My crew: 2021 Edition

From Left to Right:
Top: Jamie Sims, Joey Traylor, Tony Escarzaga, Joel Ewan, Scott McLernon,
Paul Cummings, Doug Singer, Gary Graupmann
Front: Dan Anzini, George Rodriguez, Doug Perret, Mike Falzone, Russ Smith

 I didn't really blog during the week as the week was full of activity outside the complex to try to replicate a normal tournament for the three guys who didn't defer to next year. Now that I'm home, I would love to watch games I was a part of and do a live-tweet like event on my blog to talk about what goes on during the game and what my through process was in these moments. It is going to be a backwards blogging event from the 2017 edition.

So I wanted to start off with a view of who was there this year. As I mentioned before, the original 10 invitees were given the choice to either do the softball tournament this year or defer to next year. 7 of the 10 deferred, a very sensible decision. 3 decided to come this year no matter the restrictions for their own reasons and I think they did not regret their decision. This was a great group of umpires and better men. What will make or break any tournament crew is the amount of ego in the room. This year was no different. It was great. The egos were low. The comradery was high. There were a lot of laughs in that locker room and back at the hotel.

 There was a lot of experience on the field this week. While 7 of us had done this tournament before, the most experienced one of us all had not but had done multiple World Series. It was great to work games with umpires with tons more experience, more training, and as much passion as I possess for this game. I was humbled and proud to be part of such a crew. 

Dan Anzini, first time at the San Bernardino Regional. Northern California.

Dan was the youngest of our crew (2 years younger than me.) This was his first time here and he just soaked everything in. If there was a discussion about umpiring, the rules, mechanics, or just how to be a better umpire, Dan was there ready to listen. He admitted at the end that he decided to not defer when he heard about the replacements being umpires who have done this before because he knew there would be a lot of experience he could learn from the guys who had returned. I agree with that sentiment as I learned a lot too.

Dan is also humble, ready to learn, slow to speak, and has a great sense of humor. I think we immediately hit it off, even some before through Facebook. I definitely want to do some traveling and his district is on my list so I can work with him again.

Doug Singer, Arizona

Doug enjoys umpiring. He brings his own flair to the game and I'm sure the kids in Arizona love him on their games because he has an infectious joy that spreads to others because he's always smiling, laughing, and enjoying the moment. I want to enjoy the game like he does.

Doug and I got to spend some time going to Rosa Marias for a garbage burrito. That was an enjoyable trip. Doug is a good conversationalist, a generous soul, and just a laid-back, happy-go-lucky guy. He as a great attitude that makes umpiring easy.

Joel Ewan, Southern California, First time at San Bernardino Softball

Joel was our elder statesman. He actually was Jeff Wimbrough's mentor when Jeff started (look back to 2017 to see Jeff. He was our leader then.) Joel, while it was his first Major softball regional, was not new to the game. He has done multiple regionals and World Series tournaments. Joel was a deliberate umpire. He didn't waste steps but was always where he needed to be. He could anticipate where the ball was going to be and make sure he moved to the right spot when he needed to be there. 

He also is tremendously funny and personable, intelligent and considerate. Whenever someone even thought about needing something, Joel was there ready to serve. He's soft spoken and when he says something, it's worth listening. I learned a lot from him this week.

Joey Traylor, Arizona

Joey is quiet strength and the servant leader. He is confident in his skill but humble. His movement on the field is decisive, proactive, and always gets him to where he needs to be. Even on a day where he feels he was off, his mechanics and knowledge cover a multitude of self-realized errors so he is the only one who knows where he could have done better. I appreciate his self-evaluation, honesty, and his desire to always be better.

I don't believe Joey and I did a game together this tournament (I'll have to look back through my paperwork) but it was definitely a pleasure to watch him take a game, grab it by the shoulders, and make it submit to his quiet authority. He is generous and friendly, confident and introspective. Western Region baseball is lucky to have a man like him as their uncle (more about uncles later.)

