UPDATE Mid Atlantic final

Little League just announced that the mid atlantic game has been moved to 11 am on Sunday and will air live on espn.

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One Champion crowned one to go

Rhode Island beat Massachusetts today for NE championship and on there way to Williamsport. It was a slugfest. I was able to sit and watch the game in center field. Was able to sit with wife Shelly and friends my family met in Williamsport a few years ago. It was great to see all of them at the same time. We all met at the White Deer Motel. Miss those good times, but really enjoyed today. One more game for me. Mid Atlantic Championship, right field line. Time is scheduled for 6pm tomorrow. But hearing thru the grape vine that it may be moved to 11am due to weather. I guess I will wait to hear for official word. Either way I am sure it will still be aired at 6 pm on espn. Next post will come after getting home and able to think back on the great time I had. Watch my face book for photos.

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We are down to the Championship games.

Pool play done, Semi-finals done. Two games left, New England Championship on Saturday at 1pm. Mid-Atlantic Championship Sunday at 6pm. There was talk that they may have played the Mid-Atlantic game on Saturday, due to weather on Sunday. But found out tonight that it is staying on Sunday for now. I am scheduled for the Right Field Line for the Mid-Atlantic game. Fitting that I started on a line that I finish on a line. I have had quite a few 1st and 2nd over the last 6 games. I had 2 plates thru out the week. I am very happy with my assignments and performance. Had a few close calls over the week and everyone watching said I had them right.
Was a little bummed when Goffstown lost in the semi's. Playing pool play is tuff, you can play so well then just one game can end everything. The 3 and 4 seeds are playing for trip to Williamsport. There was also one upset on the Mid-Atlantic side. For complete details check out littleleague.org. 

8/11/11 makeup game and NE Semi-finals

Yesterday was a great weather day here in Bristol. We had our two games that were postponed from the other night along with the two New England Semi-finals. We are down to final 8 teams, 4 NE and 4 mid-Atlantic. Now we are win and move on or lose and go home. Winners in finals. CT vs RI and NH vs Mass. Much to our surprise the two lower seeds won. RI knocks out CT and Mass knocks out NH. NH was 4 and 0 in pool play. Really thought NH would at least be in finals. But 7 errors in field and cold bats did not help them. Lesson learned by teams yesterday was play to win today not tomorrow.
My assignments were first and second yesterday. Nothing to close while on first. While on second had one play that stood out. Ball coming in from outfield player trying to stretch it to a double. The ball arrives to base in time, but a very high tag let the batter/runner slide under the play. He was safe. That was the TV game, and I was told by those watching I had it right. But 50% of the people at the field did not think so.
Today is the mid-Atlantic semi final I am at first base for the 3pm game. ESPN will be carrying that game. Then we have New England Final on Saturday and Mid-Atlantic Final on Sunday. Weather for Sunday is not sounding good. Stay tuned for assignments and other details.

Wow. Really feel good now!

I am sitting on bench out side the rec room and one of players walks up to me and asked who had plate for his game tomorrow. Told him schedule was not made yet. He asked Frank, the region UIC. Then as he was walking away told Frank that it should be me. Then he looked at me and said "You are good." Really let's me know kids do appreciate hard work.

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8/10/11 second base and plate

Not to bad of a day. Had some visitors from NH come down to critique me. Good to see familiar faces. I was at second base for the TV game. Vermont vs Rhode Island. Smooth running game. Had one play that a team was going to turn a double play but ball dropped at second. I was just about to come up with an out call and noticed the ball was not caught. That is why timing is so important. I waited just long enough to come up with a safe, ball on ground call. I then had the plate last night for the NY NJ game. Was very good game. Was looking like it was going to be a nail bitter that was coming down to end. was  1 to 0, then 2 to 1, then NJ scored about 4 or 5 in 5th. I felt like my tracking the ball was not the best. May not have missed any more then usual but the crowd made me feel like I did. It was good ball and game was over in about hour in half.
Today, (Thursday i think) I am at first for mid-Atlantic game that was postponed from other day, then for 3pm TV game i am at second. Looking forward to Shelly coming back down today. Her and Samantha will stay until Sunday. I will be checking out on Monday since the championship game for mid-Atlantic is Sunday night.
During TV game yesterday they announced my birthday in middle of game. That was nothing compared to dancing with Dugout and having a NJ team sing me happy birthday before our game. Then during game last night Dugout had the other umpires doing YMCA in outfield. They made sure I was at plate so I could not screw it up with my backwards C. They all did great, nice job Blue!

