Education
He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1990 with a bachelor"s degree in business administration.
baseball player Baseball umpire
He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1990 with a bachelor"s degree in business administration.
He joined the major league staff in 1999 and wears uniform number 52. Welke is the brother of fellow umpire Tim Welke, and is an alumnus of Western Michigan University. Welke previously worked in the Appalachian League (1991), the Midwest League (1992), the Florida State League (1993–1994), the Southern League (1995), the Eastern League (1996), and the International League (1997–1998).
Since joining the Major League umpiring staff in 1999, Welke has worked the Division Series in 2003, 2006, 2011, and 2015.
He also worked in the 2014 National League Championship Series as well as the 2015 World Series. He was a part of the crew that worked in the 2003 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
On May 29, 2010, he officiated at third base when Roy Halladay threw the 20th perfect game in MLB history.