Postscript - Part 1

So today Arizona was the first team knocked out of the Intermediate World Series.  They will have one more game as a consolation against the first team knocked out of the international bracket.  I do like that they do this now, everyone gets three games.  It's how Uganda played an American team last year that was a joy to watch and I'm sure it will be an experience for both teams to show that no matter the language, no matter the distance, something like baseball makes the world a smaller place and ties us together in a common language.

I friended a mom of one of the kids from Idaho that I got to know decently yesterday on Facebook.  They were the first people I met in Irvine.  I was out looking at the fields, starting to run through some game situation rotations in my head when this family walks up, mom, dad and a bunch of kids.  We get to talking and I find out they are from Idaho and Brady and Seth are on the team.  Well, they aren't twins so I ask about ages on the team.  Everyone was 13 except for Seth, who was 12 and Brady was the team catcher.  Cool.

We talk for about 45 minutes until Cal, the dad, has to run to get his affidavits verified and we part ways.  I finally run into Tamara who lets me know about the hotel and I go check in.  I get to the hotel at the same time that my roommate, Jerry from Turlock, gets there so I am saved from running my debit card which had almost no money on it as I am not planning on getting breakfast in bed or renting Land Before Time 52 on PPV.  Cool.

So my first game behind the plate was for the host team, Northwood Little League, verses Idaho.  Northwood won the game 12-3.  Cal came out and questioned a bat (the other game had a 2 hour, 17 minute delay about an illegal bat) I tell him it's legal, we get the crew together and we all say it is legal, he protests, which is his right, the Tournament Director says the bat is illegal so Mike, the manager of the other team wants to check with Williamsport at that point.  It comes back that the bat is alloy and legal in Intermediate.  Cal was very gracious and game goes on, 15 minutes later.  The other game was still in protest at that point.

Brady was a great catcher.  I didn't get hit once in two games behind him so I like catchers like that.  I also make it a point to talk to my catcher, get to know them a bit, and take care of them because they take care of me.  Brady was great.  We talked a bit.  They were from Fort Worth originally but took a 2 week vacation up to Idaho and ended up staying.  Long vacation.

I got to talk with Cal and Brady a couple more times during the week and it was always a pleasant chat. I am really glad I got to meet them.

So like I said, I friended Cal's wife cause I'd like to follow the career of Brady and Seth because they played with great skill and heart.  So I get a message today from Cal and I am in awe.  It is amazing the impact we can make in one week.  I'm glad I'm an umpire.  Here's the message (it's on my facebook timeline so it wasn't private):

Tony, by far my favorite umpire I have ever met! It was an honor and a privilege to have you umpire our games in Irvine. I appreciated your skill and commitment, but more so I greatly appreciated your humble attitude and your demeanor towards the kids. You are a class act all the way! Anytime you are ready to umpire some games in Idaho you let me know...you are welcome here anytime.

Hey, that play against Arizona you mentioned on your blog......it completely fooled me too. dang...they are good.

We were in over our heads, but you and the other umpires were great and made us feel like we belonged there....

Thank You Tony, You deserve every opportunity you get. Great job keeping up with the blog, I enjoyed reading it.

If you ever see Cliff and Matt, let them know they are second and third on my list..... I loved that crew when you were together. Great Job to your entire team.

Cal Bateman
Bonners Ferry, Idaho

---------

I'm glad they were there.  They belonged, not just because we made them feel that way but because they played the game the way it is supposed to be played.  Thank you for your kind words Cal.  It is nice to hear that the parents who are booing me (which really doesn't happen but it is an umpire rite of passage) aren't the only ones with opinions out there.

I had another blog planned for today but that will have to wait, so I guess I'm not done :)  Games start tomorrow out in San Bernardino -- my favorite time of the year is here!

Day 7: Championship 2nd Base

Any team can beat any other team on any given day.  That has been the best lesson of this tournament.

Day 7: 2nd base

Arizona came out hot, Hawaii did not.  Hawaii had some really tough plays that they have been making all week but did not make yesterday, bobbles by the second baseman and shortstop.  The rest of the week, the middle infield have been vacuum cleaners, getting everything, throwing everyone out. They were still very good but they weren't making the plays they have been all week.  So Arizona went up in the first.  Hawaii kept it close.  So going into the top of the 7th, Arizona was up 5-3.  Hawaii got runners on second and third with some very timely hitting then scored on a beautiful suicide squeeze, making it 5-4.  Next batter comes up and and hits a sacrifice fly, making it 5-5.  Third out and Arizona gets to bat.  First batter hits a screamer to center field where the runner circles first and comes to second.  The throw comes in and... huge SAFE call.  My biggest call of the day in the biggest moment of the game to that point.   Strike out.  Passed ball gets runner to third.  Batter walks.  Runners on first and third, one out.  The batter is given the sign for a suicide squeeze (we were told after the game) so the runners were off on the pitch.  The batter missed the sign and swings away and bloops one behind the shortstop to end the game.  Arizona goes crazy, the batter runs halfway to first then turns around to start celebrating and then gets told to get to first base and touch so the game ends.  Even if he never made it to first and they threw it down, it was only the second out (although that would be an interesting situation --if they tag the runner past second on his way to celebrate then throw to first for the force, then no run would score and the game would continue -- that would be a huge Merkel replay.)

So the semi-finals and finals of this regional tournament was really some of the best baseball I have ever seen.  I am glad i was able to be on the field to be part of it.