8/9/11 1 game - other rained out

As I said in my earlier post I was at 1st base for TV game. Game went smooth, had no issues, and a couple close calls. It does not get much better then that. I was spouse to be one first for the 7pm game. But mother nature had other ideas. Rainy afternoon in Bristol. The 4pm game was postpone in 3rd inning. They did not get to finish and our game at 7pm was no go. Both games will be on Thursday am before the New England semi-finals at 3pm and 7pm.
For tomorrow, I have the early game at 10am. TV game, I am 2nd base. Then I have the afternoon off and I have the plate for the 7pm game. New York vs New Jersey, Going to be a loud and action packed game. I heard some of the other umpires from the District are coming down tomorrow. Will look forwarded to seeing them. Nathan has been hinting to the other umpires that it is my birthday tomorrow (Aug 10th). So I am kind of expecting a visit by Dugout on the field. They thrive on that. Told Nate he would be on the next bus home. HA HA! I also can add doing the Y M C A on Breen Field. It was pointed out to me that my C was going backwards. Good thing that there were no camera's there for that. Well off to get some rest. Thanks to everyone for following and comments on Face Book.

8/9/11 Completed my first game of day. I was in the 1pm game at first base. it was the second tv game of the week. The first for me. Being at first was great. It was a little nerve racking at first and leading up to the game. but seemed once I step foot on the field it was just like being at Colby field in Laconia NH. I was comfortable and having a good time. I had a few close calls at first. According to you everyone when I got off the field I guess I did ok. the rain has started now at 5pm and not looking good. If it clears up I will be back at first for late game.

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8/8/11 Monday 3 games

Yes it is only Monday. Most things seem to running pretty smooth. We had 5 games today. That was to make up for the rain out the other night. NE Umpires were involved with 3 of them. I was at 1B, LF Line, RF Line. Kind of easy day, but games are getting more important, us umpires need to be on our toes. When on left field line I had a lot of shots right over my head a few foul balls right down the line and the rest home runs. i think game ended 16 to 14. do not ask who played or won. Today we started getting ready for tv games. Had to hold teams in dugout before running out to field. That leaves time for commercial break. Other small changes so we can put on the best show for tv.

We are getting schedule day by day. Tuesday there are 4 games. Times changed a little because the first two games of the day are on NESN. I am at 1st base for the 1pm game and the 7pm game. Yes the 1pm game will be on NESN. Feel bad for everyone that will watch because I might have face time being on 1B.

One more note. I had my plate on Sunday and felt great doing it. Monday the team that lost saw me on the field and a player asked if that was me behind the plate yesterday. I answer yes, and he says I did a great job. After an inning I had the same comments from one of coaches. Made me feel really good. I am only as good as the players and my crew. When you have good pitching it is easy to have fun.

8/7/11 Day three in the books

The weather started out looking very bad. With that said we got all 4 games in and on time. I was scheduled for the plate at 2pm and 3rd base at 8pm. For my plate, I could not have asked for a better game. Started to look like it was going to be a 10 run mercy rule. But we made it to the 6th. I think it was 13 to 5 New Jersey over Washington DC. I felt very comfortable and butterflies in my stomach were no where to be found. I made sure that i missed a couple pitches so I wold not have a perfect game. Because we know when I have a perfect game it will be my last. Doc called me aside as I was coming off the field I figured he as going to tell me how bad I did. Come to find out a reporter from the Union Leader wanted to talk about my experience there in Bristol. So watch the Union Leader paper for a story. Can not wait until I am back behind the dish. I just hope that I have pitchers and partners that make me look so good because they did well.
I then had 3rd base for the 8pm game. This was my six game and concludes my every position once. Think I did OK. Little different doing a night game. It was New York vs Pennsylvania. Penn looks very strong. New York gave them a run but Penn ended up winning. After tomorrow they may start mixing the crews. I have really enjoyed working with other umpires from New England. It will be different when we work with mid-Atlantic umpires. Be like starting over and getting use to how others work.
I have 3 games on Monday. 10am i am on 1st Base, 3pm I'm at LF Line, 8pm. I am at RF Line. Seems like may be easier day, but as we get further along in tournament now game is going to be easy. On another note Connecticut was looking like one of the favorites in the New England division. BUT, New Hampshire beat CT today. Nice job Goffstown!! Well got to get clean up and to bed, start again tomorrow. Thanks for following my journey!

