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Ya know, every year these 100+ post threads always come up about how poor the umps are at the LLWS. Then it gets personal, usually from T to Rich to Ozzy, etc. etc. etc.
What was it I heard, over 3 million kids play LL each year. That's pretty good for a crappy organization.
Before I moved to AZ I was the scheduler for PONY & H.S. summer ball back in IL. In the park there were 4 diamonds...1 for H.S., 1 for PONY and the other 2 were for Major League. (They all faced outward from each other.) Eventually, the LL prez. approached me to see if I would schedule my umps to do their games. They were fully prepared to pay what we were getting at the other 2 levels.
My point is that I really enjoyed umping those games for 2 main reasons. The parents and coaches were extremely appreciative of 2 things....that they had better quality officiating AND that we helped the kids with basic mechanics, especially pitching. Maybe that's not the norm in some areas but we umped in a small community and for that I really miss it.
I have umped with guys who rung up players swinging at strike three. I can't think of anything that looks more ridiculous than calling the obvious. But for those of you who hate LL then don't watch. I watch it every year when I can and not for the umpiring but for the kids. That's the most important thing.
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