Little League World Series

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by FUBLUE
I like the sentimental thought about "doing it for the kids" but shouldn't we do the best job possible "for the kids." I mean, Billy Bob could go out there and call games "for the kids" and stink up the diamond. So then, is he really there "for the kids"? Further, I know several guys who have worked the LLWS, and trust me, their "game fee" is much more than a soda and a hot dog. One guy came home with over $500 in uniforms and equipment that was "give to them." To me, that's the same as a game fee.

I don't believe anyone questions the dedication to the game of LL Umpires. Just because we talk about them is no big deal, we talk about all umpires in the same manner.

And, like it or not, FUBLUE has a point. If you go to a NC, it is not a far-fetched possibility that you will see someone who you know just does not belong there and I don't see why LL should be any different. A NC should not be a reward for quantity or loyalty, but for showing your willingness to work within the system, wear the proper equipment and follow the prescribed mechanics and rules of that particular organization whether it is ASA, NCAA, NSA, LL, BR, PONY, USSSA, AFA, FAST, ISA, ISC, etc.

OTOH, I also would not support enlisting umpires from other organizations just to get what the local UIC believes the best umpire. I've always been a believer that your umpires should come from within the sanctioning body.

That being said, a few observations from some games yesterday. In the Canadian-Latin American game, there was what softball people call obstruction on a third baseman and the umpire not only didn't call it, he made up a BS story when questioned by the coach. I don't believe it was even questionable that the runner was being waved on only to run into F5 standing in foul territory.

Other notes, PUs doing a lot of walking while making their calls and one umpire pointing to balls as well as strikes. I couldn't figure out what he was calling the pitch. Same umpire swinging his left arm on ball four directing the BR to 1B.

Other than that, most umpiring seemed to be pretty good. Some of the PUs are getting down closer to the top of the strike zone, but I don't think there is any lack of low strikes. OTOH, most batters are up there swinging the bat and that is a good thing.