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.
8 Man Crew
The Inaugural Intermediate Western Region Umpire Crew
Monday, June 17, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Opening Day
So Saturday was opening day at Alta Loma Little League. After the months of planning, prepping, drafting, practice, reading, training and meeting, the big day was here. For board members, the report time was 6 am, so because I live like 30 minutes away, my depart time was 5:15 am due to having to stop and get gas. I got everything ready the night before with my gear, my uniforms, my shoes in case we were still going to have games.
See, it rained all night Friday night. Most fields would be like, clear the standing water and you're good to go. In Rancho Cucamonga though, the Parks & Rec person comes out and checks the moisture in the grass and on the field and if it is too wet, no games will be played. So the P&R person came out a 7 am, looked at the fields and said the Major/Intermediate field would be closed definitely while the Senior field would probably be ok for the 6 pm game scheduled on it, as long as we worked on it. But they would come back out at noon to check on the Int/Maj field for the 5 pm and 7:30 pm games to see if everything dried up. I, of course, was scheduled to do the field at the 11:45 Intermediate game so now I am completely up in limbo.
The pancake breakfast and opening ceremony went well. I was the emcee for the breakfast, doing raffle prizes, asking baseball trivia questions that were way too hard for today's young baseball fan (where if the answer wasn't Babe Ruth then it was too hard,) and entertaining the players with non-official trivia from time to time that didn't go over the loudspeakers. When it was time to do the parade of teams, I did the invocation and announced the teams as they paraded by. We had a challenger division player lead the national anthem and another lead the Little League pledge. It is such a great league that involved the Challenger division so much in the league and not just an outside program -- one of the things that I love about ALLL.
Ceremony over. Now it's time to wait. A bunch of the board members were out on the field with a shop vac picking up standing water, rakes tilling the ground, absorbent mud stuff, trying to get the field ready for the 11:45 Intermediate game. Steve comes up and asks if I would rather have the plate for the game since there was plenty of time to get ready. My license cover says, "I'd rather be behind home" so of course I took the opportunity. So now I'm all dressed and ready to ump a game that may or may not happen. And if it does happen, it will be a shortened game because there is another game set for 2:30 right behind it.
Lots of waiting. P&R show up at noon and check the field. Our president walks out with her as she's checking and at one point it looks like he is pleading or saying something like, "Its only 1% off" or something like that. She says we can play at 12:10, so coaches and board members get the field ready -- drawing lines, getting bases in place. We get the plate meeting started at 12:20 where we all agree that no new inning is 2 pm, drop dead at 2:15 pm.
The first squat behind the plate and I was already stiff. I loosen up as the game goes on but having my legs that spread is something I have to get use to again. I thought my zone was pretty solid. Steve was helping me with some of my mechanics that need improving which I am extremely grateful for.
Things to work on:
It was good to say, "Play Ball" again.
See, it rained all night Friday night. Most fields would be like, clear the standing water and you're good to go. In Rancho Cucamonga though, the Parks & Rec person comes out and checks the moisture in the grass and on the field and if it is too wet, no games will be played. So the P&R person came out a 7 am, looked at the fields and said the Major/Intermediate field would be closed definitely while the Senior field would probably be ok for the 6 pm game scheduled on it, as long as we worked on it. But they would come back out at noon to check on the Int/Maj field for the 5 pm and 7:30 pm games to see if everything dried up. I, of course, was scheduled to do the field at the 11:45 Intermediate game so now I am completely up in limbo.
The pancake breakfast and opening ceremony went well. I was the emcee for the breakfast, doing raffle prizes, asking baseball trivia questions that were way too hard for today's young baseball fan (where if the answer wasn't Babe Ruth then it was too hard,) and entertaining the players with non-official trivia from time to time that didn't go over the loudspeakers. When it was time to do the parade of teams, I did the invocation and announced the teams as they paraded by. We had a challenger division player lead the national anthem and another lead the Little League pledge. It is such a great league that involved the Challenger division so much in the league and not just an outside program -- one of the things that I love about ALLL.
Ceremony over. Now it's time to wait. A bunch of the board members were out on the field with a shop vac picking up standing water, rakes tilling the ground, absorbent mud stuff, trying to get the field ready for the 11:45 Intermediate game. Steve comes up and asks if I would rather have the plate for the game since there was plenty of time to get ready. My license cover says, "I'd rather be behind home" so of course I took the opportunity. So now I'm all dressed and ready to ump a game that may or may not happen. And if it does happen, it will be a shortened game because there is another game set for 2:30 right behind it.
Lots of waiting. P&R show up at noon and check the field. Our president walks out with her as she's checking and at one point it looks like he is pleading or saying something like, "Its only 1% off" or something like that. She says we can play at 12:10, so coaches and board members get the field ready -- drawing lines, getting bases in place. We get the plate meeting started at 12:20 where we all agree that no new inning is 2 pm, drop dead at 2:15 pm.
The first squat behind the plate and I was already stiff. I loosen up as the game goes on but having my legs that spread is something I have to get use to again. I thought my zone was pretty solid. Steve was helping me with some of my mechanics that need improving which I am extremely grateful for.
Things to work on:
- Break in my plate shoes. They are nice but my feet are sore from the shoes this morning.
- Get a smaller hat. I have a bad habit to adjust my hat and mask after each pitch because my hat is drooping. My fitted hat is too big.
- Standardize my communication with my base ump(s) with my hand signals to be more sharp and directly into the glove..errrr...
- Ankle strength.
- NO FLINCHING!
It was good to say, "Play Ball" again.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Umpire Clinic
Well, the new baseball year is now 8 days away and with that, umpire trainings have begun. Last night we had our first half of the umpire training for all the parents and team volunteer umpires and I must say that it was pretty fun. It was Chris, Hawaii's favorite son Steve and I. I ended up leading most of it but Steve and Chris chimed in when needed and helped with illustrations.
The format ended up being we went over the local rules first, then we went over the do's and don't's of being an umpire. After that segment, I wanted to get everyone to look in the rulebook so I gave them 17 common game scenarios and told them to find the rule to back up their ruling in the green book. This lead to many good discussions on rules -- although it did not cover all of the rules which was ok. Like I said, I wanted them to get familiar with the book and realize that it was not a foreign language. This will lead to them reading it and hopefully catching the umpire bug. It's a good flu.
Saturday is the on the field portion of the umpire clinic. Chris and Steve probably won't be there so it looks like it may be all me this time. I'm ok with that but I always like having that backup in case I need some correction (which happens) or some additional insight that I may miss. 2 (and 3) are definitely better than one in this case.
I can't wait for next Saturday! Opening day!
The format ended up being we went over the local rules first, then we went over the do's and don't's of being an umpire. After that segment, I wanted to get everyone to look in the rulebook so I gave them 17 common game scenarios and told them to find the rule to back up their ruling in the green book. This lead to many good discussions on rules -- although it did not cover all of the rules which was ok. Like I said, I wanted them to get familiar with the book and realize that it was not a foreign language. This will lead to them reading it and hopefully catching the umpire bug. It's a good flu.
Saturday is the on the field portion of the umpire clinic. Chris and Steve probably won't be there so it looks like it may be all me this time. I'm ok with that but I always like having that backup in case I need some correction (which happens) or some additional insight that I may miss. 2 (and 3) are definitely better than one in this case.
I can't wait for next Saturday! Opening day!
Monday, January 21, 2013
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.
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.
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? |
Friday, January 11, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
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.
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.
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