Epilogue

This has been an unbelievable journey.  The friends I've made, the things we experienced, the comradery, the support we've given each other are things I'll never forget.  I have seven new brothers for life.

A huge thanks to the staff hosting this tournament.  Robin Murray, the UIC, Steve Christman our umpire evaluator, Brooks Bishop DA for AZ D8, Jorge Maldonado ADA/TD, Jorge Maldonado Jr transportation director, John Doyle the Mayor, Marcel Bachelier from Parks and Rec for providing such a wonderful work environment, Jesus "Bibby" Bolivar who's office we took over as our locker room for the week, Dave Bonham Western Region Director, the paramedics who tended to our fallen brother, Police Chief Derek Arnson for keeping the peace, the breakfast staff at the Holiday Inn Express, the Candlewood Hotel staff, and Umpire Del Fonder for shuttling us around all week.

Summer of a lifetime.

#BlueLivesMatter

Day 8

Up at 5:00, laundry again.  Fixed a few problems at work.

The weather forecast is 100% chance of rain by 2:00 pm.  That's unfortunate as we'll sacrifice the consolation game to ensure we get the championship game in.  We'll have to wait and see.  As of 7:30 am, it's cloudy but the sun is out.

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With donations from all, my crew went out and bought a minifridge for the crew that arrives next year.  Our little contribution to the cause.

Wow.  What a day.

The weather fully cooperated.  We had overcast skys and a high of 97.  Made for a rather pleasant day.

My plate for the Arizona-Nogales game went really well.  No controversies, no negative chatter from the fans.  Arizona came out on top 17-7 in 5 2/3 innings.  Now, you have to understand that we were forewarned that the Nogales fans are a passionate bunch, mostly Spanish speaking supporters of the local teams.  Not understanding much Spanish is actually a good thing for us, we have no Idea what's be shouted at us from the stands.  We do know that "burro" is a not so endearing term used by said fans to lob insults at umpires making calls for which they don't quite agree.  Burro translates to Donkey, which of course, is also known as a three letter word starting with "a" and ending with "s" and has another "s" thrown in.  I was fortunate enough today to not hear that insult, so I think I called a fairly good game.  At least the other umpires said so.  It must be true.

The championship game between Hawaii and SoCal was an absolute gem.  Hawaii scored first, to be tied by SoCal, and then SoCal gained a slight lead before Hawaii put it away 6-3 in 6 1/2 innings.  Will "balk 'em" Rasanen (so called because he got at least one balk in every game, except those he officiated from the outfield lines) called a masterful game and even got the rare catcher's balk tonight, much to the thrill (sarcasm) of the SoCal team.  Nicely done, sir.

The city of Nogales really gets it.  The fans, the merchants, the restaurants all support the little league effort.  Everywhere we went we were thanked for the volunteer work we did.  It was a total celebrity experience.  To top it off, as the 8 man team of umpires entered the field tonight for the championship game, marching in twos, wearing the black jerseys, they played the Darth Vader theme song (you know it ... dum dum dum, dum ta dum, dum ta dum...) We got a standing ovation as we passed by the fans.  A truly magical experience.

That's it!  We're finally done, after 8 straight days of baseball, 9 teams, 8 umpires, 26 games, it's over.  I'm sorry to be leaving tomorrow.

Day 7

We're in the Semifinals.

5:30 laundry (surprised?) followed by breakfast.  We're heading to the field around 8:30 for our 10:00 and 12:30 six man games.  Won't get the crew assignments until 9:00.

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I got the first base assignment for the10:00 game, Hawaii vs Arizona.  These Hawaiian kids are a pleasure to watch, as they easily dispatched Arizona 11-1 in 5 innings.  With a 6 man crew, and no rotations, I didn't have much excitement at first base, though I had a snap throw from the catcher to almost catch the runner at first, and I really got a chance to step into the safe mechanic.  Good fun.

For the second game, SoCal vs Nogales, the inside and outside umpires from the first game were flipped so I got to do the right field line for 4 innings of the game.  It's my first time on the outfield lines and turns out to be a pretty good location from which to watch the game.  As expected, SoCal was able to control Nogales and came out on top 8-0.

Tomorrow, it's an all Arizona consolation game (Arizona vs Nogales) at 2:30 pm and Hawaii vs SoCal at 5:00 pm.  Most of us saw this coming several days ago. 

Every umpire's dream is the plate assignment for the Championship game.  And tomorrow that dream comes true for Will Rasannen from Washington district 4.  Will was the odds-on favorite in my crew this week.  This is a well deserved assignment for Will.  Congratulations.