8/6/11 RF Line and 2nd Base

Had some real good games today. I was on RF line for 11am game. Had one nice catch by right fielder going towards center. Not to much happening for me to call. It was very humid and sticky. For the 5pm game I was at 2nd base. We actually started at 4:30 due to bad weather coming in later. We got our game in with no weather issues. I wad a couple calls at second. This was first real game of two possible contenders and the crowd was there to prove it. Excitement galore. I felt the umpire crew did a fantastic job. I think when they set the assignments they knew the type of game it was going to be. Felt very comfortable on the field and with the other umpires I was with. After day two the umpires are starting to loosen up and hang more when off the field. It is nice to build new relationships.
On side note, was able to spend sometime with friends my family met at Little League World Series years ago. It was good to see them and hang out. Look forward to others coming later in the week.
The Weather is not looking on our side. Raining pretty good this morning (Sunday) and calling for rain all day. They did not get to play last nights game at 8pm. I think that is being played monday since both teams that would have played have Monday off. I am scheduled for my plate at 2pm, time will tell.

Hard to believe it is only Saturday

I have been here for 3 days and only umpire 4 games. Don't think of how long 10 days can be until you are here. Here are couple highlight and what makes this fun. I was lucky enough to be in Cranston last year for the 9/10 regional tournament. A couple of the teams that were there are now here for the 11/12. and there are some 11 year old on the teams. the pins I made a similar to last year, They have our dog Sophie on them. I gave a pin to a player on Delaware, he looks at it and says, "Dude, I met you last year!" That is what this is all about.  Talking to players on field to keep them relax is also fun. They will say just about anything. Had some exciting games today. Look forward to having my first plate tomorrow at 2pm. That is if the weather holds off. Tonight's 8pm game is postponed. I think they will try for 9am tomorrow. Have to get to the field to see if there are any changes.

8/5/11 LF and 1B

Well the first day of games is in the books. First game of the day, at 11:00 am, I was at Left Field Line. Nice way to get out gitters of first game. No issues, had to call a home run. I made sure my timing was good and I made sure it was a home run, HA HA. It was a 10 run mercy rule. was a long game for 5 innings. My second game at 5:00 pm, I was at first base. It started as a very quick game. I think the second inning only had 11 pitches by one of the teams. I had a lot of ground balls calls at first. None of them were bang, bang, close calls. Which was nice! I felt I was in good position for any ground ball. meaning a step or two in on routine ball to fielder and then getting further in on bunt or slow roller in front of mound. Was able to see some friends that we met at LLWS. It is nice home coming when you come to a tournament like this. You can get scores, and even watch live action online at http://littleleagueinternational.pointstreaksites.com/view/littleleagueinternational
 Also see complete schedule and standings at http://www.eteamz.com/llbeast/news/index.cfm?cat=219047
Tomorrow I will be on RF Line at 11am and then at 2B at 5pm. I think the 5pm game is the game they are saying should be a great game. New Jersey vs. Penn. Check back tomorrow or Sunday am for next update.
So enjoying my time. A lot of memories here and seeing old friends.

Scheduled Assignments 8/5 - 8/7

Games start on Friday 8/5/11 here are my assignments for the first three days. All Umpires will work every position in first 12 games. What I work after that will depend on how well I do or how bad others are.

