Little League World Series Umps

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Until LL gets serious about their umpires like every other organization has, .

As far as I know LL is the only youth org that has umpire schools regularly at their regional centers.

We don't get to see the Babe Ruth/Ripken, Dixie, whatever on TV so we really don't know how their umpires would appear.

[aceholleran]

At the regional level, umps are recommended by their local districts, hence all the Smittys out there. Regional games are like gold watches for these codgers. Yes, I can say that a "senior."

I did LL for 30+ years,along with HS, Legion and summer, college-level+ ball. LL "clinics" are all about the rules, with small nods to mechanics, etc.

I cringe when I watch these games.

Ace

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by aceholleran

I cringe when I watch these games.

Ace

I can't watch them - too many WTFs.

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by aceholleran

LL "clinics" are all about the rules, with small nods to mechanics, etc.


Ace

Not in Western Region.

Rita

[Multiple Sports]

I was amazed by how many guys I have seen so far are out of shape......

are they hitting the concession stand between each game ????

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Multiple Sports

I was amazed by how many guys I have seen so far are out of shape......

are they hitting the concession stand between each game ????

LL certainly doesn't monopolize the market on this particular subject, that's for sure. I've seen umpires who could use a few months at the local gym at the highest levels of championship play in a number of national-level organizations.

[RPatrino]

I have been told by various people in LL that assignments to Regional's and LLWS are awards for service to LL, and not based on competence as an official. Don't assume you are seeing the best of the best. There are also cases of individual districts being given slots as a reward for the DA, for his/her service to LL.

[dst8ada]

To say that most have not worked high school or higher levels is wrong. Many of the umpires choosen from Michigan have worked high school finals, myself included. In 2010 I believe, the plate umpires for the semi-finals in Williamsport were a former MiLB umpire and the man who had the plate for the Class A (highest class) in Michigan.
Some of the mechanics might not be the best, but I can remember when MLB umpires had different mechanics depending on who was in the crew. The Central Region umpire clinic has a drill done before every break "doing the bog six". Yes I get upset when I see guys yelling foul when the ball is in the parking lot, wearing a long sleeve T shirt with short sleeve shirt over it ect, but I saw a picture from A ripken tournament of a guy with the balloon and shorts.
I don't think we want robots as umpres, which is what we would have if all mechanics were the same.

[RPatrino]

Dst8ada, it has been my experience that most of the umpires chosen for higher level LL assignments have not had any HS or above experience. There is only one umpire that I know of that has done high level HS games as well as LL games, and that is out of about 20 or so umpires that I am acquainted with that have done Regional and WS games for LL.

You might say 'we don't want robots' but that is what is being represented on the field. It's hard to argue with evidence.

[aceholleran]

Having done LL at all levels for 33 years before hanging it up, I am with Bob.

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

Dst8ada, it has been my experience that most of the umpires chosen for higher level LL assignments have not had any HS or above experience. There is only one umpire that I know of that has done high level HS games as well as LL games, and that is out of about 20 or so umpires that I am acquainted with that have done Regional and WS games for LL.

You might say 'we don't want robots' but that is what is being represented on the field. It's hard to argue with evidence.

If I'm not the one, make that two, Bob

Rita