But my plate work isn't done yet.  I was lucky enough to get selected for the consolation plate played before the championship game, and I'm really looking forward to these two Arizona based teams playing for home state bragging rights.  That also means I'll get an outfield line position for the championship game.  Whatever I can do to help out, Will.

I also understand our good friend Mark Teagle from district got the plate for the Junior league softball championship this past week.  Way to represent, Mark!

Day 6

Up at 4:30 today, more laundry.  It was 72 degrees and 66% humidity when I got up.  I hope that humidity drops quickly.

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The temperatures thankfully didn't quite hit the highs expected for the day, topping out at 93 degrees.

I ended up with a 10:00 plate and 12:30 2nd base today.  the 10:00 plate featured #3 Arizona vs #6 Washington.  It was a very exciting and well played game on both sides, but Arizona broke out late in the game and finished ahead 5-1. 

The second game was #1 SoCal vs #8 Oregon, and things went pretty much as expected, with SoCal coming out on top 18-0, clinching the game on a 13 run 4th inning.  The game also featured an Umpire rendition of YMCA to help break the tension between the 4th and 5th innings.  I'll try to get a copy of the video.

We had our evaluations tonight with Steve.  Short, brief, and to the point.  I'm now qualified to work a intermediate or big field World Series.

Tonight was the Umpire dinner at a local Mexican seafood restaurant.  I'm stuffed.  Thanks, Robin.

We're down to 4 teams.  Semifinals are tomorrow, championship & consolation game on Monday.  Tomorrow is #2 Hawaii vs #3 Arizona, and #1 SoCal vs #4 Nogales.  Both games will be staffed by 6 man crews (goodby rotations we've been struggling to perfect all week) with a plate umpire in reserve for each game.  We'll get our assignments in the morning.

Day 5

Laundry again at 6:00 am followed by mirror work on the mechanics.  I was originally scheduled for 2nd base on the 5:00 game, but they've pushed the games to noon to again try to beat the lightning.  Sounds like we'll also be mixing up the crews for this last day of pool play, as the brackets start tomorrow.  It will be interesting to work with some of the other crew members.

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We got new working partners for the day.  I had second base working with Mike, Jordan, and Will.  Mike I know and worked with previously in California.  Jordan is a local 18 year old who replaced an umpire that had to drop for family reasons.  The kid is really good, and he's the one in the plate gear in the photo with the powder blue shirts. 

This game featured Socal and Oregon, and Socal won easily 18-3.  We messed up a few rotations early in the game but found our way by the second inning.  Once again, we gave the kids a quality game.

I didn't get an assignment in the 2:30 second game which featured a 100 degree temperature at the start with 25% humidity.  The plate umpire was overcome by heat in the fourth inning and was replaced by Will.  I stayed with our comrade after he was released by the paramedics and he was fine after a shower, water, and food.  I expect he'll be back tomorrow.

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Since we were off around 6:00 tonight, we headed into downtown Nogales for dinner at Las Vigas Steak Ranch.  Dinner was excellent.

As some of you may know, there is a wall separating Nogales, AZ from Nogales Mexico.  Not quite the Trump wall, but a reminder of where we are. 

We start bracket play tomorrow, with crew assignments completely up in the air, as umpires cannot be the plate umpire if their team is represented in the game.  Us California guys get squeezed because we have 2 California teams, as does Arizona.  We have 4 games tomorrow (each crew gets 2 games) starting at 10:00 am.  Second games are scheduled for 12:30.

We are expecting record highs tomorrow.

Day 4

Heavy rain is expected tonight, so we'll be running all day today.  Our continuation game is scheduled for 10:00,   A 30 minute break before yesterday's scheduled game 2, and hour break for lunch before today's scheduled game 1, 30 minutes off and today's scheduled game 2. 

I've got the plate for game 3 today (Washington vs Oregon).  We're looking to start that game in mid afternoon (highs today 97 humidity 64%).  Lots of water today, boys.

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The Arizona - Nevada continuation game started on time at 10:00 and went as expected, with a commanding victory for Arizona 27-4.  A great game to practice our mechanics, and we put them to use.

I had first base for the Norcal vs Alaska game which started around noon.  Alaska did well stay within striking distance, but Norcal came out on top 14-8.

