UN-Social Media

We all welcome the new technology . . . so long as we like the results, right?

Being on camera, giving autographs, having kids (and some adults) ask for one of your trading pins, being on TV - - that's part of the fun and excitement you expect at Williamsport.

And believe me, it's highly unlikely any of us umpires will ever be celebrities again (sorry, guys).  We're pretty much just ordinary folks, volunteering because we love kids and baseball.

Enter the UN-Social Media.  While we're all receiving supportive posts from our families and friends, the noise on Facebook and in the Chat Rooms and can be brutal. Ouch.

"Her strike zone was so big, she should have gotten an assist in the No-Hitter."

Ok, actually, that's MY line, but I think it's pretty funny.  And probably true.  But I'd never trade that experience with anyone.  Having the plate during a 7-inning No-Hitter at the Little League World Series?  Priceless.

All part of being in the spotlight, and it goes with the territory.  Just ask
Ms. Lohan.

But for every "critique" we receive, there are the many supportive texts, emails, and phone calls that more than offset any negativity.  On behalf of all my fellow umpires, we thank you.

Now, for some good news  . . .

The New York Times posted a great article yesterday about the LLWS Umpiring Experience, featuring our own crew members Chuck Latini, John Bell, and John Ignacio as well as our Williamsport Umpire Supervisor, Mike Legge.  It explains the process -- how do you go from volunteering at your local league to umpiring at the Little League World Series?

Oh, yes, I got press (". . . and a woman").  Not exactly my name in lights, but it's a mention in the NY Times!

Yesterday, I was interviewed by Darian Somers for a piece which will appear on the Little League World Series Website later today.  Rumor has it I may also be interviewed by some of the media back in Fort Lauderdale.  Better get my one-liners ready!

But this is nothing compared to what the kids are enjoying.  They are the real Rock Stars!! Take a look at this moment I captured yesterday.  The California team was surrounded by fans (mostly pre-teen girls), looking for autographs, trading pins, and pictures with their new heroes.

Remember to also check out the LLWS Photo Gallery where the much more talented photographers are capturing the emotion and color of the series.  The kids' faces will melt your heart. New photos are posted every day at
http://www.littleleague.org/worldseries/photogallery.htm.

Is it just me, or does it look like the Pop Group Hanson is here?  MMMbop!



I've been asked about the pressure on the kids, and I have to say, they all seem to be having the time of their lives.  They know this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which will become even more precious to them over time.

Don't get me wrong here.  In a game, they want to do their best for their team, just as they would for any important match-up during their regular season and local tournament play.

Pressure?  It's all on the adults, as it should be.  Managers, coaches, umpires.  We don't want to be a factor in any game.

Let the kids play.

Is This Heaven?

There's not a lot I can say.

I kept thinking this was going to be my big game.  My moment.  The dream of a lifetime.  In other words, all about meeeeee.

Au contraire.  The day belonged to someone else.  I was completely upstaged by a 13-year-old kid.  Ok, he's 6'4" and 168 lbs., but still a kid.

But back to me.

I stood on the top step of the dugout, smiling as I looked around the stadium and just took it all in.  Not the butterflies I was expecting, frankly.  Just excited!

Suddenly . . . and seemingly out of nowhere . . . I was overcome by emotion.  My eyes filled with tears.  I fought to keep them from spilling over and running down my face on national television.

Geez.  Such a girl.

Thankfully, I pulled it all together, walked out and waved to the 14,000 fans (weren't they there to see me?), gave Dugout the required high-five, and we were off to the races!  But if you're reading this post, expecting a play-by-play, you're going to be disappointed.  It's a blur.

Focus, Cynthia, focus.  I was trying to keep a few points in my head. 

Timing is so important for umpires.  With all that adreneline rushing through my system, I could have tased somebody with my index finger.  The danger with timing that is too fast is that you'll make a call before your mind has a chance to reflect on what you actually saw. You don't want to anticipate what the pitch is going to do or where it's going to land.  Wait for it, wait for it, wait for it.  Then call what you saw.

