The Man Behind the Mask

'The Best Seat in the House But You Have to Stand'

Dave’s presentation on the American pastime will take you behind the scenes like you’ve never been before. His hour and half long presentation takes you inside the game of baseball from the rare perspective of ‘behind the mask’. Drawing from his journey umpiring in the NY Penn League, to winter ball in the Dominican Republic, and finally to the National League his stories touch on managers and players from when they were in the minor leagues through their tenure in the majors. His interactions with managers Tommy Lasorda, Frank Robinson, and Bobby Cox, as well players like Steve Carlton, Nolan Ryan, Pete Rose, Joe Neikro and others will make you cry with laughter. For fans, you get the opportunity to ask your favorite baseball questions. Did Don Sutton ever scrape the ball with a razor blade, or did Mike Scott use sandpaper? Could Nolan Ryan really throw a fastball 100 miles an hour? Did Barry Bonds really use steroids? Did Dave know that Pete Rose bet on baseball? How about the strike zone? And of course, the inside story of the famous altercation with Pete Rose.

'Who's Really on First'

Dave has shared his stories, from his baseball career as a Major League umpire, to his personal struggle of finding peace in his life, to thousands of people across the country. Dave's mission has always been, to share his philosophy of respecting yourself and others, and to know when to laugh at yourself. He has brought his highly acclaimed presentation 'Who's Really on First' to hundreds of corporations, conferences, organizations and higher education institutions. His unique style, approachability, and honesty has brought his audiences to tears. Dave's personal struggle has helped his audiences achieve new levels of personal development. Whether it's a young man from Alabama, a clergyman from New York, a professional athlete from Los Angeles, or a young woman from Massachusetts, Dave has touched the lives of many. Dave has been a sought after motivational speaker for his humor, honesty, and inspiration.

18 years of hard work, triumphs and disappointments led Dave Pallone to a remarkable career as a National League umpire. As the third youngest umpire in baseball history, Dave was part of some of baseball’s high profile and controversial events.

Dave is the author of the 1990 New York Times and International best - selling autobiography, BEHIND THE MASK: My Double Life in Baseball, which was re-released in 2010 to celebrate its 20th year anniversary, and is now available as an eBook on all formats.

Dave has owned his owned and hosted his owns sports radio show in Boston, Massachusetts. He was featured on ESPN’s documentary “Homophobia in Sports”, and ESPN’s Outside the LInes.
He was honored to be selected by GENRE Magazine as one of the 100 men of the 20th Century.

Dave was part of the inaugural class, inducted into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago in August, 2013 and in November of 2016 he was presented with The Legend Award by Compete Magazine.

Presentation Requirements
The following are suggestions that will allow Dave’s presentation to be the most successful. They are, however, not absolutely necessary and we will be glad to discuss other options.

Audio-Visual Requirements
Wireless lapel microphone. If a wireless microphone is not available, Dave requires a lapel microphone with at least a 30 foot cord.

LCD projector and Screen
For front-screen projection, please place projector in a corner of the room so that Dave’s movement will not interfere with the image. Dave will be showing two videos. The format is DVD.

Staging
Dave prefers not to be on a stage, however if there is a stage in the room please allow at least ten feet for Dave to move around. He does not use a podium.

Lighting
Please have the room lights as high as possible. Please dim the screen area , but leave full house lights on during the program.

Audience Seating
Please make every effort to have the audience seated close to the stage and as close to each other as possible. This will help insure a more enjoyable experience for all.