The International and US Championship games were played on Saturday, and while the favored teams won - Taipei and US East - it was not exactly as expected. I was on third base for the International game, and though I did not have any close plays - there was a lot of activity around 3rd. It seemed like there was always a man on 3rd - and since the game was very tight - there was plenty of drama.
Venezuela got off to a great start, and led 2-0 after the first inning. It stayed that way until the 5th when Taipei put two men on with two out, and the next guy hit a long fly to straightaway center field. My job was to watch the runners at third base, and at first they went fast, then slow, then almost stopped, and finally they broke into a home run trot. The Center Fielder had his glove on the ball as he ran into the fence, and then the ball glanced off the glove and over - for a 3 run home run.
Venezuela came back and tied the game in the sixth, and it stayed that way until Taipei finally scored the winning run in the 8th inning on a passed ball. It was certainly the most exciting game of the tourney, and I felt like I was in the middle of the action almost all game long.
The US game was almost anti-climactic as US East easily pulled away from SouthEast, and won 15-2 in 5 innings. The excitement in this game came in the 4th inning when the SouthEast manager was ejected for arguing too long over a call on the base paths.
This sets up the World Championship game between US East and Taipei. For this game, I have been selected to be at first base - which is quite an honor - and I am truly honored to be part of the championship crew. The game will be broadcast at noon EDT on ESPN2 - check it out!
The
week is coming to a close, and it has been an incredible 10 days in
Taylor MI. The folks here have taken very good care of the umpires and
our families. And as I have said many times, the umpire crew is top
notch, and we are working well together on the field, and also enjoying
the time away from the field. I'll have more on my total feelings about
the tournament in a later post - right now I am still eagerly
anticipating the championship game on Sunday.
Saturday, August 19, 2017
International and US Championship games today
It's come down to 4 teams: Chinese Taipei vs Venezuela and US East vs US SouthEast. Venezuela overpowered Australia in the first game yesterday, winning 9-0 in 7 strong innings for the kids from Latin America. The US elimination game was very competitive, with North Carolina hanging on for a 5-3 victory over the team from Encinitas LL. I was on the right field line for the US game - no critical calls, but a great vantage point to see the game unfold. West took the lead early, only to give it back in the 3rd or 4th inning on a 2-run throwing error. They had a lot of runners on bases, but just couldn't get the right hit at the right time - and SouthEast held on.
Today's (Saturday) games will be at 3:00 EDT (International) and 6:00 EDT (US), with the winners moving on to the World Series Championship on Sunday at noon EDT (on ESPN2). I will be on 3rd base for the International game which is still streamed at www.ustream.tv/channel/jlws.
The most important thing, at least in my life, that happened on Friday, is that Marilyn arrived for the last 3 days of the series. She arrived at the field just before game time and so was able to watch me for the first time here in Taylor. It made the game just a bit more significant for me - it was more emotional for me knowing that she was here. I'm glad that she will have a couple days to enjoy the series and meet the great group of people that have been MY team over the past week. She took these pictures of me in Right Field during the US game.
One last item for today - in the umpire room, they have created a series of plaques in the ceiling with the umpires for each of the 38 years that the tournament has been running. I took pictures of the plaques for the other D12 umpires who have been to Taylor - Ralph Gianini in 2004 and Dan Campagnolo in 2006
And here is my plaque, with the names of of the entire crew. The picture is even more special because in the reflection of the plaque you can make out Orland King - who is known as the Legend of Taylor. At 93, he still umpires (a pitch or two), has been umpiring for 53 years, and was at the first Junior League World Series, and at every series since then.
Today's (Saturday) games will be at 3:00 EDT (International) and 6:00 EDT (US), with the winners moving on to the World Series Championship on Sunday at noon EDT (on ESPN2). I will be on 3rd base for the International game which is still streamed at www.ustream.tv/channel/jlws.
The most important thing, at least in my life, that happened on Friday, is that Marilyn arrived for the last 3 days of the series. She arrived at the field just before game time and so was able to watch me for the first time here in Taylor. It made the game just a bit more significant for me - it was more emotional for me knowing that she was here. I'm glad that she will have a couple days to enjoy the series and meet the great group of people that have been MY team over the past week. She took these pictures of me in Right Field during the US game.