My plate game with Washington vs Oregon started in the heat of the day around 2:00.  With temperatures breaching 100 degrees, the boys had a good battle going until the 5th inning when the temperature dropped about 15 degrees in 10 minutes (always a bad sign).  Sure enough, the game was postponed due to lightning strikes in the area.  A 50 minute delay was followed by some back and forth between the teams, before Washington breaking the 8-8 tie with a walk off single with two outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd in the bottom of the 7th.  Definitely not my best performance mechanically, but we gave the players a quality game.  I get to buy a round one night for my ringup of a batter on 2 strikes.  Sheesh.

I started the final game of the day at third base, featuring Socal and Alaska around 7:00.  The game was actually very well contested, and the final score of 11-1 in favor of Socal does not reflect the outstanding defensive game that Alaska had. 

It was debrief until around 10 and straight to bed.  Long, day.

Day 3

Started off the day with 6:00 laundry, followed by some review work and breakfast at 8:00.

The post game debrief went about two hours.  We're meeting Steve over at the complex around 2:00 to do some on field situations and footwork.  This has been a great (and humbling) learning experience.

Weather forecast for today is 89 degrees at 5:00 game time with 30% humidity, 35% chance of rain.

Steve Christman took us out to the field at 2:00 to work on some advanced mechanics.  Pictures are included below.

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The first game got off without a hitch.  Arizona took and early commanding lead scoring 19 runs before the game was suspended in the second inning for lightning.  With Nevada's 3 runs tallied, this game looks to be a landslide.  The lightning suspension was followed heavy rains and the games were officially suspended around 7:30.  We're scheduled to pick up tomorrow at 10:00 am and play the one continuation game and the second scheduled game in the morning/noon time, and get back on track with the regularly scheduled games at 5:00 pm.

The currency amongst umpires here in Nogalas is Beer.  One buys into this system by committing, let's say, transgressions during a game.  The plate umpire flinching at balls thrown or fouled towards his head --  that'll cost him a pitcher of beer.  Stadium calls(obvious foul balls that end up in the stands, or calling a runner safe when no play is being made) will cost another.  And so on.  I've been fortunate to date (knock on wood) to be spared buy in to this system.  But with four games tomorrow, and one behind the plate, it's an even money bet I'll be laying down the greenbacks tomorrow night.  Fortunately, the local watering hole is right next to the hotel.  Safety first.

The comradery here is something special.  The advanced mechanics Steve is teaching us are literally game changing.  The support from fellow blue on missed rotations and breakdowns in plays is amazing.  We are truly working as one team, with one goal in mind: making the right call.  The D12 umpires back home will be blown away with the 4 man U2 mechanic I'm bringing home -- they won't believe it until they've tried it. 

Day 2

Up at 6:00 am to do laundry.  Shout out to Candlewood Suites for the free laundry facilities.  You just need to buy the soap.

Forgot to mention yesterday dinner was provided by the snack shack.  The carne asada soft tacos are definitely worth a try.  Or two.

The post game debrief this morning took 1 1/2 hours.  Lots to work on.

We arrived at the field 2 hours early, as prescribed by the UIC, and went over our game plan for the evening.  Then the rains came, and were were on hold until our scheduled 5:00 starting time.  Thanks to the quickly moving storm, we started on time.  I had the plate for Arizona vs Washington, and the game was rather uneventful.  Arizona bested Washington 14-3 in six innings.

The second game was the marquee game of the evening, pitting the Nogales host team against Hawaii.  I had third base in the rotation for this one.

The 7:30 game was preceded by a spectacular Star Spangled Banner flanked by one heck of a distant lightning show.  Now I know how Francis Scott Key felt when he wrote the Anthem. 

Hawaii got off to quick start ending the first up 1-0.  Then the call came to clear the field as lightning had struck within the minimum 10 mile radius.  Back to the umpire room to wait out the alert.

We resumed at 9:00 and Hawaii continued to slowly accumulate runs over the the course of the game.  These kids are fast, and traveling all that way, came prepared to win.  Offensively and Defensively, this team is crisp and very well disciplined. 

I had been practicing a punchout a good part of the day (one of our homework assignments by Steve).  And finally I had my opportunity to unleash my new mechanic when the Nogales catcher overthrew 2nd on a steal attempt, and the runner turned and headed towards me at third.  I slid into position, waited for the ball, runner, and fielder to come together, observed the play, and 'whacked' the kid out.  We live for these types of plays!  And right after I did, the 2nd base umpire declares "TIME!  That's obstruction.  Runner is safe!" as the shortstop had obstructed the runner on his way to third.  The nerve of some people!  Good call, Allen.  I know I nailed it, if only for a moment.

Hawaii eventually won 8-4. 