Some of the things that our evaluators said was it was amazing to see the growth of our umpire crew between last Friday and yesterday in regards to our teamwork and rotations.  I will say that I grew so much this week as an umpire.  One of the biggest things is that all my hard work this season paid off -- this tournament showed me that I can hang with some of the best umpires out there and hold my own.  I performed well in high-pressure situations (although I thought the Alta Loma Sub-Division game behind the plate was more pressure for me than everything but the championship yesterday) and I wasn't afraid to call the tough outs and the tough safes.  My strike zone was better this week than it has been all year.  This tournament really has been my best work if I say so myself -- the results of 5 months of way too many games during the regular season and post season.

That sounds egotistical but I don't mean it that way.  Everything just clicked this week.

Right to Left: Scott (Right Field A), Jerry (First Base), Matt (Plate), Me (2nd Base), Dave (3rd base),
Ken, (Left Field A), Clif (Left Field B), Hussein (Right Field B)

So after the game, we sat down and the evaluators (Paul and John) said, "Ummm... we got nothing."  Everyone had an important call yesterday, even the outfield lines.  Everyone was in the action.  Everyone performed stellar and most important, everyone was invisible for the game.  The kids decided the game, not any one of our calls.  Matt did a fantastic job behind the plate.  I am proud to have been part of this crew and wish Arizona luck as they take on the world next week.  Enjoy Disneyland today though. You've earned it.  Me, I've earned going home and reuniting the family as we spent the week in three different parts of the country.  Can't wait.

I'm sure there will be at least one more blog with further thoughts but the games are done. Thank you for your encouragement and support this season.  Thank you to my wife for letting me make her a baseball widow way too much this season. I love you!

Day 6: Semi-Final 1st Base

Day 6: First Base

Ok, I want to start with an event that happened in yesterday’s game that is really funny – two actually.  I don’t think I mentioned either one.

First game yesterday and I am at first base.  I had the chance to ask the right fielder if they had a team pin.  He confirmed they did and I said I’d love to trade one.  He said he would bring one out in the next inning.  Next inning he says, “oh, I forgot.”  No problem, you can bring it out next inning.  By the way, here’s my pin.  Cool.

So next inning, I’m at first and the kid comes up to bat.  His coach gives him the pin and tells him, “You’ve got to reach first somehow to give it to him.”  So the kid strikes out but the third strike is in the dirt.  Problem is that first base is occupied so as he is running down to first base, I am pounding him out with a “he’s out, he’s out, he’s still out.”  He runs to the base and stops in front of me, pulls out the pin, hands it to me and runs back to the dugout.  Everyone got a kick out of that.  Good thing the game did not affect the semi-finals as Oregon and Northwood were both out of the picture by this point.  It was probably the second funniest thing to happen to me this tournament.

The first happened when I was at the plate.  It was the top of the third inning, first pitch of the inning.  The curve ball was so beautiful that I began my strike three call, caught myself and put the hammer up for strike one.  For the most part, nobody by my base umpires and the announcer caught it but we all had big smiles on our faces after that.  Not even a two-strike punchout, a one pitch punchout.  First time I’ve ever done that.

So on to today.

The game was Northern California vs. Hawaii.  In my mind, Hawaii was going to win the game, probably in 5 by mercy.  That is why we play the game though.  The pitcher for Northern California was throwing bb’s.  Hawaii couldn’t really hit him at all today.  So Northern California scores one in the first.  In the bottom of the first, Hawaii has 1 out and a runner on 2^nd and third.  The batter hits a pop fly to center that looks like it is going to be a nice sacrifice fly.  Centerfielder winds up and guns it home, beating the runner by a couple of steps for the third out at the plate.  So the game goes scoreless through 4.  In the bottom of the 5^th Hawaii finally pushed a run across.  So it is 1-1 through 6.  Through 7.  Through 8.  In the bottom of the 8^th, Hawaii has 2^nd and 3^rd, 2 outs.  The catcher bobbles a ball behind the plate and the runner on 3^rd begins charging home.  The catcher throws to third and now has the runner in a pickle.  The runner is daring the players to throw the ball and gets tagged by the pitcher on the way home.  Inning over.  In the 9^th Hawaii starts off the inning with a kid hitting a blast to centerfield.  He starts his homerun trot with hands extended and thumbs up when the ball gets pushed by the wind and stays in the field.  He has to book it and slides into second base, safe only because the shortstop cannot handle the throw from center.  Well, Hawaii works him over to third and he scores on a passed ball.  Game over.  9 innings, 2-1.  Best game of the entire tournament.

Second game I was behind the gate watching.  Arizona played their heart out and sent Lennox home.  Ultimately, today proved that this is why you play the game.  So tomorrow’s game is Arizona vs. Hawaii, a rematch of the game I had behind the plate on Sunday.  Tomorrow the game is at 11 am and I am on 2^nd base for the championship game.  I am humbled to be there with so many great umpires at this tournament.  Matt French is behind the dish and will do a fantastic job.  He is  a great umpire and will do us all proud.

This has been a great end of my favorite year of umpiring yet.  The kids, the coaches, the tournament staff and my fellow umpires have all been great – not a single ego on the umpire staff that gets hurt.  We all love doing this so I love working with this crew.  I am excited to work tomorrow and send one of these teams off to Livermore.

Day 5: End of the Pool

Day 5: Plate and 1^st Base

Today was the last day of pool play.  What a great day for baseball in Irvine.  The weather was perfect with a warm sun and a chilly sea breeze.  The games were quick but not at the same time.  I couldn’t believe the clock when we walked off because the first game seemed so much longer.  Let me get into the games.

