ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-- Former Pacific Coast League umpire Tyler Funneman has joined the staff of The Professional Baseball Umpire Corp. (PBUC™) as an area evaluator/instructor on a part-time basis. He will observe, instruct and evaluate Minor League Baseball umpires in the Gulf Coast League, and assist throughout the 15 other domestic-based leagues.

"Having just come off the field, Tyler adds a new dimension to our staff to which our umpires can relate," said Justin Klemm, executive director of PBUC. "His experience at all levels of baseball, including time in the Major Leagues, strengthens what we believe is already the most qualified, diverse and well respected teaching and evaluation staff in the umpiring profession."

A native of Moweaqua, Ill., Tyler has umpired in the New York-Penn, Midwest, Florida State, Texas, Pacific Coast and Venezuelan Winter Leagues. Funneman also earned invitations from Major League Baseball to work in the Arizona Fall League and Major League Spring Training.

Tyler currently resides in Grays Lake, Ill., with his wife, Megan, and their daughter, Sophie.