An Unexpected Gift

So last week Steve called me up and asked if I wanted to go to breakfast on MLK day with Dave and him.  I'm off so I thought it would be cool to get with two of my best friends and have some breakfast.  It has been way too long since I got to hang out with either of them and baseball season just isn't coming quickly enough.
So this morning I leave at 7:40 to head out to Ontario for some breakfast.  Get there, we have breakfast and then they say they are kidnapping me.  My wife just texted me before asking if I was going to bring her breakfast so I said I had to tell her.  They said she knew so I told her I was being kidnapped and she said just bring it when I get home.
So out to Whittier we went.  We drove around and found the place, the Honig's store front.  For those not in umpire circles, Honig's is the umpire attire place.  Yeah, there are others but Honig's supports Little League and so Little League supports it.  It's good stuff too.
So we get there and they ask about a pair of plate pants, a pair of field pants, a belt and a pair of plate shoes.  So I try on 5 different shoes and finally find the one I like -- a pair of patent leather plate shoes.  They are being discontinued so they were on deep discount too.

Aren't they shiny?

So several dollars later, we walk out, me with new pants, shoes and a belt on the way.  I can't say thank you enough to my friends for taking some of the worry off and getting the season started right.  I tell you, being a volunteer umpire pays more than travel ball does and I'm not talking about swag.  I think I made the right choice my second year umping to do this as a ministry.

New letter and Cost Counting

I had the chance yesterday to run down to the Western Regional office and talk with Cheryl.  I turned in my paperwork and asked her to print a new letter with "Antonio" instead of "Anthony" which she gladly did. 

It is exciting to see people posting on the message boards and facebook about receiving their letters.  I haven't seen anyone else mention Intermediate yet but I wonder if that is because they are holding off until the location and dates are officially announced by Headquarters. 

2 days later and I'm still wallowing in happiness.  Of course, the realization that I need to actually do some work to get my goals done has started to set in.  I've decided to limit my soda intake.  I've heard many people just doing that and losing weight but the wii-fit is going to have to reappear soon too.  Cheaper than a gym and more likely to be used.

How long does the Umpire Registry stuff take to show up?  I'd like my hard copy of the rule book to make notes in.

The Journey Begins

Ok, new blog. Yesterday I received a letter in the mail. It was a letter I was hoping I would get. I wasn't sure I was going to get it though as it was an invitation to umpire at a Regional tournament for Little League. It wasn't just a Regional tournament though -- I applied for the Intermediate Division Regional tournament. This is the new division in Little League for 11-13 year olds with bases that are 70 feet apart and the mound that is 50 feet from the plate (50/70). In comparison, the major league field is 46/60 and the big diamond is 60.6/90. So it is right in between. I applied back in October and have been on pins and needles since.

Yesterday was the happy day -- I told someone I was wallowing in happiness. Even my wife was excited -- she likes seeing me be happy. So my wife called me. I called my district umpire chief, Dave Burt -- he didn't answer. I called my buddy Steve Bailey (you may remember him from third base at last year's Western Region tournament (sorry Steve, had to throw that in)). He was ecstatic. Sent a text to Dave - "I got a golden ticket... Yes I got a golden ticket!" He responded. Called our district administrator, Doug. Called the league president where I ump and are on the board.

Then I called my dad. I heard my dad tearing up and I had a hard time continuing myself but he closed with, "I'm proud of you." Apparently, he started crying and couldn't tell my mom or sister why the first couple times he tried . Makes me tear up right now.

So I have my vacation request in, the paperwork pretty much filled out, and need to find a place to take a picture 2x2 for the umpire guide. I do need to stop by their office though and ask if they can remake the letter for me as they addressed it to "Anthony Escarzaga" instead of Antonio or Tony. I don't like the name Anthony. Not my name. Hopefully Jim will let me go still.

So here is my blog to start off this journey. I will use this to keep accountable to myself to prepare in every way possible to do the best job I can and have a blast umpiring this season! If Steve's adventure last year is any indication for me, I'm in for a fun ride.

P.S. I'll let you know where it is as soon as the Western Region Office lets in on the secret.

Accountability:
- Study one rule section a week in depth. There are enough weeks to read through the rule book twice with study.
- Get in shape
- Get missing equipment pieces
- Get gifts (pins, hats, etc.) for the other umpires at the tournament (traditional)
- Be the best umpire I can be and get lots of practice.