First game: Idaho vs. Hawaii, Plate

Hawaii is a very solid team.  When they played against the host team, the manager said that they lost the game during warm ups.  Not only are they the most disciplined team out here both offensively and defensively, they are one of the best teams out here based off of sportsmanship and attitude.  They played Idaho today, a team I have talked about before.  As part of my pre-game, I started off that I have really appreciated both teams and their attitudes, both being some of the best out here.  Of course, I have done 2 plates for Hawaii and 2 plates for Idaho so I have seen both of them.

The game was out of hand in the first inning.  Hawaii scored 8 in the first.  Idaho didn’t have a runner through 3 innings.  It was 13-0 after 3 and a half (Hawaii is the visiting team.)  In  the bottom of the 4^th, the first batter got on and then the catcher, Brady got a hit.  They ended up scoring 4 in the 4^th.  Great heart.  Hawaii ended up scoring more and the final score ended up being 22-4 but Brady Batemon went 2 for 3.  I told him if Hawaii ends up winning the World Series, he can say he went 2 for 3 against the best team in the world.  Of course, Hawaii has to win Regionals first and then get past everyone else to get there so we’ll see.  The game ended up going 5 innings mercy in 2:15 minutes but it sure seemed like a 3 hour game. 

Things worked on:  I spent more time down before standing up after calling a ball, working on my timing.  My strike zone is good from everything I see.  My timing has been my downfall and I think I made major steps today.  What I need to work on more is working from point-of-plate and moving from where the ball comes from.  I was grossly out of position on one call at the plate today.  I got it right but it could have been an easier sell if I was in the right position. 

Second game:  Host team, Northwood LL, District 55 vs. Oregon, first base.

Mike (Northwood manager) and Phil (Oregon manager) were two of the most personable managers out here for this tournament.  The game was well played but ended up being lopsided. Northwood won 7-0 but Oregon had a great attitude today.  I had a good time on first base though.

Things worked on:  I spent more time waiting to call out and safe calls at first, double-checking the catch to verify it isn’t off in right field.  I did take major steps on that today.  I also spent more time going through situations in my head as to where I would move if the ball is hit here, here or there.

I received my evaluation today and I got very good marks.  I received 2 2’s (1’s are best, 5’s are worst, nobody really gets ones or fives) – one in something I forgot and the other in attitude.  They said I was I took constructive criticism well.  Best part is that I did well enough to qualify for a World Series tournament when I apply for it.  They told us all today that usually you can say there are the top 2 or 3 umpires, the middle ground, and then the bottom 2 or 3 umpires.  With our crew, the difference between us was minimal (although in my opinion Cliff is the gold standard).  I could really tell though that we have a great crew and it has truly been a pleasure to be part of this inaugural crew.

Tonight, Dave, his wife and his grandson took me out to dinner to a place called Gulliver’s.  Talk about absolutely amazing food.  Holy cow!  It must have been because that was some of the best prime rib I have ever tasted.  I went to umpire school with Dave and his grandson David and I have really liked working with him. I have been taking him back and forth from the hotel each day so it was his way of saying thank you.  It was more than I ever expected.  Thank you Dave for dinner.  I am still in awe of the meal.

So tomorrow, I am at 1^st base for the Hawaii/Northern California game.  The game is at 10:00 am.  The 1:00 game is Southern California and Arizona and I will be behind the gate in umpire evaluations.  I have been joking about announcing but I’d really like to – I’ll have to bribe Danny to let me do it some.

Tomorrow and Friday.  That’s it.  I think I blinked too many times.

Day 4: 2nd and 3rd

So yesterday, Monday, was a rain day in case we had make up games, which we did not, so it was a day off.  It was nice having a day off to do laundry, relax, and get up to San Bernardino to watch some Major Softball games.  It was relaxing.

Game 1: 2nd Base

I started my new rotation today.  I got to stay with Cliff and he is still amazing.  My new crew members are Matt, a 19 year old guy with a lot of experience and a great umpire, and Dave Raney, a ** year old guy with tons of experience.  Both of them are on their district staffs, so they help coordinate umpires, train umpires, and be professional.  They are great.  Matt was behind the plate for the Hawaii/Oregon game.  Hawaii ended up winning 19-1 and put the breaks on in the 4th inning, but they were pouring it on a bit after the Oregon team started using their catchphrase in a sarcastic manner.  It was in fun I think but it fired up a slow starting Hawaii team to score a ton of runs in the later innings.  Hawaii had a pretty good attitude through it all though.  Matt really is a fantastic umpire.

The crew did really well.  Matt ended up believing by the end of the game that Cliff and I were the good luck charms as both of our games ended before the other field, like every other game this week except one have done.  It is pretty funny that way :)

 Dave was behind the plate for the District 55 Host team and Arizona game.  Arizona beat them pretty handily, 11-1 with the 11th run coming across in the bottom of the 5th for an anti-climatic ending.  Dave went to Western Regional Umpire School with me back in 2012 with his grandson who umpires also.  He didn't think he did well with his game management but he did very well and kept the game moving.  I really, really like working with this crew as we have years and years and years of umpiring experience and the youthful exuberance of a 19 year old kid ready to take on the world with his immense talent and personality.

