own. It was terrible,” Perez said.
As for his future, Perez likes to keep his options open. He has a substitute certificate for the local schools, he’s a lifeguard and he’s certified in CPR. He doesn’t know where life will take him, but he’s hoping to settle in a great job one day.
“I like to keep all the possibilities open as much as I can. I love sports and recreation, and I hope to work in a department like that one day full-time,” Perez said.
