An attorney, college professor and economist finished his 48th season as an umpire. Here’s why it’s his most beloved profession.

Brian Marks is an attorney, college professor, economist and corporate executive, but some of his most beloved areas of expertise are baseball and softball.

Marks, 62, of Fairfield just completed his 48th year as an umpire, where he is known for his toughness and precise calls.

“It’s the connection of mind and body. It’s giving back to the community,” Marks said of umpiring. “The love of the game keeps me engaged. The game is steeped in courage, respect, and athleticism.”

Marks is a baseball and softball umpire at several levels, including Little League, high school, college, USA Softball, Women’s major, exhibition games and championships. He’s been an umpire in 10 states.

Albert Vazquez, Commissioner of Fairfield County Softball Umpire’s Association, said his friend, Marks — who is on the executive board — is a “professional, no-nonsense kind of guy” but also friendly.

Marks is so knowledgeable that statewide rule interpretations go to him, Vazquez said.

“Some people might not like him because he enforces rules other people don’t,” Vazquez said. “But he’s well respected overall in the umpire world in Connecticut.”

Vazquez said sometimes they don’t agree, “but we respect each other’s philosophies.” Marks, who played Little League baseball and other sports as a child, started umpiring in 1974 at 14 years old, long before he knew legal briefs, how to study complex data or how to teach a class. He was also a ski instructor at 14.

“I was harder on myself early on, striving to be perfect,” Marks said.

Marks has a multi-faceted career. He’s an attorney, executive director and lecturer at the University of New Haven Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program and has appointments in the School of Health Sciences and the economics and business analytics department.

Marks said he comes from a family of educators and his family — his wife and two children — are all educators.

Separate from his university work, Marks currently serves as an advisor to the CEO of a cryptography company, is the executive chairman and CEO of a sports equipment company and a chairman and CEO of a start-up company developing a digital freight network.

He’s also held many other top corporate positions through the years.

Carolyn Meyer, University of New Haven media relations coordinator, said Marks has such a wide range of knowledge that he is often called upon to weigh in on stories in the media on numerous subjects.

“When he told me of his 48 years as an umpire, I was in awe,” Meyer said. “Brian lives life to the fullest capacity each and every day. A true lesson for us all.”

“You work hard and you play hard,” Marks said.

He said doesn’t umpire for the money — he often donates the fee back to the league — he does it for the love of the game. “That for me is pretty rewarding,” he said.

The economist in him quips, “That’s an example of making an irrational economics decision.”

Marks said he uses the knowledge of his other subjects as an umpire.

“I’m a very cerebral and athletic person so I like it when those things are together,” he said. “My doctorate in economics helps me understand the rules.”

“It’s instant,” he said of making decisions on the field, near the bases or behind the catcher. “That’s the exciting part. That’s where the adrenalin really flows. I aspire to be perfect but realize I’m human. For some, that’s a lot of pressure, but I don’t mind.”

Another part of being an umpire he loves is the physicality. Marks said he’ll do it as long as he is fit. He said many people view umpires like potted plants, but “if you’re doing it right and are engaged in the game, you’re moving, you’re an athlete.”

He said an umpire must move where the action is taking place, interpret what’s going on, make a call and know if there’s action going on in another place.

When he’s umpiring, Marks said he has the humility to know the game isn’t about himself. “It’s about the players,” he said.

He jokes with the coaches, telling them, “I want to let you know one of you will agree with my call 50 percent of the time.”

Marks also coached his own children in baseball and softball.

University of New Haven interim president and former athletic director Sheahon Zenger said after meeting Marks, “I quickly learned that he was someone who took a special interest in helping young people, especially those with an entrepreneurial spirit.”

Zenger said Marks advised his daughter as she graduated from college.

“He took the time to meet with her and talk about life, life paths and the world of entrepreneurial endeavors,” Zenger said. “Ironically, his children have some interest in areas where I may be able to help them. He is a truly engaging individual who I enjoy interacting with.”

University of New Haven Dean Brian T. Kench said Marks has helped hundreds of students prepare their first business plans and helped others begin the journey of launching their own businesses.

“Brian has a rich legal and entrepreneurial background that he is able to integrate into each of his business classes,” Kench said. “Brian Marks is a real gem and the University of New Haven is lucky to have him on the faculty.”