One last item for today - in the umpire room, they have created a series of plaques in the ceiling with the umpires for each of the 38 years that the tournament has been running. I took pictures of the plaques for the other D12 umpires who have been to Taylor - Ralph Gianini in 2004 and Dan Campagnolo in 2006
And here is my plaque, with the names of of the entire crew. The picture is even more special because in the reflection of the plaque you can make out Orland King - who is known as the Legend of Taylor. At 93, he still umpires (a pitch or two), has been umpiring for 53 years, and was at the first Junior League World Series, and at every series since then.
Friday, August 18, 2017
Final Elimination games today
Wednesday was a light day for me, but not for the teams. There were 4 games played - 2 were elimination games, and 2 were between the remaining unbeaten teams. The results of those 4 games left Taipei and US East as the unbeaten teams going into Saturday's International and US Championship games.
The loser bracket games were supposed to be played yesterday (Thursday), but rain forced a rescheduling to Friday. Coming out of the loser brackets will be the winners of today's games between Australia and Venezuela and between US Southeast and West. Both games today should be very competitive as these teams have each lost once, and have all beaten good teams on their way to today.
I will be on the right field line for the last game of the day, and after that game, we will know which teams will be in the Saturday Championship games, and which umpires will be working those games.
With the rain delay yesterday, the umpires took time to get together for a dinner out.
We have bonded together as a great group of umpires and friends. It is good to know that when you go out on the field with your crew, that you can count on them to be in the right place, and to make the right call.
It is tough to recall that I arrived in Taylor a week ago today. So much has happened, and yet, it seems like yesterday. There are 3 more days of games before the Series comes to an end. Wish it could go on for another week or so.
The loser bracket games were supposed to be played yesterday (Thursday), but rain forced a rescheduling to Friday. Coming out of the loser brackets will be the winners of today's games between Australia and Venezuela and between US Southeast and West. Both games today should be very competitive as these teams have each lost once, and have all beaten good teams on their way to today.
I will be on the right field line for the last game of the day, and after that game, we will know which teams will be in the Saturday Championship games, and which umpires will be working those games.
With the rain delay yesterday, the umpires took time to get together for a dinner out.
We have bonded together as a great group of umpires and friends. It is good to know that when you go out on the field with your crew, that you can count on them to be in the right place, and to make the right call.
It is tough to recall that I arrived in Taylor a week ago today. So much has happened, and yet, it seems like yesterday. There are 3 more days of games before the Series comes to an end. Wish it could go on for another week or so.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Plate experience at Jr League World Series
About 4:00 Tuesday afternoon, I put the ball in play for the game between the Czech Republic and Canada. The moments leading up to that event are among the key memories I will take back with me from the World Series. Each member of the umpire crew will have had 1 plate experience by the end of Wednesday's games. In my case, I had 2 days to look forward to 'my' game.
As the crew assembled prior to the game, I wanted to make sure that I was prepared, and that our team was ready to do the best we could for the players. Over the past couple days, we have each done several games and we've worked with each other at different positions. It was important to me that I do everything I could to have the umpires be the best yet. So, we had a small meeting in the umpire room, where we covered some of the more nuanced situations that have come up - just to make sure we were all on the same page if something different popped up - because, after all it is Little League, and in Little League, there is always something new in every game.
As we gathered outside the gate to enter the field, I took a deep breath, looked around, and just soaked in the moment - being behind the plate at a world series game! I shook off my nervous energy, wiped my misty eyes and walked onto the field.
My very closest friend, Terry, came in from Chicago to spend a couple days with me - here's a picture he took during the game.
The game itself was very exciting. The lead went back and forth until the Czech Republic finally hung on for a 10-9 victory - with the winning run scored in the bottom of the 6th. The game was moving along at a brisk pace until the 6th inning, when Canada scored 5 runs to take a 4 run lead, and then the Czechs came back with 5 of their own to regain their one run advantage. That inning just seemed to take forever.
Early in the game, we had two Czech players get slightly injured, one by a thrown ball and one getting hit by a pitch. They were both replaced by substitutes, which caused quite a bit of confusion when the coach wanted to send the starters back into the game (you need to understand Little League substitution rules to understand why that could not be allowed). It took some time to unwind the mistake, and we then had to hold up the game for the scorekeeper to get back into his post on the 3rd floor - this may have been the first time that time was called for a scorekeeper :)
When the game ended, and the crew walked off the field, I felt good knowing that we had done our best.
The tournament continues with 4 games today (Wednesday). My only assignment is at 2nd base on the last game of the day. By some quirk of scheduling, my game assignments were front loaded - I was in 7 of the first 10 games, so today, I get a bit of a rest.