Tomorrow I've got the 5:00 game at 2nd base with Nevada vs Arizona, and the 7:30 game at first with Northern Cal vs Alaska (Norcal lost to Socal 5-4 today on the other field).

Day 1

It's all about the kids.  And the the swag.  I've included a picture of the gifts D12 and Almaden Little League gave me to give out to the other umpires and officials.  Thanks to Don for the Almaden Shirts, Dan for the D12 unders, and Jenice for the wonderful pin sets and D12 branded baseballs.

Got our jerseys and hats.  Nice.  Sorry about the wrinkles in the photo.

We did out umpire meeting, coach introduction, and equipment inspection.  It amazes me how through all the levels of play these kids have done, they still have illegal bats and helmets worn beyond common sense.  At least that's all behind us now.

The parade was a hoot.  Unfortunately, we didn't get to ride the promised firetruck as it had to do standby duty at a building demolition.  But we did get to ride on a trolley.

My randomly selected crew consists of me, of course, Allen, Del, and Will.  Good group of guys.  We had two games tonight, 5:00 Arizona vs Alaska, and 7:30 Nevada vs Nogales host team.  Both games were blowouts, with Arizona winning 14-3, and Nogales winning 19-0.  As the host city, Nogales gets to put forward a local team, and the Nogales teams have done very well in the past, and this one looks to be a top competitor as well.

Both games went off without controversy, though we certainly identified several areas of improvement we can address.  I had 2nd base in the first game, and 1st base in the second.  We'll debrief with Steve our evaluator Christman tomorrow morning.  I know he wrote a book taking notes during our game. 

Tomorrow I've got the plate for the 5:00 game and 3rd for the 7:30 game.  The 7:30 game features Nogales and Hawaii, both big winners tonight, and is expected to be quite a battle.

Travel Day

Arrived at SJC at 6:00 am for a 7:50 flight.  Surprisingly quiet at that time of the morning. TSA was still smiling. 

Travel alert: the airport is rife with Pokemon.  2 gyms in terminal B alone. 

Bought my TSA approved water at Smashburger. $4.01.  Handed the guy a 10.  He seriously counted out 99 cents along with the the Abe. Bucking for CFO, no doubt.  

San Diego airport was a zoo. But I did level up 5 while waiting for my flight. 

Arrived in Tuscon around 12:30.  Met Allen Gillett (WA 2) at the airport (he recognized my Wilson umpire bag) and we waited until 2:30 for Steve Sawamura (CA 14), Mike Ragan (CA 57), and Keith King (WA 3) to arrive.  Jorge and his girlfriend picked us up at the airport and wisked us to Nogales.

Temps are in the high 90s and and around 40% humidity (everyone who thought Arizona wasa "dry heat" hasn't been here during monsoon season).  Saw some distant lightning strikes, but all looks well right now.

Checked into the Candlewood Suites.

Met the rest of the crew for dinner tonight.  Robin Murray (UIC), Steve Christman (Evaluator, and one of my instructors at the week long clinic), Jordan Shift (AZ 8, the baby of the crew at 18), Will Rasanen (WA 4), and Del Fonder (NV 1).  Good group. 

More thunder and lightning tonight -- no rain, though.

Tomorrow we have the umpire meeting at 9:00, coaches introduction at 10:00, equipment inspection at noon, field orientation at 1:00, and the parade at 4:00.  I finally get to ride a firetruck.

First two games are at 5:00 Monday, 3rd at 7:30.  We won't decide crews until Monday morning (random selection, I understand).

What is Intermediate baseball?

Little league (age 12 and under) is played on a 60 foot diamond (60' between bases) and a 46' distance from the pitcher's plate (the rubber) and the back of home plate.  

Juniors and above (age 13 and up) play on a 90 foot diamond and 60'6" pitcher's plate to home plate, the same dimensions as Major League Baseball.

That's a big jump for the 13 year olds, and games early in the Juniors year are painful to watch, with 3rd basemen and shortstops 2 hopping throws to first, and pitchers not able to reach home plate in the air.

Intermediate baseball (often called 50/70)  fits in between Majors and Juniors, where the bases are 70' apart and pitcher plate distance is 50'.  Players in Intermediate are aged 11-13, and in most leagues are allowed to play both Majors (11, 12 year olds) and Intermediate.  The Juniors rules are in effect (leads, steals, balks, 2 1/4" or  2 5/8" bats) giving the kids a chance to experience the big boy rules.

The Intermediate World Series is held in Livermore, CA in August.