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.
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.
