And In Closing . . .

As I expected, this experience has been indescribable.  But I have tried.  Really, I've tried.

I hope you've gotten a little glimpse of what it's like to be here, as an umpire and as a baseball fan.  If you volunteer, please keep doing it.  If you don't, please consider adding volunteerism to your life.  You'll find the experience of giving back changes you and makes you more complete.

Today, I'll have the great honor of umpiring the 2013 Little League Championship Game at Lamade Stadium.  On the Left Field line, I expect to see a lot of home runs . . . and no replays! 

Unless I just jinxed myself.

In a moment, I'll start getting ready to go over to watch the consolation game and see some of my fellow umpires work for the last time.  They are new friends, and we will always share the strong bond our collective experiences have created in this special, special place.  I regret that time prevented me from sharing more about each one of them.

But before I go, a few last comments and photos to share.

Today's match-up between Japan and California reminded me of these insightful comments about the Asian teams  made by Bruce Marcellus, a talented umpire (with a big, big heart).  EVERY manager, coach, and player should take note:

 Japan vs. Taipei - Some observations.

• High socks all around.
• No oversized flat brimmed hats falling off heads with every pitch or throw
• Every player runs (hard) on and off the field, every time.
• Pitchers coming from the bull pen sprint to the mound.
• Every player runs (sprints) out every batted ball or dropped third strike.
• Every player is thinking (and sprinting for) a triple on every ball hit in the gap.
• Runners run hard (sprint) until they have to stop, and if there is the possibility of a play, or they need to stop quickly, they slide.
• No batter requests time out when the signs to the pitcher are taking a long time. They just wait patiently with the bat on their shoulder until the pitcher is ready to play.
• The batter bows to the umpire before entering the batters box.  We like that.
• If called out on strikes, they turn and run back to the dugout without complaining.
• After sprinting off the field, the players stop at the dugout steps, remove their hats, and listen attentively to their manager without speaking.
• Win or lose, the entire team goes to the opposing team's side of the field, line up in one line, remove their hats, bow, and let out a cheer.
• The spectators applaud in return.
• The above sequence is repeated for their fans.
• The above sequence is then repeated with their own fans, then they get ready.



Saturday was a hot one, and I caught Dugout underneath the stadium, enjoying a few minutes in front of the big fan.

"The Hill" at Williamsport is pretty famous.  The fans who watch the game from this spot have customized their lawn chairs . . . by cutting off the back legs. 

Kids love sliding down the hill on big pieces of cardboard.  Once they're done, they leave the cardboard against the Gift Shop wall so the next kid can take it and have some classic Williamsport fun.

 

Honda gets my vote for "sheer genius."  To promote their new Odyssey, they set up this vacuuming game. 

Kids lining up to vacuum.  Well done, Honda.  Well done.

 

Kaiser, the FBI dog, was a guest at our hotel.  As you can see from the look on his face, he was a little tired of posing for pictures.

He frequently stopped to give me a friendly sniff or two.  I found this a little disconcerting since . . . he's a cadaver dog.

 

So many celebrities.  So little time.

 

Admission to the Little League World Series is FREE.  Yep, no charge at all, and with only a couple of exceptions (for team parents and a couple of others), it's open seating in the stadium.   

 

But for Championship Weekend, the stadium seating is assigned.  I love this sign that reminds the ushers to be patient with the fans who may not be expecting that.

 

One of the most remarkable things about the LLWS is this:  It is run with great precision and planning, yet it still maintains a down-home, neighborhood atmosphere. 

 

I credit the many dedicated volunteers -- like the ushers -- who put their hearts into making this a great experience for the kids, the parents, the umpires, and the fans.

 

And I've saved the best for last. 

 

Ever wonder how ESPN finds the batter's parents so quickly?  You know, he comes up to the plate, takes a couple of practice swings, and the camera cuts to Mom and Dad among all the other fans who are standing and screaming?

 

How do they know which screaming parents are the right ones?  Well, now you know.

The ESPN assistant holds up this greaseboard with the player's number displayed just before the batter comes up.  Mom? Dad?  Identify yourself and get ready for your close-up!

 

Writing this blog turned out to be a lot more work than I expected, and I hope you've enjoyed walking through the Little League World Series with me.

 

The tears are really beginning to flow as I sign out.  What a journey this has been.

