LL State Championship
 

I watched a bit of the SC Little League State Championship last night. When I first walked up, I saw two umpires, which seemed appropriate. But wait, there's another one behind second. But, why there... hey, there's another base ump behind first.

Yep, a four umpire crew for a Little League game.

Did I mention it was Coaches Pitch, 8u?

Seemed a bit of overkill to me.

One word.

Parents.

Nobody on the foul lines?

They were calling those from the dugouts. :D

Necessary for the game? Probably not.
Special for the players? Probably so.

And there was a special crew for the parents, too: Members of the trap team from The Citadel.

Ya know, that is a helluva idea. Talk about prevantative umpiring.

"What did you say about my strike zone? ... Pull!"

Yep, We have done several "wreck" districts and states for the younger levels. If possible we try and work a 3-man on the final game. This usually means one umpire works free (usually me or my wife) or we divide the game fee 3 ways.

It is nice to hear the 10 year old girls say "wow, we get THREE umires!" It does make it special for them.

It also gets a 3-man practice session in for the crew.