Ex-Parkland catcher gets back to MLB grind

You know that feeling kids get in August, right before school restarts? That’s Mark Carlson these days.

The long vacation is about to end for the Parkland College alum. In a few weeks, he goes back to work as a Major League Baseball umpire.

For now, Carlson is spending as much time as possible with his wife, Marie, and daughters, Grace (13) and Audrey (11).

Starting March 1, it will be all baseball, all the time.

“When the teams start playing the games is when the umpires start to work again,” Carlson said.

He reached the majors in 1999 and has been going strong ever since. Carlson is coming off his first appearance in the World Series.

The Joliet native enjoys the work, the travel and the pay.

Dur…