Mike Falzone, Oregon

Mike has done the softball World Series circuit. A professional in every way, he is funny and fun while giving the game the gravity it demands. He is also humble (this word gets used a lot with this crew) and knew when he needed to step back to ensure the girls got the best umpiring experience they deserved. You see, Mike got tripped up on a play about midway through the tournament and hit the ground hard. He tried to finish the inning but the inning ended up being 15 runs and he was hurt about 6 runs in. During a time out for an injured player, he admitted that he needed to be taken out and I took his place at second base. 
Most people I know would try to stick it out, rough it with less than 100%, and then try to hide it after the game to ensure they would be available for every game after that. Heck, I would probably try to do that. Mike was self-aware enough to know that was not the thing to do and he earned all of our respect. We hit up the CVS, got the Tiger Balm, Salon Pause patches, Epson salt, and Aleve and he worked on making sure he could get back healthy. He umpired third for the final game and did a great job.

I got to spend a lot of time with Mike as his early-week chauffer. He is a quiet voice who has a lot of wisdom in everything he says. I really enjoyed my time with Mike and hope to get up to Oregon one of these years to do a game with him up there.

Paul Cummings, Southern California (Los Angeles), First time at San Bernardino Softball regional

I had heard a lot about Paul Cummings before I got here because he was the mentor of an umpire in my district with whom I have worked a lot of games. My friend thinks the world of Paul and I can see why. He is an intelligent umpire, a patient man, and a fantastic storyteller. It was fascinating just sitting down with him and listening to his stories about umpiring adult league softball with players like Terrell Owens and other famous movie and TV stars and athletes, as well as his games with the kids of stars. Everyone seems to just like Paul. He's a good umpire with a good attitude and a great sense of humor that puts celebrities as ease as just one of the players. Another umpire I want to get out and work with during the regular season (although I have a much better chance of getting to L.A. than I do Portland, especially if I can convince Willie to have me out there.)

Russ Smith, Arizona

Russ is another one of these quiet umpires who just gets the job done and gets it done quickly. We had a couple of games done in almost 3 hours. Russ's two plates combined were a little less than 2 1/2 hours. That's efficient.

Russ was another one of those umpires who quietly makes his way around the field to always be in the right position. He knows the rulebook like it is part of his body and always has something positive to say. I had known Russ by reputation from a few friends heading out to Arizona to work for him and they weren't wrong. He is friendly with a remnant of a Southern drawl and all of the hospitality the South is known for. He is a great umpire.

Scott McLernon, Southern California (Los Angeles)

Scott drew the straw to be on the very first plate of the tournament and he set the standard the rest of us strived to hit. Scott, an Air Force man, looks like an umpire. He is athletic, smooth, assertive, humble, knowledgeable, and personable. I didn't see a weakness in him all week but he would still take advice with dignity and contemplation. He has great timing on his calls and impeccable movement. He engenders friendship and loyalty as proven by his DA coming out to see him work his plates, even with L.A. traffic. 

George Rodriguez, All of Southern California

George is the one umpire I have worked with before, several times, before this regional. George is professional in every way. He loves the Little League program and he loves umpires. George, a Marine, is always the picture of a military standard uniform with the work ethic that comes with that training. There were times this week where I worked with him and I stood in awe of his ability to see exactly where he needed to be to ensure a tag happened. He, with Joey, are the baseball uncles and he takes that job seriously, just like his umpiring.

I love working with George because every time I do, I get honest feedback on how to improve. I need that. Working with guys more advanced, with finer skills, always helps to improve your game. We often tease each other on our military history (me being Navy) but I respect him more than words can tell. 

He earned the plate for the championship game and he made sure the girls determined the winner of that game. I wouldn't expect anything less from George Rodriguez, Marine, Teacher, Mentor, and Umpire. He is the personification of the Little League core value of loyalty. I can't say enough good things about him. I'm glad I get dragged along with my friends whenever I get to step on the field with him. Here's to many more games together in the future.

Those were the working crew. Two guys who make this tournament fun, relaxing, and the social event it needs to be are the softball uncles, Dave Miller and Chris Costlow. They help the umpires get what they need, help us relax after games, take all these wonderful pictures that I have on this blog right now, and are just all-around great guys. True servants at heart and in action. The softball are lucky to have them.

Russ, Gary, and Doug

Finally, there are the evaluators. Gary Graupmann, Jamie Sims, and Doug Perret. This is the same crew that was here in 2017. They are dedicated as all get out and incredible umpires on their own. They spend the whole week out here, helping all of us get better with a deep knowledge and love of the game. It was a blessing to get to work with these men. Volunteers through and through, with huge giving hearts and the eternal desire to make sure the girls get the best games because they have the best umpires. 