The Little League strike zone is more generous than the major leagues. We want the kids to swing the bat.  I try to be agressive in the slot so I can see when the pitch hits the corner.  It's my favorite pitch (thanks to many years watching Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux do their magic), and I firmly believe if the pitcher nails that spot, he should be aptly rewarded.  

Follow the ball with my eyes, all the way into the mitt. Wide stance.  Balance.  Oh, yeah, trying to maintain that balance was fun.  The grounds crew does an incredible job.  Wasn't the field beautiful?  But that brick dust at home plate is tricky.  A couple of times I felt my feet sliding in opposite directions and was afraid I was going to do a split.

This is significant because I can't do a split.

I've never been on a field with such talent, and I didn't want either team to lose. Both pitchers were superb, and holy cow, they could bring it.  What fun.

They were painting the corners.  Toying with each batter.  And often - - just for fun - - a fast ball that seemed to hit the mitt yesterday.

And while the collective world will be talking about Grant Holman today (as well it should), I'm here to tell you Chad Lorkowski is no slouch, my friends.  Perhaps you've only seen the headlines about the no-hitter. 

Well, please note Chad Lorkowski threw a ONE-hitter.

We (the batter and I) never knew what was coming . . . or where it was coming from.  Just as we started getting our rhythm down, here came that submarine thing out of nowhere.  His fast ball was - - what's the word I'm look for? - - frightening.

Did you see the play by California's second baseman, Micha Pietila-Wiggs?  The kid who looks like a member of the Pop Group Hanson?  When that WebGem unfolded, I said "Wow."  Out loud.  For the record, umpires are not supposed to say "Wow."

Let me mention the unsung heroes of the game, Patrick Archer (California) and Ryan Duffy (Michigan).  Both of these kids caught a great game, keeping their talented-but-still-young pitchers focused and savagely on point.

In the end, I was so fortunate to have had the best seat in the house for what is likely going to be the best game of the series.

So, I have to ask.  Is this heaven?

The Morning in Pictures

With the morning off, I hustled over to capture some photos to share, starting at the Little League Museum Gift Shop where a new hoodie and coordinating visor would allow me to mingle, unnoticed, among my fans. 

Note: The disguise worked.  No one cared who I was.  Even when I told them.  Twice.

 

 

The evidence is in.  The World leads to the Little League World Series.

A wide variety of foods from which to choose.  Just wondering . . . do I get melted butter with this?

ESPN has created its own little city here.  Broadcasting games live to an international audience while providing views with true insight into the experience from the kids' point of view . . . well, let's just say it is a very coordinated effort, to say the least.  The first and third base umpires are charged with the responsibility of making sure the players and coaches stay in their dugouts during commercial break, and then cue them to take the field as soon as the designated production "Red Cap" gives us the signal. 

These photos give a little perspective.

 

 Gee, when you put it like that, it almost sounds healthy.

 This is a Photo Op that very few families are willing to pass up.  One young boy was resisting getting into place for the picture, and a passer-by said to him,

"Do it.  You'll thank your dad 30 years from now." 

He's right.

Little League's beloved mascot, Dugout.  Is he (or she) a Chipmunk?  A Prairie Dog?  A Gopher?  A Groundhog?  A Beaver with a little bitty tail? 

No one knows for sure . . .

 This is The Lip.  I'll explain in a minute.

Home Plate  is covered as the Grounds Crew works to prepare the field for today's game at Lamade Field.  This will be my spot for the thrill of a lifetime.

We umpires aren't used to all the different ground rules here.  Back home, it's just "If it hit's Roger's truck, that's out of bounds."  At Williamsport, there are camera wells, stairs, padded areas, steps into the dugouts, nets above the rail, nets below the rail - - all areas that may or may not be dead ball areas, depending on where the ball hits and whether it was thrown or batted. 

Got that?

It's really not that complicated, but in the heat of a game when you're not used to those rules and you're already nervous, it can be a little intimidating.  As I've said before, none of use wants to make a mistake.  Every game is important.

Which brings me to THE LIP.

