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Principal Dr. Mike Orlando,
Something you didn’t know about this Saints Leader
Dr. Mike Orlando, the Principal of St. Thomas Aquinas High School (STA), is in his second year at the school and has quickly become a big part of the STA community. A Massachusetts native, Mike and his wife, along with their son, have made a home at STA. Reflecting on his time at the school, Mike shares, “I love it here. The day I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported. I get to have great dialogue with people. This is a great school that is mission-focused, and I hope I’m helping with the mission and the community. This is a special place.”
Outside of his role as principal, Mike has a deep passion for baseball, especially umpiring. His journey in the sport began when he was just 12 years old, umpiring his first Little League game while playing for Babe Ruth. Today, Mike is in his 29th year as an umpire at all levels, with a primary focus on Little League. He served as a local league umpire and chief and has held the position of Umpire-in-Chief for District 15 in Massachusetts for the last 15 years.
Since 2022, Mike has also served as a Little League East Regional Umpire Consultant. In 2024, he joined the newly formed National Instructor Team for Little League Umpire Development, continuing his commitment to growing the sport and helping other umpires develop their skills. Over the years, Mike has officiated at several high-profile events, including the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 2022, and the Junior World Series in 2016. He has also worked in the East Region Little League Baseball Tournament in 2014 and as a crew chief in 2024, in Bristol, Connecticut, and other regional tournaments in 2013-2017. In 2025, Mike is thrilled to be selected once again to umpire at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.
Reflecting on his umpiring career, Mike shares, “It’s an honor working your way up and being selected for these major events. The first time I walked onto the field in Williamsport in front of 25,000 people, it felt like I was floating. But after a few pitches, the game becomes the game, and you get locked in.”
Mike’s involvement in baseball extends beyond just umpiring; he is also active in organizing clinics, running umpire development programs, and doing video reviews for televised games. His experiences have allowed him to make lifelong connections and build lasting friendships within the umpiring community. He also credits much of his success with the sacrifices of his family, particularly his wife and son who have supported him every step of the way.
To any STA students interested in pursuing a career in umpiring, Mike's advice is simple but powerful: "Go for it. The leadership skills and values taught here at STA will help you succeed. With the right training, support, and work ethic, umpiring is incredibly rewarding."
Mike's dedication to his family, his career, and his role as the Principal of STA speaks volumes about his character. His commitment to both education and the sport of baseball has made a lasting impact on the STA community, and his continued success is a testament to his hard work and passion.
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