Competition is heating up

Well, all of the teams have finally played at least one game.  Out of the 7 first round games, some have been close some, not so close, but all entertaining.   One of the best moments for me was during Canada's initial game with Puerto Rico.  It was starting to get a little one-sided when the Canadian shortstop mentioned to me (I was the 2nd base umpire for that game) that they would certainly beat Puerto Rico in hockey!  These kids have such a great attitude and are having a wonderful time - it is truly an honor to be a part of their once in a lifetime experience.

My assignments to date have been all over the field - everywhere but home plate and first base.  That will change tomorrow when I am behind home for the game between the Czech Republic and Canada.  The winner keeps playing; the loser will be done for the tournament.  I'm looking forward to a good game - I was on the field for each of their first games, and this should be a very competitive game.

If you are interested in watching, the game will be streamed at the Jr LWS online tv site at:

www.ustream.tv/channel/jlws.  Game time is 4:00 EDT on Tuesday.

In addition to the games, there is the nightly hospitality room, where we get a chance to mingle with the managers, coaches and parents of all the teams.  The folks at Taylor use this as a great fundraising event as well - auctioning off everything from jerseys to baseballs to signed bats, and anything else that is representative of the world series

I have a number of people coming out to support me at the tournament.  My District Administrator, Jenice Condie - who I have known and worked with in Little League for about 20 years - came in yesterday and will stay through the tournament.  Since I have know Jenice a long time, and since she goes to all the tournaments where one of her umpires is working, I just assumed that all DAs did the same.  I found out that this is not the case.  Those of us who have Jenice as our DA are truly blessed by her passion to Little League and her commitment to the people around her.  There are umpires in the series who have DAs who are within 500 miles of Taylor, and they are not here - it is just one indication of Jenice's commitment that she is here to support me and share these fun times with me.

Tomorrow, Terry Barrington, my best friend for the past 50+ years, is going to be coming for a couple days to hang out and watch me ump.  For as long as I have known Terry, and for as long as I have been umpiring, the two have never crossed paths - so I am thrilled to have him here for a couple days. 

And then on Friday, Marilyn will be joining me for the final weekend.  I can't wait to share these times with her.  We talk several times a day, but as much as I try to convey the feeling of the series, she will have to be here to fully share the experiences - I can't wait.