Saturday night, Dave shared that an umpire who went to umpire school with us, Bob, passed away in May.  Bob was the life of the school, with his energy and friendliness.  I really, really liked working with him on our team and I was heartbroken to hear of his passing.  The world lost a great man and a fantastic umpire.

Tomorrow I am on the plate for the Hawaii/Idaho game at 9 and then on first for the Oregon/District 55 game at 12:30.  Last day of pool play.  I'm ot ready for it to be done but I need to spend the next 5 months to be with my family before umpire season starts again.  Next year won't be the non-stop umpiring it was this year but I will miss it when I put the gear away on Saturday.

Day 3: First and Plate

Day 3:
First game was Idaho and Oregon.  Idaho came out big and won in 7, 12-4.  Both teams played well, had good attitudes and were a joy to work with.  I have been spending the last couple of days saying what I have been doing wrong and how it is going to affect me in the future but I wanted to spend today telling you about what I have enjoyed today.  Occasionally I get to connect with a kid playing for a moment or two and it makes it that much more enjoyable.  In this game I was on first base and outside the fence were two kids and their dad.  The older of the two, probably 3 years old, was calling out to me in between pitches and I'd turn and smile.  Between innings I did the major no-no and went and talked to him, asking about his trucks and talking about his shirt that had a firetruck on it.  It was a short 30 second talk but it was great to do.  The dad looked happy and I think the kid is going to have a positive outlook of umpires for a while.
One of the players from Idaho is the substitute (they have 10 players).  He pitched yesterday so I told him he did a good job out there.  Today there was a homerun hit over his head.  We talked in between innings and he mentioned that he wanted a ball hit to him but not one like that.  I told him that Oregon was making fun of their center fielder yesterday for not being able to jump 25 feet to catch those homeruns.  Nice moment.
One of the things they told us today was to take a moment to smile, to take a moment and turn around and enjoy the beauty.  Me, I am the type of guy to enjoy the moment as it is so this was something I do.  I have enjoyed working as an umpire in the biggest tournament of my life thus far but I think I have enjoyed most working with great umpires and working two games a day for a week which has been amazing.

The second game was one of the premier games of the tournament, Arizona and Hawaii.  I was on the plate for this one.  The game lived up to the hype as it started off 3-2 Arizona, then a one run shot to make it 3-3, then a 3 run shot by Hawaii to make it 6-3 and ending 7-3.  The game was extremely competitive and well played, high on emotions but also high on good sportsmanship.  I had good report with the catchers, talking with them, taking care of them as they took care of me.  The Arizona catcher asked me what I felt about the hotel as he has seen me there in the pool so we talked about that for a bit.  I enjoy talking with my catchers and calling them by name (it is on the lineup card usually) and treating them like young adults. 

So at one point today I had one of the coaches from a team come up to me and say that I was probably his favorite umpire that he has met all year and that it was great having games where he didn't have to worry about the umpires because they were doing their job.  I don't base my abilities off of what coaches say because those opinions change from call to call but it is really nice to hear we are appreciated. 

Overall, this was a day to appreciate the opportunity, look at the bright side and enjoy the moment.  I appreciate Dave for recommending me, Western Region for choosing me and Paul and John for hosting a great tournament.  I can't wait to start back up on Tuesday!

Tuesday schedule, I have 3rd base at 9 am, and 2nd base at 12:30.  On Wednesday, I have the plate at 9 and 1st base at 12:30. Thursday, I'm not sure what I will have since those are the semis and it will be determined after Wednesday.  It's coming too fast.

Day 2: Third and Second

Day 2:

First game was Butte verses Northern California.  I was at 3rd base.  Originally we were heading down to the other field to do the Northwood (Host team) vs. Hawaii game but our plate umpire is from the host district and having him on the plate for the game usually is not that kosher.  So we switched.  The game was good.  Northern California beat Butte pretty handily but the Butte guys had a good attitude.  I always like that. 

My bad:  There was a rotation that I completely missed 2nd to last play of the game.  I was at third base and we had a pop fly to the fence that the ump on second chased out.  I had a runner at 3rd I was watching the tag for but the fielder really wasn’t close so I should have been to second base to watch the throw in.  I wasn’t until the throw was on the way and I started saying, oh man, that’s my call, that’s my call to myself as I frantically started towards 2nd.  4 man mechanics are killing me.  The play wasn’t close so no harm but I sure felt stupid.  Next play the ball is hit to the shortstop and the runner runner collides with the shortstop right after the throw.  I call “That’s Interference” but the shortstop was able to get the runner out at first so nothing was made of the call.  It was the right call though so I bounced back quickly.

Game 2 was Arizona verses Idaho.  I still really like the attitude of the Idaho players.  Arizona jumped all over Idaho in the first few innings and it was obvious that Arizona just had the bigger bats today but the Idaho players still had fun, still played hard, and never said a bad word about anyone except for the centerfielder who couldn’t jump 25 feet high to catch those homerun balls.  I was at second base for this game and got pretty good reviews for it.  I was not upset with my work out there but feel like I can definitely use more study on the proper rotations while at second.  I also need to work on my timing as I had a safe call that if I would have gone the other way, I would have been in trouble as the ball ended up trickling past the second baseman on a pickoff that I didn’t see until it was 5 feet behind him.  I need to make it a habit to use the same timing I need on out calls as I do on safe calls.  No need to hurry.

