The parade through town was incredible. You would have thought we were all celebrities. We began riding in the back of a military convoy truck - - the highlight of which was being lifted into the back by a couple of handsome soldiers. Just sayin' . . .
The streets were lined with people, 3 and 4 deep. About halfway through, we got out of the truck and walked, waving to the crowds. Local families, players' families, a real international event. The Australians are so excited to be here, and they just keep thanking everyone they meet! I hope they do well.
Tomorrow will be rugged, and I probably won't be able to post until late in the day. We meet at 7:45 and will tour both Lamade and Volunteer Stadiums as we try to familiarize ourselves with the many ground rules. Then we dress for the Opening Ceremonies at 11:00.
Game 1 is at 1:00 (ESPN), and I'll be at first base. I'll be hustling to get the best angle on every play, and I hope my conditioning pays off. But if the replay is needed, I'm ok with that. Let's get the call right.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Kids are Kids.
Part of the fun is seeing how much the kids interact with one another. Language is no barrier. I love these photos.
A History Like No Other.
We had the opportunity for a quick tour of the new Little League Museum. It's amazing to see what's on display! Such a rich history of the place Little League holds in the heart of America.
Not all of it is good, however. There's racial segregation (check out the story of the Cannon Street YMCA team at http://www.momsteam.com/cannon-street-ymca-all-stars/youth-sports-heroes-month-1955-cannon-street-ymca-all-stars-baseball-te) and stories about girls who tucked their hair into their caps so they could play. But there has been great progress as Little League has become the world's largest youth sports program.
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If you're not familiar with the trading pin craze . . . well, it's hard to explain. But every umpire designs a signature pin to trade with the kids (and rabid adults) during the tournament. The museum has begun collecting umpire pins for display, and today, the curator informed me mine will be the first pin from a female umpire to be a part of the collection. My tiny contribution. : )
Not all of it is good, however. There's racial segregation (check out the story of the Cannon Street YMCA team at http://www.momsteam.com/cannon-street-ymca-all-stars/youth-sports-heroes-month-1955-cannon-street-ymca-all-stars-baseball-te) and stories about girls who tucked their hair into their caps so they could play. But there has been great progress as Little League has become the world's largest youth sports program.
.JPG)
If you're not familiar with the trading pin craze . . . well, it's hard to explain. But every umpire designs a signature pin to trade with the kids (and rabid adults) during the tournament. The museum has begun collecting umpire pins for display, and today, the curator informed me mine will be the first pin from a female umpire to be a part of the collection. My tiny contribution. : )
I'll Sleep When I'm Dead.
Wednesday morning: Umpire's meeting, all the details of the next few days. We sat in on a fascinating presentation regarding the replay. Little League has been very progressive in using this technology.
Coaches have a limited number of "challenges" they can use if they believe the call was incorrect. It was stressed that we shouldn't take it personally when we are overruled after the replay. Umpiring really is about hustling to get the best angle, and despite our best efforts, sometimes a throw goes wide, or we get blocked out, and we don't have the best view.
The purpose of the replay is to ensure -- as best we can -- that we get the call right. None of us wants to leave Williamsport thinking me missed a call and cost a team their shot at the championship. I'll think of Mr. Replay as our 7th member of the crew.
We were invited to come by and watch the replay booth in action, and I can't wait to see that! (Geek alert)
I got my schedule and looks like I will NOT be easing into my assignments, like I may have hoped. I have 1st base on Game 1 Thursday, and I have the Plate on Friday at 3:00. Both games on ESPN. Also have the Left Field Line on Thursday's 5:00 game (ESPN2). After that, we'll get our assignments day-to-day, so I'll post as I learn them.
Heading off now to get my credentials, tour the field and learn all the ground rules (quite a few, thanks to all the cameras), and then the big parade through downtown. Should be fun!
Coaches have a limited number of "challenges" they can use if they believe the call was incorrect. It was stressed that we shouldn't take it personally when we are overruled after the replay. Umpiring really is about hustling to get the best angle, and despite our best efforts, sometimes a throw goes wide, or we get blocked out, and we don't have the best view.
The purpose of the replay is to ensure -- as best we can -- that we get the call right. None of us wants to leave Williamsport thinking me missed a call and cost a team their shot at the championship. I'll think of Mr. Replay as our 7th member of the crew.
We were invited to come by and watch the replay booth in action, and I can't wait to see that! (Geek alert)
I got my schedule and looks like I will NOT be easing into my assignments, like I may have hoped. I have 1st base on Game 1 Thursday, and I have the Plate on Friday at 3:00. Both games on ESPN. Also have the Left Field Line on Thursday's 5:00 game (ESPN2). After that, we'll get our assignments day-to-day, so I'll post as I learn them.
Heading off now to get my credentials, tour the field and learn all the ground rules (quite a few, thanks to all the cameras), and then the big parade through downtown. Should be fun!
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