 

Cynthia 

#47  

 

Every Picture Tells A Story

Yesterday began with Little League's World Series Challenger Game, Illinois v California, and our team in blue was pumped up for this one!  This is Little League's program for children with physical and mental disabilities, and being a part of this event is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have.

Plus, everybody's safe. 

The kids were so darn excited to be on the field at Volunteer Stadium, and so were their "buddies," the volunteers who assist them during the game.

Each of the players had quite the fan base.  And speaking of fans . . .

Team Czech Republic arrives to support their Challenger colleagues.  Several of the LLWS teams attended the game and made lots of noise.  The Canadians were one of our favorites with their simple cheer:  Eh!  Eh!  Eh!

Those surfer dudes from the West team also came out to cheer the Challenger team from California.  As usual, they were incredibly loose and relaxed, and would go on to win the U.S. Championship later that day.

But we were all completely STUNNED when Team Japan entered the stadium.

Why?  Because they would be playing for the International Championship in only two hours.  Not the typical pre-game warm-up most teams would choose. We were all so touched by their generous spirit. The crowd immediately realized the significance of their gesture, and they received a tremendous ovation from the grateful parents.

Homemade signs were everywhere, and the kids loved it.  In the background, you can see Team Australia, one of the most popular groups of kids in the tournament.

Here's one of my favorite photographs of a young player getting an assist from her buddy as the game was about to begin.

Jon Gregory makes the close call as this player slides into home, crutches and all.  SAFE!!

Here's the view from my umpiring position at 2d Base.  This was the only time I was allowed to take my camera onto the field during a game in Williamsport, and I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to capture this moment.  What a gorgeous day it was.



 

 

Chuck Latini prepares to make the Safe call as this player trots in for the easy score. 

As we left Volunteer Stadium to go prepare for the afternoon Championships, the umpires were quietly reflective.  Mike Legge, one of our Umpire Supervisors, stopped the group for what we thought was going to be a touching and insightful comment.

"Congratulations, guys,"  he said drolly.  "After 26 game, you finally got every call right."

It's hard to fully describe what it was like to be a part of this game - - very special indeed. If only each of you could have been there to see for yourself the joy each child experienced!  There's no way I can do it justice in this blog.

But I hope every picture tells the story.

Dreams, Wishes, and Time Passing By

My watch has stopped working.  Dead. Finito. Sort of fitting, given the fact that I don't want this journey to end.

But end it must. 

Today is going to be a great one.  We begin with our first game at 10:30.  You won't see this game on television - - but you should.  It's the Challenger Game for kids with special needs, a chance for these children to experience the fun of Little League, with umpires whose hearts will really be in the game.

And speaking of hearts . . .

Here's a cool photo I took from a little cubby hole under the stadium which captured the professional photographers who were working the Panama - Mexico game.  Wayne had the plate, and did a great job.  I thought it was one of his finer moments.

That is, until this one . . .

On the right is a young ball player who is enjoying his dream of watching the Little League World Series, thanks to the incredible work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  I gave him one of my umpire trading pins and suggested I could help him collect the whole set.

What I didn't know: that was going to be a challenge -- some of the umpires had already given away all their pins.

Before you could say "Hmmm," Wayne sprinted to the Umpire Room and returned with all the pins he had collected from his fellow umpires the first day we all met.

And proceeded to give every one of them to this very grateful fan. 

Bruce, another one of my big-hearted colleagues, helped him feel like an honorary umpire!  He took him on a tour of the area beneath the stadium, introduced him to the crew, and gave him a game ball for his collection. 

Did I mention there's a lot of heart in this group? 

And they all love doing it.  Jim umpires an average of 14 games a week.  Think about it.  If you add game time, travel, pre-game meeting, post-game meeting, that's about 42 hours a week -- it's as if he has a second job.  And I'm sure, he'll tell you, it's a labor of love.  We do it for the kids.

Because, after all, their dreams are our dreams.

The Guys

A group of 16 dedicated volunteers from all walks of life and from - - literally - - all over the world joined by a common love of baseball, kids, and the Little League program.

We are teachers, salesmen, police officers, construction workers, postal carriers.  Fathers, grandfathers, and a mom.  We proudly represent the volunteers from our home states as well as from Nova Scotia, Puerto Rico, Germany, and the Philippines.

Most of all, we are friends.