The really bad:  I had a pickoff from the catcher from Arizona that the shortstop and second baseman had been working on for a while.  The second baseman goes to the bag to catch the ball on the runner from first.  Meanwhile the shortstop comes in front of the bag and pretends to catch the ball to keep the runner on third from going.  The second baseman catches the ball and applies the tag.  So I’m in the middle of this, the shortstop comes behind me and I catch him out of the corner of my eye as I am following the ball.  He slaps his glove and to me it sounds as if he caught the ball.  I hear this and miss the catch at second and the applied tag.  I turn to look at the SS and the second baseman says, “I have the ball” and shows it to me.  I’m dumbfounded at this point and have nothing else to say but “Then he’s safe.”  I sold it but I had no clue whether the ball beat him there or not.  Between innings, Cliff told me that I got it right so that was some consolation but tracking the ball is muy importante.

Speaking of Cliff, I am really, really enjoying working with him.  He is one of the most sound, consistent and professional umpires I have ever seen (Outside of Dave Burt (My UIC (Kissing up))).  Just watching how he handles things is making me reconsider my mechanics and adjusting them to be more like him because if I get more like him, I’ll be a better umpire. 

Tomorrow, I have first base at the 9:00 am game for Idaho and Oregon and then the 12:30 pm Arizona and Hawaii game.  Both 12:30 games are powerhouse games – Arizona has been dominant so far and Hawaii totally dominated their game today while the other game is the traditional rivalry game of Southern Cal vs. Northern Cal.  All four teams look really good and any of these four could win the whole thing and head to Livermore.  My plate should be a real exciting, well-played game.  Hope I live up to the hype :)

Day 1: 1st and Plate

Day 1:

Well, yesterday was really day 1 but it was umpire meeting and then manager meeting and then more umpire meeting. Today was our first day with games.

So I started the first game at first with Nogales, Arizona and Oregon. The game was pretty much a blow out from the first inning. Ended up being 15-0. I was at first base for this game. I’ve been preparing for 6 months for this moment and I have got to tell you, I was anxious to get it right but I was nowhere near as nerve wracked as I’ve seen some regional umpires. I made sure to remember that it is a game and acted like it. Of course I also treated it like the biggest game these kids have ever played in and treated it with the respect they deserved. There were definitely some things that I need to work on – most of it having to do with 4 man rotation instead of 2 man. There were some things that I nitpicked myself about that no one really said anything about, rotating inside on a hit to the outfield which I fixed as the game went on, an out call at first where I said, “He’s Safe” instead of just “Safe” (small details) and staying on the foul line.

Second game was Idaho verses the home team, Northwood Little League. It started off really good, started 1-0 Northwood, then 2-1 Idaho, then 3-2 Northwood. Then the bottom of the 4th hit. Northwood dropped 9, making it 12-2 and a possible mercy . Idaho scored 1 in the top of the 5th and that was the last run scored, so we did 7 innings, 12-3 final in 2:37. Of course, there was a 20 minute protest in there about an illegal bat check. It was much better than the 2 hour protest on the other field, again about an illegal bat. Different result on the other field than ours.

So for this game I was behind the plate, my first regional plate. I wore my new ball bags, my new regional hat and my light blue jersey. I have to say, my zone was consistent today. I was really happy with it, much happier than I have been many times in the last couple of weeks. I need to work on hustling to the right position many times, especially following the catcher. Overall though, I was really, really happy with my performance today as I concentrated, put my experience to work and worked with 3 really fantastic umpires who made the whole day easy.

After the games, I came back to the hotel and jumped In the pool. I tell you, that Jacuzzi felt really, really good after a long day on the field. I may have to live there for the rest of the week.

Day 2 is coming soon so I am off to bed. I will definitely be adding lots of pictures as Steve is coming down for some games and took some great pictures today that he texted me. Expect the picture post after I get home. Can’t wait for tomorrow!

Introspective

Like I said earlier, tomorrow is the day.  Here it is 9pm the night before Regionals and I can't help but look back.  I remember my first game.  I was at second base on the Junior field at North Rialto Little League.  Joey Broxmeyer, my UIC, was at third, Danny Robbins was on the plate and I forgot who was on first.  I was so inexperienced.  The first close play at second, a pick-off play, I looked like a deer in the headlights and pointed at my third base ump to get some help.  He was like... Ummm... I was like... ummmm... so we ended up calling safe.  I definitely threw him under the bus.  The game ended with a play at the plate where the ball clearly beat the runner to the plate, the runner lowered his shoulder and ran into the catcher, and Danny promptly ejected the kid from the game.  Welcome to umpiring.
I remember having to fight the umpire myths as later in the year I called a kid out for throwing the bat and pelting the catcher in the stomach, only to have my UIC again correct it and pull me aside to say that I couldn't call him out.
I remember a ball hit straight down the line that hit the fence and I hesitated to make the call.  I looked and looked and called it fair.  The defensive coach was like, no way, that was foul, then I looked again and played it through my mind and said that it hit the fair pole above the fence, so called it a home run.
I remember the catcher turning around after I called a kid safe at home and saying, "Man, you suck."  I was so caught off guard that I couldn't do anything.
I remember working hard and trying to get as many games as I could.  I remember doing almost every major game for 2 years at North Rialto.  I remember doing a 9-10 All-Star tournament by myself.  I remember absolutely falling in love with umpiring and I still feel that way.

Tomorrow begins my biggest step thus far on my umpire journey.  I look back 6 years and see how much I have grown in my willingness to take the authority of an umpire, my comfort on the field, and my knowledge of the rules.  Sometimes I still feel like that uncomfortable rookie out there but know that I am better equipped today than in March of 2008.