Paul and Jaime

This was an opportunity I never thought would have happened a second time. This time, I was much more intentional on collecting every moment in my mind because who gets to relive a memory this vivid a second time? The players were different. The umpires were too. The memories will play on in my mind as a sweet spot where I dodged some balls, got hit by a couple, and umpired some incredible girls who were all vying for not only a spot in the World Series, but some normalcy in a world turned topsy-turvy these past 18 months. It was great to be back out on the field. Thank you, San Bernardino, for another week that will live in my mind rent-free for years to come. 

It all starts tomorrow

 We finished our pre-tournament meeting and we're ready to go. Got my regional hat, 2 jerseys (both light blue with a black collar) and my first day schedule. 

Tomorrow, I am at first base for the 9 AM game and at second base at the 4 PM game. The 9 AM game is all Southern California umpires (with a Northern California umpire in the well.) It should be a great day of softball.

Funny thing. When I got my schedule, I was listed as Ernesto Escarzaga. Apparently, Ernesto and I merged into one person for this tournament. Ernie was my partner in crime in 2017 and a DA for a local district. One of my favorite people in the world. It is just funny they combined our names as he was originally supposed to come but then couldn't because, well, he's a DA.

I saw the field today and it is beautiful. They 'skinned' the infield, meaning there is no grass on the infield, just like it should be for softball. It should speed up the game a lot. The first game of the tournament is Arizona and Hawaii, who both are traditional softball powerhouses. It should really kick the tournament off with a bang.

One of the things I will be responsible for as the first base umpire is ensuring the visiting team does not go out onto the field until ESPN is ready for them. A lot of the timing of the tournament is dictated by the demands of television. I have noticed over the years that it makes for a really good broadcast but can slow the in person game down a lot. This year, as most viewership will be online, it should make the entire event a real event. I have no problem helping those viewers at home enjoy the experience.

So if I mess up tomorrow, I have two things to protect me. I'll be wearing my mask and I'll be Ernesto. All pressure is off!

One last note: Got to have dinner with the crew and we have a really good group of guys here. Thus far, it looks like I am 3 for 3 in regional umpire likeability. I look forward to working with these guys this week.

See you in the morning!

A year in review

Section 9 8-10 Baseball crew last night.
 It looks a little familiar.

I finished my pre-regional games last night at first base for the 8-10 baseball section 9 game. Now to finish the final preparations for Friday. I like this time of year on Facebook as my memories are all of umpiring with some of my favorite people in the world. 

 So I want to look back on the year that was today. Last year, I did 3 games in March and then we got shut down for the rest of the year. It was so hard to be gone from the game for that long. This year, when games started up in Menifee in April, I was all over them. It was great to be back on the field helping kids play a game. 

There was one thing about this year, though. I never had so many strange calls as I did this year. Obstructions, interferences, illegally batted balls, balks, calls I hadn't called in 10 years getting called multiple times this year. I had bad behaving coaches who needed to go home. This year, I did more games than I have done since I was the UIC in Bloomington trying to make a volunteer program run again. I got to umpire for Little League in Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, and Murietta. Post-season I jumped up to Fontana, Grand Terrace, Hesperia, and San Diego. Have uniform, will travel. 

 Probably the highlight of the season was getting to umpire my youngest daughter's team several times. She had a rough season in Seniors at the plate. Last game of the year, we were at Lake Elsinore and the umpire pulls up next to us. It is an umpire I respect and have worked with before. I ask who he is working with and he isn't. He's got a Senior game solo. I ask if he wants a partner and suddenly I'm on the bases. 

My daughter's team hadn't won a game all season. They were battling with the team from Elsinore, down by one in the bottom of the 5th. There were runners on second and third and my daughter comes up. I'm in the C position. She gets to 3-2, 2 outs, and hits a looping fly ball down the third base line which lands about 3 feet fair. My partner calls fair and the dugout explodes in excitement. 2 runs score, she's standing on second, first true hit of the season. It was all I could do not to cry on the field as I'm the impartial arbiter at this point. I have a hard time thinking of when I have been happier on the field. 