Come along as I introduce you to the guys.  It all starts in "The Umpire Room," tucked away in the bowels (which explains that smell) of Lamade Stadium.  A spacious, luxurious setting (not!) full of lively conversation, supportive comments, and gallows humor.

Everything here is state-of-the art,

as you can see from the 2008 sign on our door.

 



The Umpire Room is where we change into our uniforms, have our pregame meetings, have our postgame meetings, and just hang out.  It's already a small area, and with 16 umpires, the umpire room can feel a little cramped. 

At the beginning of the tournament, we start out with 4 games a day.  Often, there's a 6-man crew coming off the field for their post-game meeting, and a 6-man crew trying to have a pre-game.  Both these meetings are very important, so there's a little juggling that has to go on to respect each crew's privacy.

And speaking of privacy, you're probably wondering where I dress . . .

Cynthia's Dressing Room

 

It's not ideal, but it gets the job done.  My fellow umpires are very accommodating, and I try to respect their personal space as well.

 

I have to say, though, that with a urinal in the bathroom, you'd expect the toilet seat to always be down, right? 

 

You'd be wrong.

A large shower stall, four shower heads, no shower curtain.  Uh, no.

 

Why is there an ironing board in the shower?  Because there's no room for it anywhere else.  Like I said, cramped quarters. 

 

Why an ironing board at all?  Umpires tend to their uniforms with military precision.  No turned-up collars, no wrinkled pants, sharp creases.  Even though we are all volunteers, it's important to us to look dignified and "professional."  That's why the ironing board is so important.

 

If only we had an iron.

Each day's schedule is posted the day before, usually late afternoon or early evening, once the teams have been determined.  Understandably, no umpire is on the field when their region's team is playing so that there is no perceived bias.

 

You know how the sound of the can-opener brings your pet running to the kitchen?  The posting of the schedule has the same effect.

We're so excited to be here, and we want to be on the field for every game. Unfortunately, the math doesn't allow that.  The anticipation becomes more intense as we draw closer to the Championship weekend, as there are still 16 umpires, but not enough games to go around.

 

I guess at this point, we are competitors for those coveted spots, but with this great team in blue, there is only support for one another.

One of several motivational signs

posted in the Umpire Room.

 

Being the only female on the crew, I have been perceived by the media as a "human interest" story.  The common question in every interview is "How are the other umpires treating you?"

 

With complete indifference.

 

It's the highest compliment I can pay them:  they have treated me like one of the guys - - for better or worse -- and I love them for it.

The LLWS Sports Photographer caught Marcus' great third strike call and made it into a life-size poster.  Note the inserts that show his frame-by-frame finesse.

 

He and his girlfriend made the trip together from Germany and have been able to make a vacation of it.  Before the tournament started, they visited Niagara Falls where Marcus proposed and Nicole said yes.  Welcome to America!

 

Given the fact he's from Canada, it makes perfect sense that Nick is a devoted fan of  . . . the Boston RedSox.  Huh?  He's built his own fanbase, thanks to his entertaining strike call that's somewhere in between a banshee who's been shot by a bow & arrow and that screeching noise your washer-dryer makes when one of the belts is loose.

We're always hydrating before the game.  Very important, particularly since the weather has been unseasonably warm.  Volunteers also bring out even more water during the game, and we gulp it down.

 

Didn't seem like the best of ideas during that 9-inning game, though.

 

Thankfully, there's no interaction with the parents here.  They get a little loud and rowdy, but they're here to support their kids whom they dearly love.  And that's alright by me.

 

Here's my crew as we are about to take the field for the Great Lakes - Czech Republic game.  Vinnie (Connecticut), Wayne (Arizona), Nick (Nova Scotia, and standing on a chair), Garland (Texas), and Luis (Puerto Rico).  This turned out to be a historic game as the Czech Republic got their first win at the Little League World Series. 

 

It was a special moment for the team, and we were all touched by the joy and delight of those kids.

 

We are "supervised" by three experienced umpires who keep us focused, provide supportive feedback, and establish the light mood we need to stay relaxed amid the pressure.  Mike, Frank, and Doc make sure we show up where we're supposed to be, whether it's a game or a tournament event.

 

It can be very taxing for them.

Here's Frank.  He's either taking a nap or showing his

frustration at our performance in the last game.

