[aceholleran]

Big state LL game; two excellent teams; one of the best tussles at this level I have ever seen, much less umped.

One team is down by 2, runners on 2 and 3. A big farm boy gets up to the plate and runs the count to 3-1. The next pitch is right down Broadway, a little above the belt. Country takes it. This has been a strike for me all night, so I ring it up.

Now, the 1B-side fans are from his team. In an odd config, the field allows for a set of bleachers between 1B dugout and the dish. These NAPA-hat wearing mouth-breathers are right up my a$$.

The give me a rash of sh&t on the strike call. And I can hear it all, plainly.

On the next pitch, Country whacks a blue darter to the fence, scoring both runners. The following batter K-ed to end the frame.

After the inning, I took off my mask and strolled up the first-base line, making a slight detour to get near the fans. I gave them my Class A scowl. I swear, I made 40-50 Barbara Mandrell fans (with about 80 total teeth) cower. Then I suddenly winked, smiled and said, "You guys still want that cheap walk?"

The laugh I got was so big, the team stopped warming up on the infield, and the site director came over to make sure everyone was OK.

Ace in CT