Troy Ray Grimes

Troy Ray Grimes, also known as "Marathon Ump," is an author, educator, endurance athlete, and trained baseball umpire with a professional background in income taxation and tax software development.

He has completed more than 60 marathons and ultramarathons, including a 58-mile run at the Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball ballpark to celebrate his 58th birthday. He also attended professional umpire school and has worked with youth baseball programs, including the Texas Rangers Youth Academy.

Through Marathon Ump, Troy creates books and educational resources exploring baseball history, rules, mathematics, American culture, endurance, and personal development. His publications include The True Great Game: Just Let Them Play, Room on the Bus, The Endurance Mindset, and the Trailblazers of the Great Game collection.

His educational philosophy is simple: "The Key to Learning Is Learning How to Learn."

He believes the lessons of sports, history, and everyday life can help people develop character, make thoughtful decisions, overcome adversity, and keep moving forward.