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. 

 

Random

• No matter what their native language, EVERYBODY knows what to do when the P.A. system plays "Take Me Out To The Ballgame."

• Best question so far:  "Did you ever swallow a gnat when you were umpiring?"  - - Carter, age 7

• As someone who's spent the last couple of decades in Florida, the terrain here has been a rude awakening for my calves. 

 Another beautiful morning as the grounds crew prepares the field at Volunteer Stadium. In the background is something the locals call "mountains."

 

The number of video reviews so far is outpacing previous years, thanks to plenty of close plays and managers who are more savy and comfortable with the process.  If it's a banger, some of them figure they have nothing to lose (although they must be mindful that their opportunities are limited). 

The review process adds a little more pressure, but as I've said before, we all want to make sure the ultimate decision is the right one.  Nonetheless, though we are not professionals, we take a lot of pride in our training and experience.  None of us wants to perform poorly here.  So far, the umpires are looking darn good -- more calls confirmed than reversed. 

These reviewed plays are all very, very close ones, and our decisions are rendered in real time.  We do not have the benefit of seeing the play in super slow-motion from 5 different angles.  Just sayin' . . .

My review #2 came on a real bang-bang play at second base Saturday night in the Great Lakes/Mid-West game.  My decision?  Out! 

It was the third out, and as ESPN went to commercial, I turned to walk back to my position on the field.  Please don't review, please don't review, please don't review.  You guessed it.  I looked up to see the coach heading toward home plate.

After what seemed like eternity (but was actually only about 30 seconds),
UIC Richard Muffley returned to the field and confirmed my call. 

Whew!

 

 

 

I must admit, it took me a while to figure this out.  The peanut I got right away.  The fluffy guy -- ok, that's popcorn, I think. 
But the dude on the far right????  I needed a little help on that one.

• Honda, a long-time LLWS Sponor, is introducing their latest innovation that every Little League mom will appreciate:  the Odyssey Minivan now comes equipped with its own vaccum.  As someone who had more than their share of infield dirt and post-game snacks to deal with, I say "Great idea, Honda!"  They promoted this with characters dressed as a popcorn kernel, a peanut, and what I finally deduced was a creepy looking vacuum cleaner head.

 



Many fun activities for the fans, both young and old. 
 

•  Every sponsor has a booth with some sort of interactive activity. Test your pitching arm, show off your hitting skills, or sign up for a chance to get your laundry washed, dried, and folded (I am NOT making this up).  And, of course, you can get the ubiquitous trading pin . . .



The experience of getting into the LLWS Gift Shop is a

lot like what you may have enjoyed at Disney World. 

 

 Looking for a souvenir?  We've got plenty here!  Hats, t-shirts, team jerseys, every sort of collectable you can imagine.  Trading pins and fancy bags to display them in.

  

Speaking of pins . . . well, that's a topic worthy of its own post.  Coming soon!

 

 

International Love

One of the really great experiences at the LLWS is seeing the teams and fans in the International Division.  Such enthusiasm!

Last year, the team from Uganda was the first team from Africa to make it to Williamsport, and what a story it was!  As you can imagine, their league back home was modestly equipped - - the kids practiced and played barefoot. 

So when they made it to the LLWS and were presented with new shoes, they had to tread (groan) lightly.  They practiced first with the right shoe on, then with the left shoe own.  Certainly didn't want to get blisters the first day.

When the first batter got a hit, the stadium erupted.  If you were watching at home, you had to feel something for those kids.

This year, the Czech Republic and Australia are making their debut, and they are pumped up!  These developing baseball programs are showing a lot of promise and a lot of heart.  They come to Williamsport with the same dreams as the others, but I'm sure their expectations are realistic.

One of my fellow umpires, John Ignacio, shared this exchange he had with the Czech coach during their game with Japan:

Coach:  You see scoreboard?
John:    Yeah?
Coach:  We make Japan play 6 innings.  That our goal.  We make champions play 6 innings!

Not only that, but they lost to the Canadian team by only one run.  The Czech team also has the only girl in this year's series, a catcher.  I would love to have had the plate assignment in one of their games so we could have had dueling pony tails.

The Australian team is so excited to be a part of the magic in Williamsport.  They are well-coached, focused, and clearly have a lot of talent -- they just haven't been able to string those hits together. 

Last night I watched the Japan-Chinese Taipei match-up, and it was the game you'd expect.  Disciplined teams, precise fundamentals, enthusiastic fans, a joy to watch.  Seeing the Chinese Taipei moms and dads dancing to "Cotton-Eyed Joe" was a special treat.

MVP of the game?  In my opinion, it was the P.A. Announcer at Lamade Stadium.  He didn't flub a single player's name . . . as if I would know.



Not sure if this is a fan or a team mascot, but he was definitely a photo op!



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.