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.