 

Seriously, our umpire supervisors have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders, and I don't envy them.  They're given 16 umpires they've never met or seen work, and they must decide our assignments and position.  They have to predict our judgment, our hustle, and our temperament on the field.  How will we handle the pressure of the crowd, the intensity of the game, the scrutiny of the Video Replay?  They must ensure a game who's outcome is determined fairly by competent officiating. 

 

Mike frequently reminds us of one of his greatest fears -- two umpires making a call on the same play.  Each member of the crew has specific responsibilities, and there is no overlap.

 

Having said that, Mike also reminds us of his GREATEST fear - - two umpiring making DIFFERENT calls on the same play.  Never good.

 

 

Well, I'm out of time and need to get to the stadium for today's games - - more on "the guys" in my next post!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 













Black-Eyed Peas, Tears for Breakfast, and Throwing Like A Girl

More random musings . . .


I've received more than my share of media attention, solely based on the fact that I'm a female umpire.  Sadly, that's still unusual here.  No one has asked "What's it like to have the plate on a no-hitter?"

The GOOD news is that they've let me promote volunteerism in some of the interviews.  As a long-time YMCA professional, I know the value of volunteering, not just for the recipient organization, but for the volunteer as well.  We actually get more out of it that we put in.  Everyone should be able to find a cause that speaks to them and then get involved.

So let me tell you the REAL story -- and I will do so in more detail soon, in another blog post dedicated to "the guys."  This umpire crew has a combined 375 years of volunteering, giving back to kids they may not even know and to a sport they dearly love.  That speaks volumes about their heart and character.  I am honored to work with them.

Hey, look!  Kellogg's is giving away free samples.  Just in case there's anyone in the UNIVERSE who's never had Frosted Flakes before.


The team from California knows all the words to the Black-Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling."  I watched them "perform" in the dugout as the song was being played over the P.A. system at Lamade Stadium prior to the start of their game.  In other words, these kids are loose and having fun, and that's working out well for them.


This morning's LLWS Volunteer Breakfast was an emotional one.  Once a year, Little League honors several people from local leagues who have helped make their program better. 

A young player battling leukemia who not only inspires his teammates, but also works to raise cancer awareness by speaking to local groups.  A team mom, nominated by her son, who does everything she can to ensure he has fun like other kids.  His father, a veteran, has PTSD and is not able to participate as much as most dads. 

There was a devoted volunteer who is working to ensure kids in the Dallas inner city have uniforms, equipment, and place to play. A dad who helped organize Little League Challenger Leagues so his son -- and other children with disabilities -- could play baseball.  Even though his son passed away unexpectedly, he and his wife continue to work to establish more Little League Challenger programs.

What an inspiration they were.

I double-dog dare ya to come up with anything

more adorable than this fan who was cheering

 on the team from Japan.  By the way, for purposes

 of this exercise,your kids and/or grandkids don't count.

We umpires always try to be invisible, a non-issue on the field, especially here.  This is truly "about the kids."  But there's such a spotlight on everything at the LLWS.  It's hard to go unnoticed, especially now that anyone's opinion can go viral on Facebook, Twitter, and/or YouTube by hitting "Send."

I've actually been called "the worst umpire in the world."  Really?  In the world??  I think not.  Although I've had some of those games where I thought so.  Just not here.

There's also been a lot of chatter about my putting foul balls down my shirt when I had the line.  I had NO IDEA that was getting a close-up on ESPN.  What's up with that?

Well, in order to keep the game moving, the line umpires don't throw the ball back in.  We're told to either put it in our pocket or down our shirt.  For women umpires, our pants are cut differently, and thanks to our hips, there's no room to put a baseball in our pockets.  I've actually tried, in my never-ending effort to be "one of the guys," but believe me, it looks very, very strange there.  Especially if you have one in each pocket.  Enough said.

Ultimately, no matter where I choose to put a foul ball, it's going to get a laugh.


If you google "LLWS Umpire" and "Throws like a girl," you'll see I haven't been returning the ball to the pitcher with finesse.  Pretty funny. Please allow me to explain.

I actually have a pretty good arm for a 60-year-old woman, but no matter what, I'm a mom.  Every time I get to the release point in my throw, I suddenly think the pitcher's not looking or I'm going to throw it too hard.

Too hard????  I know, I know.  It's ridiculous!  These are still kids, but they're also elite athletes, some of them over 6 feet tall.  I should just throw the darn ball!!

At this point in the tournament, I may not get another plate.  But if I do, the pitchers had better be ready.

