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.