As the crew assembled prior to the game, I wanted to make sure that I was prepared, and that our team was ready to do the best we could for the players. Over the past couple days, we have each done several games and we've worked with each other at different positions. It was important to me that I do everything I could to have the umpires be the best yet. So, we had a small meeting in the umpire room, where we covered some of the more nuanced situations that have come up - just to make sure we were all on the same page if something different popped up - because, after all it is Little League, and in Little League, there is always something new in every game.
As we gathered outside the gate to enter the field, I took a deep breath, looked around, and just soaked in the moment - being behind the plate at a world series game! I shook off my nervous energy, wiped my misty eyes and walked onto the field.
My very closest friend, Terry, came in from Chicago to spend a couple days with me - here's a picture he took during the game.
The game itself was very exciting. The lead went back and forth until the Czech Republic finally hung on for a 10-9 victory - with the winning run scored in the bottom of the 6th. The game was moving along at a brisk pace until the 6th inning, when Canada scored 5 runs to take a 4 run lead, and then the Czechs came back with 5 of their own to regain their one run advantage. That inning just seemed to take forever.
Early in the game, we had two Czech players get slightly injured, one by a thrown ball and one getting hit by a pitch. They were both replaced by substitutes, which caused quite a bit of confusion when the coach wanted to send the starters back into the game (you need to understand Little League substitution rules to understand why that could not be allowed). It took some time to unwind the mistake, and we then had to hold up the game for the scorekeeper to get back into his post on the 3rd floor - this may have been the first time that time was called for a scorekeeper :)
When the game ended, and the crew walked off the field, I felt good knowing that we had done our best.
The tournament continues with 4 games today (Wednesday). My only assignment is at 2nd base on the last game of the day. By some quirk of scheduling, my game assignments were front loaded - I was in 7 of the first 10 games, so today, I get a bit of a rest.
Monday, August 14, 2017
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:
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.
The games began...and I'm beat
On Monday the games began - with four games spaced out every 3 hours. The umpires were assigned to games based on a special algorithm that is not comprehensible outside of Taylor MI - so I won't try to write it down...Suffice it to say that some guys had two games - e.g. the first and the last; some had two games in a row; and one member of the crew, yours truly, did 2 games, took a break, and had the nightcap as well. I was pretty well beat by the time the last game was over...but here I am at 1:00am starting this blog.
After the games, the festivities don't stop. The good folks from Taylor know how to put on a party. There is a hospitality 'suite', which is really the hotel conference center, where the adults connected to the series get together for a meet and greet, and so much more. Team managers, coaches, parents and friends join the staff and the umpires for a couple hours of eating, drinking and fundraising. Little League International provides some financial support for Jr League World Series, but they raise a lot of funds on their own...and the nightly hospitality session is a chance to auction off 'one of a kind' memorabilia - signed balls, bats, jerseys, etc.
In my three games on Sunday, I had a couple close plays (one especially at third base on a throw from right field that caught the runner from first going to third on a single - good throw by the Australian right fielder). The hardest part of the day was keeping track of the new rotations that we are following here at Taylor - I'm pretty sure I got them correct.
Monday is a lighter day for me - right field for the 1:00 game and alternate for the 7:00 game. That should give the old bones a day to recuperate.
I found out that there is a streaming site for the games, so if you are interested in following any of the games, you can do it here:
After the games, the festivities don't stop. The good folks from Taylor know how to put on a party. There is a hospitality 'suite', which is really the hotel conference center, where the adults connected to the series get together for a meet and greet, and so much more. Team managers, coaches, parents and friends join the staff and the umpires for a couple hours of eating, drinking and fundraising. Little League International provides some financial support for Jr League World Series, but they raise a lot of funds on their own...and the nightly hospitality session is a chance to auction off 'one of a kind' memorabilia - signed balls, bats, jerseys, etc.
In my three games on Sunday, I had a couple close plays (one especially at third base on a throw from right field that caught the runner from first going to third on a single - good throw by the Australian right fielder). The hardest part of the day was keeping track of the new rotations that we are following here at Taylor - I'm pretty sure I got them correct.
Monday is a lighter day for me - right field for the 1:00 game and alternate for the 7:00 game. That should give the old bones a day to recuperate.
