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Wed Oct 13, 2004, 10:33am
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Had a real fun weekend this last one. Our association volunteered to work a special olympics tourney in conjunction with local public safety officers. This was an eye-opening experience, I will never more complain when bones and joints ache when I get out of bed in the morning! Those "Olympians" are great. Attitudes are wonderful, and tempers were all under control!
The first game I did, however did have a serious setback. One young man while rounding 1B made a stop and fell. 1B coach was telling him to get back to first, and the runner trying hard as he may couldn't get up. A yell from the dugout, or stands said "something is wrong with his leg" I then looked closer and saw something wasn't right. The runner had snapped his right femur, had to be in pain, but was still trying to follow his coaches instruction to return to the base! He did have surgery to repair the break, and all will be well, but that was painful, as well as humbling to witness. The "Armed Escort" part; Our group did all the plates, but public saftey people worked the bases. Some of them were on-duty, in uniform, complete with armament! Might be nice to have them as partners at ALL games! The PSO folks requested our assistance this year. Last years tourney they worked all positions and found that umpiring ain't as easy as it looks. Most of the PSO's told us the have great respect for the job we umpires do, and they don't ever want to take that heat again! Can you imagine, these guys and gals arrest armed criminals, rush into burning buildings to save lives and such, but don't like the "heat" of being a sports official! Our DD and a friend, both college SB players came home for the weekend and also called some. They had fun as well, and were a huge hit with some of the male olympians! Local college and HS softball and baseball players volunteered to work the scoreboards, concessions, and anything else needed. Those kids were very proud to be part of that effort (and we were too!). Like I said, Was a fun weekend! 
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Wed Oct 13, 2004, 11:37am
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that sounds like a real joy. it's nice of you to give back to those who are in need. i've never umpired/officiated games like that but i've done other work for those with special needs and i usually leave feeling like they gave more to me. good job!
__________________
Do you ever feel like your stuff strutted off without you?
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Wed Oct 13, 2004, 02:29pm
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JEL,
This is an experience to say the least, I have experienced the honor of acting as the UIC for the State Tournament held in Savannah and the athletes take it just a serious any other group we umpire. I strongly suggest if possible anyone umpire the Special Olymics leagues and tournaments, however a word of caution, the biggest trouble you can get into is cutting slack, the athletes don't want it, don't expect it and youwill be accused of "cheating for the other team" should you make allownaces not in the rules of the league or tournament. Glad you had the oppoortunity and are spreading the word about an excellent experience.
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"Just My Humble Opinion" The Bagman
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Fri Oct 15, 2004, 03:32pm
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Quote:
 I've done a couple of Special Olympics tourneys at Fort Jackson here in Columbia. It is always a blast and actually does a wonderful job at reminding me where my priorities should be. I would definitely recommend it for anyone that needs a pick-me-up.
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Dan
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Sat Oct 16, 2004, 07:53am
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There was one funny little incident. A girl with Down's Syndrome came to bat, swung at three pitches, smiling real big after each one. After the third strike I declared "strike three, batter's out". She looked at me and asked "Am I out?". I replied "yes, good job batter". She then grinned and threw her bat down on top of home plate and walked off...just like a big-leaguer! Yep, I let it go!
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Mon Oct 18, 2004, 07:06am
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Quote:
Glad to see you had a ball.
__________________
Ed ASA, NFHS
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