[PeteBooth]

Often on this Board and others you will frequently hear rulings or commentary differentiating kids who shave from those that don't and also the game is treated differently between the 2.

For any of you who have been watching the LLWS, you can see the difference right on TV both in the the way the game is played and umpired.

Last Night's Eastern Region Finals at Bristol Conn. one of the Harlem players before taking his place in the batter's box, pointed to Centerfield ala Babe Ruth. F1 proceeded to groove the ball right in B1's wheelhouse and B1 hit one to deep center which tied the game.

Now for those who umpire "upper" ball or ball in which the particpants shave KNOW that this would not have happened.

First and foremost as PU we would probably say something to B1 along the lines of That's enough or get ready Probably the first pitch would have been at B1's ribs. I know a commen terminology is in one's ear but that can be dangerous even for a purpose pitch.

As far as the umpiring goes. It has been good but IMO it seems the most qulaified individuals are left off the plate for some reason. I went to Bristol and in person one could tell those umpires that had experience (other than strictly doing LL) from those that didn't.

The experienced guys / gals were crisp in their calls, excellent positioning and moved the game along. The less experienced umpires were sometimes indecisive and the game dragged a little more.

Therefore, for those of you who often wonder why posters on this and other Forums differentiate kids who shave from those that don't simply watch the LLWS for the 12 and under age groups to get a good look at the difference.

Pete Booth