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!
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