Friday 8/5   11:00 am  LF Line
                    5:00 pm   1st Base
Saturday 8/6  11:00am  RF Line
                       5:00 pm  2nd Base
Sunday 8/7   2:00 pm  PLATE
                     8:00 pm  3rd Base

Let the fun begin!

WOW! What a great start

The family and I left Laconia at 8am. Arrived in CT at 11:30. Just enough time to check into hotel and get to the field for a meeting at 1pm. After meeting everyone we went over mechanics of a 6 man and what is expected to of us. I figured out, I am so spoiled. Coming from Laconia, and District 2 in NH, I have been able to work all kinds for systems and been taught by the best. I was surprised some of the guys here have not worked a 6 man before. I feel that I am so prepared for what is ahead because of my fellow umpires.
After our meetings the East Region put on a GREAT wwelcoming night. Started with BBQ for Dinner. Then a short ceremony where East Region honored one of the firefighters that died in 9/11 Twin Towers, and played Little League as a 12 year old. Doc Lantiere Spoke and told stories about this young man. What an emotional time. The whole time i am there I can not help to think how lucky I am to have the support from my family and follow so many great umpires. Can not help to think and wish Rich was here with us. I know he is watching over me. Games start tomorrow. My first game is at 11:00 am. Games are scheduled thru Sunday. Check out my next blog for my schedule of the next 3 days.

Can't believe it is time to go.

As I sit at the Red Sox game. I can not help to think that in about 32 hours I will be on my way to Bristol CT. I have not even started to pack. What am I thinking. Alot of emotions going thru my head. Feel so lucky to be selected. Also to follow so many other umpires for district 2 in NH. Hope to make Rich proud. Rich Velasquez umpired at east region in 2007. Then became sick and we lost him in November 2008. The Rich Velasquez Youth Sports Equipment Foundation helps children get needed equipment to play sports when families can not afford it. Find more info at www.rvysef.org. also like us on face book. If you see a water in my eyes you will know Rich is on my mind.

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What Little League means to me!

What Little League means to me! As I get ready to umpire in Bristol CT in less than a week. I think back to how I started to umpire and be involved with Little League. Takes me all the way back to a youth when I played in Laconia Little League. I started in tee ball and worked my way thru minors and majors. What most people may not know about me is I grew up having epilepsy. I could have a seizure at anytime, sometimes having two to three seizures a week. As an adult I have since had surgery to remove a scar in my brain and have been seizure free and off medications for 8 ½ years.  My parents did not hold me back and did anything possible to live a normal life. That included playing in local sports. As I look back, the coaches and members of Laconia Little League are what stand out and meant that most to me. Mr. O’Shea, Mr. Joyal, Mr. Canning, Mr. Tuttle, and Mr. Stafford are only some that stand out and I will never forget. Mr. Stafford was my major coach, I played on Elks. The chance that he gave me to play really left lasting impression. I played my minimum play for each game, and still felt like part of the team. Given that chance as a youth is what brought me back to coach a tee ball team when I was in high school. I have always enjoyed the younger kids and trying to teach them the basics. As my children were becoming league age I became a board member of Laconia Little League. Much to my surprise some of the very coaches and board members that were there when I played were still there. That showed me that once involved always involved. I later became League President and finally got into umpiring. I have enjoyed every step of my journey thru the Little League program and look forward to the future.    

7/20/11 NH D2 11/12 Final Ports vs LR

Just got home from umpiring the 11/12 D2 Final in Hooksett. I was part of 6 man crew and was on the Left Field Line. It was good to be a part of the game and be able to enjoy the game at the same time. Even had a few calls to make. When doing a fair/foul line you want to make sure you start in front of the outfielder. This way you may just have to turn and look so you can see the catch/no catch from the front. Had one great catch that the fielder dove for the ball and forced me to move up and wait to make sure the ball was not dropped. The ball was held and we had an out. I had thought that Portsmouth vs Lamprey River was going to be more of a home run game. Turned out that we only had one home run and Portsmouth wins game 6 to 0. Nice moving game. We had mixed crew of 2 Merrimack Valley umpires, (one behind the plate). MS did a great job there. Two Somersworth umpires RF line and 2nd base. Then 2 from Laconia, I was on LF line and DS at first base. Had no mix ups everyone was in good position for their calls. That is what you hope for so the umpires seem invisible on the field.
This was my last game until I arrive in Bristol CT for East Regional for 11/12's. I will be there two week from tomorrow for meetings then games start on Friday August 5th. I may try to get to Manchester this weekend to watch some of NH State Finals 11/12 it is Portsmouth and 9/10 it is Rye that will represent D2. Good Luck to both teams!