I am here because of my mentors.  Joey Broxmeyer.  Danny Robbins.  Mark Bolter.  Steve Bailey.  Dave Burt.  The umpire trainers at Western Regional.  The smart people on the Yahoo WRLL Umpire boards.

I am here because of those I have now trained.  Adam.  The dads at Alta Loma.  I am here because of my partners. Dick, John, Lou, Chris, Mick, Brian, Josiah and countless others I've had the privilege to work with.

I have a lot of people to thank for the step I take tomorrow.   I hope to do them all proud.  Of course, I look forward to having fun while working as I truly believe that no matter what, this is a game and it is meant to be fun.  I look forward to dancing, to working with knowledgeable guys who know their craft and will help me get even better, to being part of the greatest moments in these kids lives to this point.  This is going to be a blast!

Packing day

Got to pack today.  It starts tomorrow (games on Friday) -- !!!!

Got this picture today from my league president.  By the pen in my pocket, I can tell it was from the Sectional Finals.

Got to remember to pack my computer, my charger, trading pins, and clothes.  Those may be important.

Short post today. I just wanted to share the picture really :)

All Stars District - Divisional

I am done umpiring for the year except for one more tournament.  It is amazing how fast this year has gone by.  It seems like a few weeks ago that I received my letter in the mail about being invited to Irvine for the tournament and now it is happening this Thursday.  It has been quite the ride.  I have guaranteed my wife that I will not umpire as many all-star games next year because there were times this post-season where my kids would wake up 5 minutes before I was walking out the door for work and ask, "Are you coming home tonight" and then have disappointed looks on their faces when I said I was umpiring.
Ultimately, umpiring is my favorite hobby. It is something I am passionate about and love doing, something that really adds to my life, but I don't want to have it cost me my kids.  I don't want them to grow up hating baseball because dad was away too often because he was umpiring.  So next year I will pull back, especially during All-Stars.  There were 2 weeks that I didn't work maybe 2 days, both Sundays, at a ball game.  Getting the practice in was good.  Missing my family was the drawback.
Not really how I wanted to start this one off but that's where life took me this time.
So, on to tournaments.  Here is a list of all the different levels of All-Stars I have done this post-season:

• District
• 9-10s (Semis)
• 10-11s
• Little League
• Intermediate (Finals)
• Junior (Finals)
• Senior (Semis)
• Sections
• Intermediate (Finals)
• Senior (Opening Round)
• Sub-Division/Division
• Intermediate (Semi-Finals)
• Major Softball (Opening Round)

Yesterday I did a couple games up in Hesperia, District 49, where we got the absolutely most awesomest hat ever designed for umpires.  It is black with red lettering, has Section 8 Umpire on it and a embroidered yucca tree.  Absolutely awesome.  I should take a picture and post it but I love this hat.  The games were pretty good too.
I did post this on facebook but think I'll admit it here too.  Over the last 3 years I have umpired 7 games where my home league, Alta Loma, was eliminated from tournament play.  This included 2 this year -- the Juniors at District and the Intermediate at Sub-Division.  I am the bad luck charm for Alta Loma.  Sure, the Intermediate won District and Sectionals with me behind the plate, but sooner or later I umpire the game where they bow out.  It's a bummer.  I like seeing them win but won't cheat to make it so.
So in the last week, I have gotten 4 really cool hats.  I got a black District 71 hat.  I got the Section 8 hat described above.  I received a Division III hat that is really cool from District 24 for doing the Intermediate Division.  Has Division III on it superimposed on an outline of California.  And then I got a different Division III hat from my UIC for doing that Division Softball game.  4 really cool hats in a week.  I guess that could be considered pay by some but I like the recognition.  I don't accept a dime for doing this, just hot dogs and a gatorade usually (I only eat hot dogs during baseball season.)  The hats are a nice thank you gift.
It is hard to believe it is 4 days away.  I am not umpiring this week outside of Regionals (although I was invited to do some 10-11 sectionals but I need to spend that time with the family before taking off for a week and a half.)  So here is the schedule if anyone is interested in coming out and seeing me blow a call or two but have a fantastic time doing it:

What:  Intermediate Western Region Tournament
Where: Quail Hill Community Park, Irvine, CA (Click for map)
When:
Friday: 9:00 am, 12:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am, 12:30 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am, 12:30 pm
Monday: No games scheduled




Tuesday: 9:00 am, 12:30 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am, 12:30 pm
Thursday: 2 games, TBD
Friday: Championship game TBD

I will post my schedule when we go over it in case you want to come out and watch me behind the plate or when I ump the centerfield line.

I have Wednesday off as my first day of vacation to pack.  I hope I can sleep between now and then though.  

Wow, this is going fast

Wow.  All-Stars started 2 weeks ago today and we are 1 (maybe 2) games away from the Sub-Division tournament in the Intermediate division already. 

It has definitely been an interesting tournament so far.  I've had to make some calls that weren't popular and a couple that I haven't seen in a while but think I got them right.  I had a runner do a little dance in front of the shortstop on what was the last out of the game.  The shortstop made the play anyways and got the out at first so nothing was made of it but I could have imagined the explosion if the shortstop would have booted the play and the out would have been called because of interference.  Dodged that one.

