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Dave, You hit it. LLWS is reward for time of service. In Florida, they try to make sure we are competent as we work the different levels, but that doesn't mean it is worldwide.
Carl, the two things I noticed that supports your observation of lack of training was the really quick timing and the verbalized swinging strikes, which may have been attributed to timing.
As far as the zone, he had the basic LL zone. BIG & W I DE. He seemed to be consistent, until he got hit on the wrist late in the game. Then he definitely tried to hide behind the small RI catcher. Iowa's catcher was huge...looked like he was 15.
The guy from Europe on the 3 PM Eastern game (Wash v Texas) seemed pretty good...between naps on a 3 hour 6 inning game...Glad I wasn't honored to do RF line on that one...lol
Another note I have is ESPN needs to kill the mic when the umpires discuss a call in "private". The play in which the plate guy got hit in the night game was a debatable foul ball. You could hear the double sound on the TV...I think it was mitt-wrist. Runner advanced, so D appealed. Plate guy goes to U3 and it was a quick "foul ball" from U3. In real time, the aluminum is pretty distinct, so I have to say U3 must have had alum-wrist. But my point is, I would not want a TV audience in my huddle with my partner with live sound, especially with H. Reynolds claiming an "overrule". Plate guy made the reverse call himself, as he should have if he deemed U3 to have the correct call. But with the mic in the huddle, and H.R. in the booth, the masses hear way too much.
[Edited by TBBlue on Aug 22nd, 2004 at 12:11 AM]
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