At Lamade, as you may be able to discern from the photo above, there's a pretty steep drop-off behind home plate.  On a passed ball, a catcher has to make a quick decision as he trys to recover the ball: Slide, stumble, or fall.  Most wisely choose to slide, but it's a little more complicated than that.  Once he gets the ball, he now has to throw uphill to his pitcher who is waiting at the plate, ready to put down a tag on a runner who is charging in from 3rd base. If the catcher pulls it off successfully, it's truly a miracle.

His best choice?  Don't allow a passed ball.

For the umpire, it's another new wrinkle in our World Series experience.  The plate umpire has sole responsibililty for the passed ball, so you have to get back there quickly to make sure it's not caught up under the pad (because one of those ground rules would go into effect).  Backpeddle downhill if you dare, but should you choose that option, you're most likely to land on your butt in front of the aforementioned "World." 

Stay tuned.  ESPN at 3:00.



Hair of the Dog

With all my assignments for the day complete, I headed over to Lamade to watch our Southeast Region team take on the Northeast.  It was a real dogfight and a gem of a game to watch from the stands.  From this vantage point, I could see what the fans see.  I felt the energy from both sides as I was sandwiched between the, uh, enthusiastic parents of both teams.

After the third inning was complete, I took the opportunity to visit the Video Replay booth and observe the remainder of the game there.  Fascinating!  As I mentioned before, Little League is very progressive in using technology to review close plays.  Thanks to the ESPN broadcast, there are many camera angles available, and I got to watch a couple of reviews as they happened.

What is truly fascinating is that each angle tells a different story.  And sometimes, those stories appear to be in conflict.  The result of the play will appear to be obvious in real time . . . until the next angle is shown in slow motion. 

Suddenly, an entirely different perspective.  A gap between the foot and the base that didn't seem to exist previously, and a beautiful tag laid down by the catcher.  Of course, none of this was visible to the fans as the play unfolded, but our umpire got it right. 

A fitting way to end my day.

Blimey! The Aussies are here!

Leave it to Little League to put the "World" in "World Series!"

It's always exciting when a country (or continent) has its first team in this prestigious tournament, and this year both Australia and the Czech Republic made it to Williamsport.  I was honored to participate in Australia's first game, albeit on the Left Field Line, but it gave me a wonderful view of their team in the dugout. 

Again, I couldn't stop smiling at their excitement.  At the plate meeting, the Australian manager was so emotional, I thought he would burst into tears any minute.  All that hard work had paid off, and here they were, in a packed stadium full of heart.  Every single spectator, including the parents from the opposing team, knew this was a little bit of history being made in Volunteer Stadium.

There were those special moments - - the first pitch by the Australian team, their first hit.  The balls were quickly collected and are now headed, I'm guessing, to the Little League Museum.  I'm hoping they'll add a home run ball to the collection before they head back to the Land  Down Under.

The team from Mexico is always full of talent, and this year's team is typical.  Well-coached and aggressive.  They dominated the game from the beginning.  

Great fun, great kids, great baseball. 

Hello, Mr. Replay!

If you read my previous post, I believe this is what the literary types call "foreboding."

Yesterday morning was the first chance I had had to actually be in the stadium area.  Wow.  First of all, I had to go through security - - and I don't mean just show my official credential to the nice volunteer at the gate.  I mean going through a full-blown metal detector!  Oh, yeah, while carrying an umpire's uniform that I thought strongly implied I'm one of the good guys.

Like I said, Little League takes the safety of the kids very, very seriously.

There are two adjacent stadiums, Lamade and Volunteer, and the area between them serves as a giant community concourse.  It's like being at a super-charged, sports-themed carnival.  Every sort of food you can imagine.  Cotton Candy, Funnel Cake, Roast Beef Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Pretzels, Smoothies. 

Souveniers aplenty -- there's even a designated area for pin trading, and there are some rabid collectors.  I've even picked up a fan who is there to greet me when I come off the field.  And by "fan," I mean "stalker."  If anything happens to me, please look for Barry.

ESPN has set up the stage for the broadcast of Sports Center, so everyone gathers there when the show goes live.  It's especially exciting at night when everything is lit up and the kids are all hamming it up for the camera.