10/11 game the other day.  I'm base ump and we have a trouble ball into centerfield.  I'm charging out from A (first base) and watch the 11 year old centerfielder lay out as the ball lands in his glove.  He does 2 flips and lifts his glove to show that he caught it.  Unfortunately, as he lifted his glove the ball flew out.  Had to call safe as the release was not voluntary. This, of course, got the coach and fans going ballistic.  Coach asks for time and I explain it.  I don't think he bought it but the ruling was correct.  That was one of the tough calls.

There have been quite a few calls so far that I am glad that I have paused and not made the immediate call because I would have had to reverse myself.  I had a missed tag at home and a dive back by the runner, another one at third last night -- one out and one safe but the pause, read and react saved me both times.

The Intermediate Sectional tournament has been an adventure so far.  Last Saturday was the start and we had the first game at 10:00 am.  Game time temperature started at 95 degrees and by 12:00, it was 105.  Game was two hours and it was the longest two hour game ever.  After the game, I found a tree, got out of my gear and just laid down.  People walked by and thought I was dying.  I really was just cooling down.  Second game was at 1pm.  Apparently people were so concerned about me that they had another guy get his gear just in case.  I was fine in the second game on the bases. My poor plate umpire thought he was going to pass out everytime he squatted behind the catcher starting in the 4th inning.  2 1/2 hours later, we were done.  I found the same tree and laid down.  This time, it was harder to get back to my car, took me about 20 minutes carrying my gear with me as I found a bench to rest at on the way back to my car.  So I went to a pizza place, had a calzone, a large glass of water (to go with the 3 Vitamin waters and 8 bottles of water I had already had that morning), and air conditioning.  Felt much better after an hour and a half watching X-Game biking and drinking water.  So I go out and help with a Junior game at 7pm.  This is a marathon 16-15 4 hour 7 inning game that I was at second base (4 man).  I got to work it with Steve, Dave and Big John, one of my favorite crews to work on, so the extra time was not too bad.  Started the day at 10am and got done with the last out of the day at 11:07 pm.  Not a bad day.

Monday Intermediate we have a 12-12 tie after 7.  Manager gets ejected for arguing an out call at the plate and then going back to the dugout and throwing a bat.  More for the bat throw than the argument.  The field we are playing at doesn't have lights so we had to call it on account of darkness at this point.  Game continues 3pm on Tuesday.  Scoreless for 4 innings, one run comes across in the top of the 12 and they hold the home team scoreless in the bottom of the 12th to complete the game.  4 1/2 hours, 12 inning game 13-12 final.  I wasn't expecting to play another 5 innings and then a 7 inning game afterwards which went quick (1:45) so it was good.  I was able to go up and help at a 7:30 10-11 game (the one with the almost great diving not-catch described above.) 

Wednesday Intermediate: Losers bracket finals.  Ejected manager is gone for this one too.  Game ended up being 6-4, 1:50 minute game with team that had ejected manager win.  So Saturday's finals game will be District 71 and District 21.  District 21 didn't play a district game to get there so they have played surprisingly well.  It should be a good game on Saturday.  The first game is at 10 and the "if" game is at 1.  ("If" being if Rialto Eastern beats Alta Loma the first game, then they will have to play a second game.)  I have done a lot of plate this tournament as they want to give me some experience and I have the plate again on Saturday.  Last night, Steve took the plate so it was a change of pace for me and both teams so I was happy.

Things to work on:  I am feeling really shaky on my low strike/ball call.  I have to solidify it up and only have 15 days to do it.  Regionals is coming quick.  I am so looking forward to it!

End of the Regular Season

So our regular season ended last week and I have to admit that I have really enjoyed this season, probably my most enjoyable season since starting some 6 years ago (yes, I'm a spring chicken still.)  I have worked harder on the field this year more than ever, I have worked on my strike zone so it is more consistent than ever and I have thoroughly enjoyed being with the kids.
I remember being at a lot of games up in San Bernardino last year as Steve was one of the umps and I was there supporting him and the whole crew seemed very stiff and nervous to start the tournament, only to loosen up later.  I don't know if I can get that nervous about umpiring.  I want to do a good job, yes.  I want to work as hard as the kids who are going to be playing.  I want to represent Alta Loma, District 71 and the Escarzaga name well but I guess I have my priorities in perspective.  It's a game.  It's a game I love and am so glad that I got back into in this position but the kids are having fun and so am I.
That being said, tomorrow is the All-Star tournament umpire meeting.  Last year our UIC, Dave Burt, took a trip to Europe to do the EMA Junior Regionals, so he was not around for the duration of district here.  That gave a few of us the opportunity to run a district-level tournament last year and staff the umpires.  I had the 10-11 tourney last year.  I enjoyed it and Dave liked the results so much that he has asked us to help him the same way this year.  My tournament will probably be the Intermediate (makes sense as those are the games I'll be working for the most part.)  Most of the tournaments start either next Saturday (June 22) or Monday (June 24) and end around the 10th of July.  Not Intermediate.  We start Wednesday and will be done with the local tournament by June 29, Sectionals start June 30th and end July 3rd.  Sub-Divisions start July 7th - 13th and Divisions are the 14th and 15th.  I have to be in Irvine on the 18th, which for most of the other tournaments, they will barely be starting Sub-Division at that point, so we have to pack a lot into a few days.
Good things for me are that our district is hosting the district (of course) and sectionals for Section 8 so I will definitely be part of that.  The Sub-division and Division finals will be in Riverside so there is a pretty good change I'll have some games there.  Traditionally, if Regional umpires are in the area, they want them to do some of the higher level games to get the butterflies out and get to the high-pressure games.  I'm expecting some really good games in Southern California as a lot of leagues in the area have embraced the Intermediate division, so in reality the So-Cal final may be the best game played in the Intermediate Division in the entire nation, but who really knows.  All I know is that any games I get after July 4th (and even those before so) will be a blast to do.