They won. She got the game ball. The boys all cheered as we walked back to the car to leave. She smiled the entire ride home. 

 That's what this year has been about. We have helped kids who probably wouldn't make a travel ball team play as part of a team. We stood up to disease and said life will not end but we will enjoy life once again by playing a simple game. For all the bad tempers I encountered this year, there were 10 players happy to be out of the house and running the bases. Whenever I talked with a coach, I mentioned that this year was better than last year, no matter how hot it was. 

At the beginning of the season we had rust, missed calls, bad plays, and bonehead moves. By the end, we remembered why we were out there - it's fun. It develops leadership. Character, courage, and loyalty. It was an incredible season. I'm glad mine isn't quite done yet.

State Softball Tournament & Preparations

This was from the 8-10 Year Old
Baseball game on Sunday Night in
District 28, Not Softball.

From Saturday, July 10th to Friday, July 16, I worked every day but Sunday at the Southern California Softball State Tournament. It was a roller coaster ride of bad softball, great softball, nervous umpiring on my part, a game of quicksand wondering why I'm doing this, to one of my best games of the year. I feel, after 6 days of umpiring 8 games, I am ready for San Bernardino now.

Looking at the list of umpires, there are a lot of umpires I have heard about, a couple i have worked with, and all of them are known around the region. This is a great group of umpires of which I feel like I belong but also have that self-doubt that I can't afford another game where confidence wanes. 

One of the best things about the state tournament was the opportunity to work with Tori. I recruited Tori back in 2016 to umpire with me at Bloomington as a teenager. This year, she told me that she worked the entire Softball season at Bloomington. During the district's 8-10 Softball tournament, we worked 2 umpire and she worked her first All-Star game behind the plate. She was nervous but worked it. She did the loser bracket finals plate for the State tournament and did an excellent job. The growth between that first game and her last plate was impressive to see. I'm glad she's sticking it out because she is the future of umpiring. I consider her career my success as UIC of Bloomington.

Let me recap the state championship from my Facebook post:

"Little League Softball Majors Southern California State Championship: La Verne (visitors) vs West L.A. (Home): this was the if game with La Verne forcing it yesterday with a rub in the bottom of the 6th. Today La Verne scores one in the first and West L.A. scores 3 in the bottom of the first. La Verne ties it up 3-3 in the third. Scoreless 4th. La Verne scores one in the 5th and West L.A. gets runners on first and second with no outs in the bottom of 5. A couple of fly balls to center and a 6-3 ground out gets La Verne or of a pickle.

6th inning, La Verne has 7-8-9 up and 8 gets on base. 9 gets the second out. 1 gets intentionally walked and 2 hits a dribbler to the third baseman whose throw beats the batter by half a step.

West L.A. also has 7-8-9 coming up in the bottom of the 7th. 8 gets on. 9 out for second out. 1 hits and now there are runners on first and second. 2 hits a dribbler to the shortstop and we have a third out, 6-3.

La Verne played every day during this tournament, 7 days. And I'll see them again in a week."

So now the state tournament is done and I am getting the final preparations done for Regionals. My pants are at the cleaners getting pressed. I'm cleaning out my car from all the extra umpire stuff. I'm hydrating today for games on Saturday. I've read and reread the rule book and tournament rules. I'm ready for San Bernardino.

Friday is Rebecca's 18th birthday. I get to hang out with her in the morning and then head up to San Bernardino for our Umpire meeting the night before games start. First game starts at 9 AM on Saturday. I don't know if I'm on that game yet or if I'll be on the noon game instead. Here is the schedule of all games:

https://www.littleleague.org/world-series/2021/llsbws/tournaments/west-region/

I'll guarantee I won't be on the plate for any game that Southern California is on (La Verne) because that is the way they do it. No home state umpires doing the plate for their home state team. I understand the reasons for that (and after doing 6 games for La Verne during the state tournament, it is definitely a good idea to avoid the perception of impropriety.) So no plate Sunday at noon.

Looking at the tournament, it looks like Idaho is not sending a team this year but the other 11 states (2 California) are sending one. 19 games. It should be a fun tournament.

I'll let you know my opening day schedule as soon as I know it myself.