7/18/11 Break from Little League - 3 man Big Diamond

Tonight I had scheduled a 3 man crew on 90 foot diamond. It was a 15U Babe Ruth finals. This was the first time I have done a 90 foot 3 man. Have done plenty of 3 man on 60 foot (Little League) diamond. was a little nervous at first. If I had to rate myself for first time on 3man, I would say ok. If i had done these before I would have been awful. I was on first, had a few balls that i should have gone out on but in 2man I would be coming in. so... That is what i did, wrong! everything was covered and no issue but! started to settle in and really enjoyed it after had a couple innings under my belt. was a good break from the small diamond. Makes me wonder which i prefer more. Little League will always be enjoyable i think because of the confidence I have gained over the years and smiles on kids faces when they do something good or when I am trying to cheer them up. I think I will have one more game on Wednesday night. We are doing 6 man for D2 Final and I am scheduled for LF Line. After that, the waiting game starts.Headed to Bristol Ct. 17 more days. Not that I am counting or anything. I believe I am staying at the Marriott Courtyard in Farmington, CT.

7/18/11 Semi-Final Sunday 7/17

D2 semifinals were completed on Sunday 7/17/11. Only one of the 4 games went 6 innings. That was 11/12 Laconia vs Lamprey River. LR got out in early lead in first inning and I think just stunned Laconia. Bats for Laconia just were not there the way they were in qualifying. That was the one game I was able to watch. Next game was 11/12 Portsmouth vs Concord National. Concord Nat'l got on board early and seemed like it was going to be a game. Then Portsmouth bats woke up as usual. next thing I know there is 10 runs on board and a shorten game it is. I was a first base of a 6 man crew had a couple close calls but to be expected. The mixed umpire crew worked well together RL from Laconia had plate. Laconai umpires have a lot of expectation of how to act and where to be in between innings. Some other umpire look at us funny when we ask them to do it that way. I had plate for next game. 9/10 Portsmouth vs concord nat'l. by now it is 3pm and man it is hot out. Concord nat'l could not make the routine plays missing the can of corn catches. Portsmouth got the bats cranking and never stopped running the bases. A little to extreme at one point. it took us 2 plus hours for a 4 inning game. I think final was 25 to 2. I just wanted to get off the field on this one. Next game Rye vs Bow short names equal a short game. Rye won in 4th by mercy rule. Seemed like we were only on field for hour. Made up for some of last game. I was at third. Do not remember to many calls in that game. It was over before I knew it. Check out http://www.nhdistrict2littleleague.org/ for complete score and up coming games.

7/17/11 - NH D2 semifinals

7/17/11 - NHD2 semi finals. It has been a very long day. I umpired 3 out of the four games, one plate a first and a third base. my fellow umpire and friend RL treated me to dinner and adult beverages on way home since I drove and had waters and snacks for us. Thanks, great end to a good day. Here are the winners for the 11/12 Portsmouth and Lamprey River move to finals on Wednesday. And for 9/10 Portsmouth and Rye move to finals on Tuesday. not sure which crews or umpires will be working yet. I will post more info on games tomorrow. time to start washing clothes and hat I shower, pheww I stink! see you all tomorrow.