America - Vot a Country!!

I'm beginning to feel a little greedy. 

My second plate was the Consolation Game between a very talented Great Lakes team and the kids from the Czech Republic.  Who knew I'd have the best seat in the house for another historic game at the Little League World Series?

As I've mentioned before, the LLWS is truly a WORLD Series.  Teams are grouped into regions and work through the double-elimination tournament toward the Saturday Semi-Finals - - also known as the U.S. and International Championships.  Then these top two teams play for the Little League Championship on Sunday.

I began the day with great anticipation.  Still excited about my plate assignment, but not as nervous as I was for my first one. 

Australia and the Czech Republic were making their first appearances at the LLWS this year, and I'd already had the chance to be on the field with the Aussies.  Now, I'd see the Czechs in their final game of 2013 as well as a second look at what was a very fine Great Lakes team.

An early morning text from back home helped me hone in on my focus.  Mike Galiano (LLWS 2009) has been helping whip me into shape during the spring season at Southside Little League.  And I've got lots of those whip marks.  He reminded me "Wide stance and aggressive in the slot." 

These directions - - for those who are not umpires - - reminded me to get into the best position to see the whole plate and to be able to watch the ball all the way into the glove.  As simple as it sounds, it takes complete focus amid a boatload of distractions.

At the plate, you are the one who accesses whether the ball (or any PART of the ball) passed through the strike zone (or any PART of the strike zone).  Was it high?  Was it too low? Did it catch the outside corner at the knees, also known as the Money Pitch? 

But there's so much more.

You decide if the catcher interfered with the batter's swing . . . or if the batter interfered with the catcher's throw.  You make the determination if the batter checked his swing in time, although we frequently ask our partner for help, even if only as a courtesy to the batter.  Did the catcher drop the 3rd strike?  It's easy to get blocked out since you are set up behind the catcher.  Is the pitcher delivering legal pitches?  Is he quick pitching?

Did a pitched ball get caught in the catcher's or umpire's equipment?  I've never had that happen in 17 years.  Until yesterday.  BOTH things.  With no runners on base, it didn't matter, but it certainly made things even more interesting.

That's just what you're doing when the pitch is thrown.

You also have responsibility for fair/foul decisions on anything up to, but not including, 1st or 3rd bases.  You make the call on pop-ups and line drives to the infield.  You access when the ball is trapped under the pad behind home plate and award bases according to the rulebook.  Or if a player trying to make a catch traps the ball up against the fence or pad.  On a hit ball in front of the plate, did the batter-runner stay in the running lane on the way to first or did he interfere with the catcher's throw?  Did the 1st baseman pull his foot?  Did the batter-runner get tagged before he reached 1st?  Did he get obstructed on the way?

And, of course, you make the call on any plays at home.

See?  That's why focus is so important.  Thanks, Mike! 

I felt much more comfortable and balanced in this game than I did in my earlier plate.  I'm sure the adrenaline was a factor in the no-hitter.  My fellow umpires have all said they felt more relaxed in their second plate game.

Both teams played well and without any real controversy.  One of my calls (more accurately, one of my no-calls) was reviewed but upheld. 

I called a high strike that didn't sit well with the Czech coach.  In my judgment, as we umpires like to say, the bottom of the ball caught the top of the zone.  Sound picky?  Yes, indeed.  It's not a game of inches, it's a game of quarter inches.  Besides, the batter was exaggerating his crouch, and I wasn't falling for that.

Which brings me to "the microphone."

Ray, the ESPN sound tech,

"mics me up" before the game.

We worry about the Video Review, but secondly, we worry about the microphone.  Lord, please don't let me blurt out anything offensive, inappropriate, or incriminating.

ESPN is great -- they don't use the audio for anything other than information, and everything is delayed and used with a great deal of professional discretion.  For example, if there's something confusing going on after a play, they might listen in so their announcers can have insight to share with the TV audience.  Nothing for us umpires to fear, really.

But as the Czech coach motioned to me, I was mindful that whatever was about to transpire might eventually be heard by folks around the world and the guys up there in the Space Station.  And even though we have plenty of translators here for each team, let me tell you he spoke English just fine. 

And he thought the pitch was high. 

Even if he didn't speak English, I think the gestures he made, moving his hand back and forth across his chest, were understood internationally.