I found out that there is a streaming site for the games, so if you are interested in following any of the games, you can do it here:
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Opening Cermonies - and so much more
Saturday, the tournament started to feel real for me. The umpires met in the afternoon to go over several items:
1. Ground Rules
2. Game management
3. Opening Ceremonies
4. and....game assignments - at least for the first 2 days
We heard from the Chief Umpire - George Glick (who by the way has been doing this job since the tournament started in 1981!) - how he wants the games to run. I'm not going to go into all the details, but suffice it to say that George has a certain way he wants us positioned at each base. Some of the positioning is standard for 4-man crews, but we are doing 6-man crews, and there are some subtleties that we will need to follow. It took a while, but I think we are all on the same page...we'll find out tomorrow.
We then talked about Opening Ceremonies, and our role (more below). After going over the details, we received our new uniforms, and then our game assignments. I have 3 games on Sunday, starting at 11:00 am EDT (and continuing every 3 hours). My schedule for Sunday i:
11:00 - Left Field
2:00 - 2nd base
5:00 - off
8:00 - 3rd base
Monday is not quite as hectic:
1:00 - Right Field
4:00 - off
7:00 - Alternate
After all the meetings, we got into our uniforms for Opening Ceremonies and had some time to take in the feel of the stadium and even got some pictures.
Here's me at home plate:
Same shot - without me in the way
And then, the other direction - looking in from center field. The Umpire room is on the second floor - towards first base
Finally, it was time for Opening Ceremonies. The umpires were lined up outside the field, and as our name was called, we went to a flag stand lining the infield - one for each of the 11 Regions in the tournament. When my name was called, I got pretty emotional as I ran onto the field. I have been dreaming of, and working twards this moment for 24 years. There were plenty of times when I wasn't sure I would make it - and to finally be in the World Series is very significant. I know this is a once in a lifetime moment for me, and I am enjoying it immensely.
After we were in place, the players were introduced - and walked around the field - like the parade of nations at the Olympics. Each team stood by an umpire, and the anthem of each country was played as they came in. For the US regions - an appropriate song from their state was played.
Below is the field with the teams lined up after everyone was in.
After the parade of teams, we had the national anthem, the Little League pledge, the ceremonial first pitch and a great fireworks show...and the night was over.
I'm sure the players and coaches will remember this night for a long time - I know I will. Tomorrow, the games begin -
1. Ground Rules
2. Game management
3. Opening Ceremonies
4. and....game assignments - at least for the first 2 days
We heard from the Chief Umpire - George Glick (who by the way has been doing this job since the tournament started in 1981!) - how he wants the games to run. I'm not going to go into all the details, but suffice it to say that George has a certain way he wants us positioned at each base. Some of the positioning is standard for 4-man crews, but we are doing 6-man crews, and there are some subtleties that we will need to follow. It took a while, but I think we are all on the same page...we'll find out tomorrow.
We then talked about Opening Ceremonies, and our role (more below). After going over the details, we received our new uniforms, and then our game assignments. I have 3 games on Sunday, starting at 11:00 am EDT (and continuing every 3 hours). My schedule for Sunday i:
11:00 - Left Field
2:00 - 2nd base
5:00 - off
8:00 - 3rd base
Monday is not quite as hectic:
1:00 - Right Field
4:00 - off
7:00 - Alternate
After all the meetings, we got into our uniforms for Opening Ceremonies and had some time to take in the feel of the stadium and even got some pictures.
Here's me at home plate:
Same shot - without me in the way
And then, the other direction - looking in from center field. The Umpire room is on the second floor - towards first base
Finally, it was time for Opening Ceremonies. The umpires were lined up outside the field, and as our name was called, we went to a flag stand lining the infield - one for each of the 11 Regions in the tournament. When my name was called, I got pretty emotional as I ran onto the field. I have been dreaming of, and working twards this moment for 24 years. There were plenty of times when I wasn't sure I would make it - and to finally be in the World Series is very significant. I know this is a once in a lifetime moment for me, and I am enjoying it immensely.
After we were in place, the players were introduced - and walked around the field - like the parade of nations at the Olympics. Each team stood by an umpire, and the anthem of each country was played as they came in. For the US regions - an appropriate song from their state was played.
Below is the field with the teams lined up after everyone was in.
After the parade of teams, we had the national anthem, the Little League pledge, the ceremonial first pitch and a great fireworks show...and the night was over.
I'm sure the players and coaches will remember this night for a long time - I know I will. Tomorrow, the games begin -
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