Good solid (GD) stance! Timing is good, somewhat inconsistent zone at times, but still a very good job!

Brushes are OK as long as they're only used to brush out the pegs under the safety bases if the bases get dislodged. If he used it on top of the base, well...

There are numerous designs of safety bases. That being said, knowing that safety bases are being used would not make me think about taking a brush on the field. In fact, the magnetic bases might require a broom. In any case, what i have seen and do is kick whatever dirt interfers with putting the base back and dropping it on the appropriate spot. There gonna come loose the next time no matter what you do. Most of the time I let the player, offense or defense do it.

I don't like bashing umpires, but this gentleman was clearly in serious need of basic PU training. Notwithstanding his poor judgment and goofy strike calls, his slot moved as the catcher moved. It's as if he felt his proper positioning was just over the catcher's inside shoulder, no matter where the catcher set up. So he ended up behind the opposite batter's box for that last strike.

They tell us to do what got you here when you get picked to work high-level games. But this is something that has to be fixed before an umpire steps out onto the field. Some kind of assessment should be done of these ladies and gentlemen before the series starts. Williamsport is only bringing ridicule upon itself to let something like this go without making an attempt to remedy beforehand.

This poor codger is an embarrassment. Funny part is, if you watch Jr., Sr. or Big League tourneys, you'll see competent arbiters using standard mechanics.

THE BIG QUESTION: How come THESE guys aren't in W-port? My guess is that they're not old enough, not in with the right crowd, don't have rabbis or are simply JUST TOO GOOD.

Ace

Nowadays, Williamsport could require video of every umpire that was being considered by all the Regionals for TV games. That way they could screen them for mechanics, game management, and if they can see their belt buckle when they look down (or at least their shoes, for Gosh sakes).

Last I knew, all the umpires are nominated by their District Admininstrator, have done numerous District, Divisional, State and Regional Tournaments. They have been seen and everyone knows how they umpire. There are generally no surprises at W'Port. I don't think a guy could become so completely unraveled to the point of incompetence.

My league uses those bases. Trust me when I say, you want a broom.

Rita

Maybe those guys like working the upper levels more. I know I do. Being picked for Williamsport would be nice but it's not a huge deal for me. I'd rather get to the Word Series for a level I have fun working.

Maybe they were also smart and applied at levels where they knew they'd get picked much quicker. I got my (upper division) regional the second year I put in for it.

Jose Canseco seems to agree:

Former MLB slugger Canseco bashes Little League World Series umpires

This umpire is not from the US, and I don't know how diligent other countries screen their umpires before nominating them to the different series. Williamsport reserves four of the LLWS umpire slots to international candidates, so some of them may not go through the same thorough process as their US counterparts.

ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE!!
I'll be the first to admit that I'm an amateur with a capitol A but man o man. What is that guy thinking? I've seen first year umpires set up better than that.
That just scary on so many levels. That's not even funny. It's just sad.

PU in the Australia/Texas game just missed a UK3 mechanic. He called strike 3 but never gave the safe sign.

Good heads up play by the Aussie runner since the defense was confused because of the no call.

I'd like to see that strike zone box on the screen with this guy. They'd probably have to have an arrow pointing off the screen to show where those two pitches were. :eek::eek::eek:

And just what is the UK3 mechanic in Little League? Is it really the safe sign?

That's indicative of a poorly-coached defense, not an umpire mistake. There's no excuse for a team to make it to Williamsport and be confused by this.