BISMARCK, ND (KFYR) – Adrew Fischer likes kids. He also likes sports. The Bismarck man has found a way to combine those two passions in several different careers.

One of those careers brought him to the national stage earlier this month.

Andrew Fischer feels at home as a middle school English teacher at Bismarck High School.

“Children are what keep us young,” he said.

He has been teaching for almost two decades.

“We are in our 19th year,” said Fischer.

That same year he began teaching and also became a baseball umpire.

“Some other teachers who were refereeing told me I should try it. So I did, and it’s a perfect complement to teaching,” he recalls.

Over the years, Fischer has built a name for himself as a referee, and his reputation has earned him jobs at regional tournaments and eventually a nomination to referee the Legion World Series.

“I never dreamed of working at a regional or even a World Series,” he admitted.

But that dream he didn’t know he had became a reality when he landed in Shelby, North Carolina for the biggest games of his career.

“I expected it to be a really big, surreal event, and my expectations were met,” Fischer said.

He hadn’t expected to hear from so many of his colleagues.

“I got a lot of texts and calls from people saying, ‘Great job,'” he said.

But those calls and texts were a culmination of an experience that he hopes will make him not only a better referee, but a better teacher as well. He said both roles are full of teachable moments.

“Sports is an extension of the classroom,” he said.

He hopes that his work in the classroom and on the baseball field can help every child he meets become better people.

Fischer also referees basketball and college football. He hopes to be able to compete in the Legion World Series again next year.

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