So before All-Stars starts up fully, I wanted to give some "What happened in my experience this year" updates.
1)  To kick off the year, Steve Bailey, Chris Rohr, Dave Burt and I hosted the kickoff umpire training again.  I really do like training umpires.  Maybe, in time, I may see about helping at some of the outreach clinics and ultimately teaching at the week long in San Bernardino.  In most things I feel like I have a lot to learn still, umpiring included, but I like passing on what I have learned and seeing these guys get better.  There is never enough time to train at the beginning of the year but we try to give them the basics.  It's all we can do and hope they pick up on some of the excitement.
2)  I probably didn't do enough Intermediate games this year.  I did about 12 games in the Intermediate division, about half plate and half field.  It took me a couple of games to get used to being inside the diamond on the field but I ended up getting more comfortable and got my angles more under control as not to straight line to first on the pick-off.
3)  This year our league went back to first and second half champions play for league champion and then a tournament for the Bill Moffitt Cup.  Bill Moffitt was a dear friend and the league president for years before he passed away in March of 2012.  When the end of the season came, we decided to change the name of the Heritage Cup (Heritage Park is where Alta Loma Little League plays) to the Bill Moffitt Memorial Cup.  I found it touching and proper.  So anyways, during the Moffitt Cup playoffs, I did a lot of Minor division games.  During the season it was all dads who did the games so when I walked on the field, I got the "We have a real umpire today" comments from the kids.  That is always a plus.  We figured out that we need to do some more on-the-job mentoring next year, meaning that we get a third umpire for Minor games that works the field and talks to the other two umpires to give hints and mentor them, encourage them and help with rules when needed, not overruling ever but mentoring and treating the other two parent umpires as equals on the field. 
Anyways, I love doing Minor games.  It is the first taste of competition that the parents and the players get playing baseball and if I do my job back there, I usually get very few parent complaints.  That leads to #4.
4)  In mid-May, we did an umpire roundtable where umpires could come and discuss what was happening in the year and how to be better.  It was a success, although we would have loved to see more people there.  Chris Rohr started it off and when we got to the questions and answer section, I was able to step up and share some of my philosophy.  My main philosophy, and I truly but into it, is that Little League is not a baseball program but a way to develop the youth of today with the qualities we want to see instilled in them of character, courage and loyalty using baseball as the tool to get there.  It is not just lip service for me, it is why I volunteer as an umpire because I believe in it so much.
So I passed that on and then some tips on how to get parents to complain at you less on the minor field.  1)  Look the part.  2)  Act confident even when you aren't.  3) Read the rulebook.  4)  Hustle.  5)  Don't go looking for an argument.  When the manager walks away, don't chase them down to make your point.   Those 5 should help most umpires get better results.  I tell you, before the tournament happened, I was hearing all the time how bad the umpiring was.  While I was down there, I only heard 2 complaints the entire 8 games I did (maybe I got more but I wasn't listening.)  Act the part and hustle will forgive a multitude of sins.
5)  First time in 6 years but the elements beat me up to the point where I couldn't do a scheduled game. I was doing a 2:30 pm game, minor tournament, behind the plate.  I overheated.  Hadn't eaten that day at all and not enough water before game time.  I was supposed to work the 5 pm game but couldn't do it.  I had to find shade and rest, eat, drink and rest.  Important lesson -- more water and eat before the game.  I'm not Superman.

So there are some highlights.  I can't wait until tomorrow and then Wednesday to get out there and do some fun games.  Ah, I love the smell of RS-T baseballs in June.

First Half Almost Done

I haven't posted in a bit because, well, baseball season is chugging along as it usually does.  I'm having a blast but I am making sure to spend more time with my family during it -- like I haven't umpired the last 2 Saturdays because I spent time with my wife the first and the second I took my daughter to go see her school play of the Wizard of Oz.
That being said, I have my pin ordered.  I'll post a picture of it when I get them, which should be about a month from now.  I'm not sure how many people will get it at the Regional tournament but those that do will probably love it.  I love it.  It is a play off of umpires being evil -- the character being the most evil being in the Doctor Who universe.  I really like them, although I could only get 150 right now.  I think it would be cool to get more in the future without some of the verbiage and then in different colors, like skittles.
This Saturday I get to umpire at Western Regions!  Ok, it is Alta Loma Little League games played at the Western Region complex but IT'S AT WESTERN REGIONS!  During our last board meeting, someone asked why we were going to play games up there, like it was a bad idea and going to hurt snack bar sales (which it will.)  I replied, "Because it's cool!"  She asked again later.  I replied, "BECAUSE IT'S COOL!"  Again, she asked later.  Again, I said, "You have to understand this:  This is like Little League heaven.  World Champions have played on this field.  IT IS COOL!"  I mean, look, Steve Bailey umpired on this field so it has to be cool.  So I am doing the plate at 8:45 am for a minor game, then going home, coached my son's team at 11:45 am, going back up and doing the bases at 3:15, plate at 5:25 and bases at 7:35 pm.  4 games in one day umpiring, 1 coaching back at home.  It is going to be a blast!  Make sure my umpiring legs are back.
I just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about this, I just haven't had a lot to share yet.
July is coming soon. I hope I hear from District 55 soon so I can start preparing.