Jim Moreland's El Dorado baseball career began in 1949 when he participated in the Recreation Junior League. He followed by playing for EHS for three years, and was a member of the 1952 team that took second place in the State Tournament losing to Wichita East by a score of 3-2.
After playing on some town teams in and around El Dorado, and playing some softball in the area over the next few years, Jim began umpiring baseball in the recreation leagues. In 1957, he began working EHS and El Dorado Legion games. Over the next 25 years, Jim worked not only high schools in the area, but also American Legion games during the summer. His umpiring assignments, which began will all levels with the recreation leagues, progressed to working KSHSAA regional tournaments, American Legion district tournaments, Elks and Babe Ruth state tournaments and some work in the semi-pro games around the area.
Jim retired from active umpiring in 1981, after completing 25 years of service to many baseball entities in the area. He was a highly respected baseball umpire over those many years. That respect came from players, coaches, and other umpire alike. His lengthy participation in all baseball activities resulted in him having a favorable impact upon many local youth.
Jim's personal observations concerning his long association with baseball in El Dorado where "I feel most grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know the players, coaches and families involved in the sport here in the community. I truly enjoyed being a part of the game for my entire career."