Press & media kit
Everything you need for the story.
Quick facts, approved bios, press photos and recent coverage. For interviews, email bookings@thedancingumpire.com.
Quick facts
At a glance
NameVincent “Vinny” Chapman
Known asThe Dancing Umpire
HometownTexarkana, Texas
Umpiring sinceAge 15 · ~29 years
Banana BallOfficial umpire since Feb. 2022
Viral moment2015 · 12M+ views · Ellentube
States umpired48
Biggest crowd102,000 · Kyle Field
Bookingsbookings@thedancingumpire.com
Approved bio
Short bio (copy & paste)
Vincent “Vinny” Chapman — The Dancing Umpire — is the official umpire of Banana Ball. A Texarkana, Texas native who started umpiring at 15, he began dancing between innings at youth games in 2008; a 2015 video passed 12 million views and landed on Ellentube. Since 2022 he has danced behind home plate for sold-out crowds in MLB ballparks and football stadiums, including 102,000 fans at Kyle Field. He hosts the comedy showcase Umpire Unmasked and speaks to schools, teams and companies about finding your joy.
As seen on
TV & media
ESPNSportsCenterThe Tonight ShowGood Morning AmericaEllentube60 MinutestruTVTikTok
Coverage
In the news
KBTXDancing umpire Vincent Chapman returning to Brazos Valley for Bombers gameJuly 2026The GazetteSavannah Bananas’ star umpire heads to Pickle PalaceJune 2026KCRG Everyday IowaThe Dancing Umpire of the Savannah Bananas joins Everyday IowaJuly 2026Dayton Daily NewsWe talked with the Dancing Umpire ahead of his visit to Kettering2026AY MagazineDancing Umpire to appear at Hot Springs’ World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day ParadeMarch 2026Salina311Meet Vincent Chapman: bringing Banana Ball energy to Long McArthurApril 2026Baseball Forward PodcastEp. 110 — The Dancing Umpire of Banana BallPodcastTXK MagazineGoing BananasFeatureYahoo SportsWho is the Dancing Umpire? Meet Vincent ChapmanFeatureKETK East Texas LiveTexarkana native Vincent Chapman shares about his time on the Savannah BananasJune 2025Mitlin Money MindsetEp. 183 — The Dancing Ump of the Savannah BananasPodcast · May 2024KATVBeyond the Game: the Dancing Umpire2015