Arguing balls and strikes?  Oh, that's a no-no.  And I politely reminded him of such, hopefully with dignity, grace, and my best good ole southern smile.

Bless his heart.

As I've said before, at this level of Little League, there is great disparity in the size of the players.  Some haven't had their first growth spurt yet.  One of my favorite players to watch has been #1 for Chinese Tai-Pei,Teng-Yu Wang.  He is only 4'5" and 70 lbs., but when he is on the field, he has the look of a bulldog.  He is disciplined and his mind is totally on the game.  You'll hear more about that in a post I do later.

And while some players haven't had their first growth spurt, some seem to have had more than their share.  Look at this great shot of Great Lakes star Chad Lorkowski at the plate and compare his size to the catcher and umpire (me).  It almost looks as if he has been digitally inserted into the picture.

 

All in all, a great game, and I had the best vantage point.  With the Czech Republic only 1 pitch away from their first LLWS win in history, I witnessed one of the most touching moments ever.

The pitcher was overcome with emotion, and we umpires could see him shaking. He took his place on the mound, brought his hands together, paused . . . then stepped back and left the mound.  He walked in a little circle, then stepped back up and brought his hands together to make the pitch.  His arms were still shaking.

Once more, same drill.  Stepped off, walked in little circle, back to the mound.  Still shaking.

At that point, I noticed what I thought looked like - - and may possibly have been, I'm almost SURE of it -- some sort of dirt on the plate.  TIME!! 

Slowly, I walked over with my plate brush and gave that sucker a good cleaning.  It was a plate you could have eaten off of, as they say.

He pulled himself together and let it fly.  BALL!  Darn.

Next pitch was the one.  It was over, and the stands went crazy.  The Czech team had made history.  Our crew walked off the field together, and there were no dry eyes among us. 

Truly a Little League World Series moment.  International Love.

The Currency in Williamsport: Pins, Pins, Pins!

While I'm not a Pin Trader myself, I'm not unfamiliar with the phenomenum.  But the Little League World Series takes it completely to another level.

Most every tournament participant has a custom-designed pin -- something that reflects on their personality, their home state, their culture, or even their favorite cartoon character.  There are pins that have dangles, pins with sliders, pins that light up.  Big pins, little pins, and everything in between.

There are the avid collectors who meet daily to barter and trade at a specially designated tent (see below). They bring tons of pins collected over the years, and folks are sitting underneath the tent and typically overflowing into the grass. I have no idea who sets the value of any particular pin. How do you know if you are getting a good trade?



There's a pin for the security crew, the volunteer ushers, the parking lot volunteers, the medical staff and "Team Uncles" (local volunteers who act as hosts for the teams). 

Umpires have pins, teams have pins, and every vendor has pins to lure you to their tent (Get our trading pin at 1:00 and 3:00 today!!).  The ESPN crew members have pins (rare, and highly coveted), and if you are doing the plate, Ray gives you one when he comes to "mic you up."

One thing I can tell you:  Custom designed pins are expensive.  I'm pretty sure  Wilson Trophy Company profited more from my trip than did Delta Airllines.

They are almost like currency.  I've "tipped" the parking lot attendants with a pin.  When asking "is this seat taken?" before watching a game, I tip whoever lets me take a prime spot.

I carry about 50 pins in my purse, so I'm ready.  But inevitably, I get asked "Do you have a pin?"  . . . when I DON'T have a pin.  The kids (and adults) have figured out where the umpires come out on their way to a game, but they haven't figured out we can't carry pins with us then.

Here are a few of my favorites so far.

 

 As I've said before, lots of security here.

 

 Team Uncles are local volunteers

who provide guidance and help

the teams feel at home.

 This is one of my very favorites! 

The Massachusetts team designed a special pin

 to welcome Australia to their first LLWS. 

How cool is that?

 

 Arizona folks have lots of neat pins.

 

 This umpire pin has a

dangling throat guard.

 

 Another nice design from AZ.

 

 ESPN pins are coveted!

 

 My colleague Garland's pin,

Texas style!



A pin from California.

 

A New York pin. 

When this guy hits the ball,

you'd better . . . duck!

And, of course, the very best

pin of all.  It includes salutes to 

District 21 (Ft. Lauderdale) as well as

District 14 in Orlando (in the heart)

where I first started as a Little League volunteer.

More pins to share later, but now I'm off to get ready for my plate.  Czech Republic v Great Lakes.