Well, it's all over, even the shouting

Yep, the Tournament is over - and Arizona is heading to Taylor, Michigan for the Junior World Series. Maybe someday I'll be headed there too, but for now, I'm headed home and back to a dose of reality.

The game was extremely well played - Arizona's pitching and defense were too much for Hawaii, and in the end it was a couple mistakes by Hawaii's defense that made the difference in the game. There were no issues in the game; no close calls - oh, a couple bangers here and there - but mostly because the crew wanted to do something in the final. The only call I had was in the 6th inning when AZ tried to steal third, and was out by 2 or 3 feet. Kevin called a great game behind the dish, and it was all over in less than 2 hours.

I have some pictures of the game and the crew that I'll post in a couple days - when I'm back home and can transfer pictures from the camera to my laptop. Marilyn came down for the last 2 days, camera in hand.

And then, it was over. The crew went out for a bite and a pint after the game; rehashed some of the fun and exciting moments of the tournament; and then said our good-byes. Some of us will do games together again in the near future - some of us may see each other at future tournaments. But we will all remember our time together in Aliso Viejo at the 2009 Junior League Western Regional.

The tournament hosts - Aliso Viejo LL and the staff of D55 did an outstanding job. I have been talking to Jenice (D12 DA) about the possibility of having D12 host the tournament the next 2 years. She was here helping Tamara (the D55 DA) and found out a lot about what it takes to host a tournament of this size and nature. I think we would do a great job - she just needs a league in the district to step up and want to do it.

One of the fascinating side shows of the tournament is the pin exchange and trading. I have never been aware of the amount of interest in trading and collecting LL pins, but, boy, was I in the middle of it here. I just looked over the pins that I was given during the tournament and I now have a collection that spans all 10 states and many many districts and leagues. Marilyn's going to help me build a home for all of these pins, and the others that I have amassed over the years. Who knows, maybe someday you'll see me out there trading with the others - but don't hold your breath.

And now, all I have left are the memories - but they are wonderful memories. This was an amazing adventure, and I enjoyed every step along the way. A couple of us were talking after the first day how much it meant to be here, and how much we wanted to savor the moments - because we knew that it would be over way too quickly. We were right - it seems like just yesterday when we first met and found out who was on our team. Now, 9 days and 33 games later, we have learned so much. We have become better umpires. And, we have become friends along the way.

To my fellow regional umpires, I say - Great Job all! It was an honor and a privilege being on the field with you. See you again at a game soon.