But, back to the game . . .

The stadium was full of fans, and given it was Panama and Puerto Rico, there was great Latin  enthusiasm!!  Can you say, "Loud?"  As mentioned in my earlier post, those butterflies were a real concern.  The atmosphere was so electric, I could feel the adrenaline coursing through every cell in my body.  I had to jump up and down a few times like a pogo stick, just to calm down.  Ok, more than a few times.  And it only worked a little bit. 

Plus, I couldn't stop grinning.  I am having so much fun, it's just an explosion of sensory experiences I can't describe.  I really hope I'm not being picked up by the cameras, because as officials, there's a certain dignity expected, and yet  I look like I have a coat hanger stuck in my mouth.

I took my place at first base and waited.  Here came the runner, here came the throw.  He's out!  Not a tough one.  Whew!  That's all I needed, I felt like a door opened and my 17 years of experience had kicked in.

And then - -  I am not making this up - - a butterfly flitted in front of me, from the field into the stands, and I laughed out loud.  You have to love the symbolism.  The butterfly was free.  And now, so was I.

The Panama team got an early lead.  I had a pretty close play at first and a ruling on a checked swing.  The crowd signaled its agreement or disagreement, depending on their designated seating area.

Language can be an issue.  Each team has translators in the dugout, but the base coaches do not necessarily speak English.  This can become a problem if the plate umpire is trying to give them a warning or remind them of their use of a time-out.

Then came the play all of the umpires had talked about, the moment we dreaded:  the video review.  Bases loaded and the ball was hit to the infield.  He went home to get the runner, then the catcher fired to first for the double-play attempt.  I anticipated the throw, had begun hustling into position, and was ready.  SAFE!

Hmmm.  Or maybe not.  We typically watch the runner's foot, listen for the pop of the ball in the glove, then look to the hand to make sure the fielder has control.  It was a very close play, and with this kind of stadium noise, it's very difficult to hear anything.  I knew immediately this would be a review play, and it was.

As it turned out, I was incorrect and the correct ruling was made.  Ouch.  Thank goodness the Little League officials had spent a great deal of time with us, explaining the replay was our friend.  Still, being on the first game, having the first call that was reviewed, and of course, being the only female officiating at the Little League World Series . . . it made it tough. 

The Panama coaches were very sweet and kept apologizing to me for questioning my call.  The translator explained to them that I didn't take it personally and in the end, we really want it to be the right call. 

None of us wants to be the reason a team missed their chance at the championship, so I'm ok with that. 

Game 1: Latin America v Carribean, 1st Base

Who forgets to set their alarm for a day like this?  Fortunately, my body clock kicked in and I woke up at 4:40 am, technically "oversleeping" a mere 40 minutes.  Kinda sick, don't you think?

So, here we go.  My biggest enemy will be butterflies.  In my opinion, 1st base is the most difficult position - - it's where most of the action occurs and for the umpire, there's no place to hide.  Everything you do (or don't do) is there for the whole world to see.  And today, the whole world is watching.

Butterflies make you react too quickly.  You're apt to make a call based on what you THINK is going to happen, versus what actually happened.  Former MLB umpire Jim Evans always says, "Anticipate the play, but not the result." 

That's why we umpires always say PAUSE - READ - REACT.

Our crew will have big adjustments to make today.  These are truly the best-of-the-best.  Talented athletes, some the size of adults, playing on a small, 60-foot field.  During their regular seasons, they were all pitchers and shortstops, the cream of the crop.  They will get to balls and make plays we umpires were not expecting.  The right fielder will come up throwing to get the batter-runner out at first.  They will be lightning on the basepath.  EVERY play will be a banger.

In short, we'll need to be alert, focused, and ready for anything.  And I must remember, the replay is not the enemy.  It's the 7th member of my crew.

My hope is that we have a good game whose outcome is determined by good play (and not errors), that none of the kids gets hurt, and that everyone enjoys this remarkable experience.

Oh, yeah.  And that those little butterflies stay home.