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7/16/11 - NH D2 Semi-Finals

Well the stage is set. Tomorrow is the Little League NH District 2 Semi-Finals. For each division 1 will play 4 and 2 will play 3. Winner of each game will play later in week in a one game final. The District Umpire in Chief (UIC) is not able to attend, so I will be helping out and be there for any questions and helping umpires. The 11/12 will be working a 6 man crew and 9/10 will work a 4 man crew. Scheduling this way gives the District a chance to Thank all the Volunteer Umpires for there hard work. I will be on the field for the 11/12, 1 plays 4, at first base. Then I have the plate for the 9/10, 2 plays 3. It will be a long hot day but that is what we live for. As long as everyone on the field is where they need to be on a rotation. Umpiring with 6 and 4 man crew is pretty basic because you have less to be responsible for. Only thing tricky about tomorrow is we are working with mixed crews. We have umpires from each town in the district. Some umpires have not worked on a crew like this. I may try to tweet and post on Face book some updates throughout the day. Check my next blog for complete recap.
Laconia is seeded in third in the 11/12. BEST OF LUCK LACONIA!! Do some damage!

7/14/11 Laconia vs Portsmouth 9/10 part 2

I got to Colby field about 4:30pm. The teams agreed yesterday to continue the game at 5:30pm. It was a great day for baseball. Clear skies and comfortable temperature. So we pick up where we left off yesterday. Score 0 to 0. Top of third Portsmouth at bat with one ball, one strike, and two outs. The only thing different to start was I now had a four man crew to umpire. DS had the plate tonight in Concord. I had plate, BS was at first, AJ was at second, and NS was at third. AJ another veteran umpire that has umpired in 5 upper level tournaments including a Word Series in Williamsport, PA. BS is another new umpire this year. He just may know more about the rule book then some of us, since he has been coaching for the past 5 or more years. We have been working this season to convert him to the dark side. I think he is enjoying it. As an umpire you react on where the ball is hit and get into necessary position to make a call. BS sometimes gets caught watching the play or the ball but has done great to learn the right positions and seems to always be there. Back to the game. Portsmouth came ready to play. Laconia takes field with 2 outs, Portsmouth rallies to score 4 runs in top of third; Laconia was just not making plays tonight. The one time Laconia was ready to rally, they were careless on the bases with bases loaded. Laconia did settle down in the field but was too late and bats were never there. Final was Portsmouth 5 Laconia 1. Not sure who that puts in Semi-finals for the 9/10's for full coverage check out www.nhdistrict2littleleague.com. I felt very comfortable behind the plate and all of our rotations when AJ went out were right on. It is fun and enjoyable to work with newer umpires that catch on to where they need to be and when. I believe I am umpiring on Sunday at semi-finals in Hooksett. Not sure of the teams playing or what my assignments will be. Stay tuned.

7/13/11 - 9/10 Laconia vs Portsmouth

Scheduled to umpire at Colby field tonight. Laconia hosting Portsmouth in 9/10 Division. Laconia needing a win to be in Semi-finals on Sunday. Working a three man, I was behind the plate, DS had first, NS had third. NS is new umpire this year and has been doing a great job. DS is a veteran and one of the guys I owe everything to. Checking the weather radar earlier in the day, and it did not look good. We were moving right along. Was turning out to be a great game. Then sure enough in the 3rd inning dark skies rolling in and the thunder and lighting came. Was in ready position to take a pitch and over the pitcher I see the brightest straightest lightning bolt I have seen. Call the pitch a ball, call time and get everyone off field. LL rule state that we must wait 30 minutes from last sight of Lightning. There was many more bolts after the first. We wait the initial 30 minutes and then the rain came in. So we suspend game until tomorrow night. We will start in the third inning with 2 outs and 1 ball and 1 strike on the batter. We will start at 5:30. So if we keep the pace we had tonight it will not be a long game. I was feeling really comfortable and having fun. In a Little League game that is what counts. Having fun!

On another note, I received a letter today from Bristol. I have my hotel accommodations, and time to be there for first meeting. Also found out that we are going to be wearing Black shirts. That is going to be HOT! 3 weeks from tomorrow me and the family will be there. Looks like they will have 10 of the games televised. Some on NESN, ESPN, I better get a hair cut! haha!

7/11/11 - Break from Little League

I was not scheduled to do any umpiring this past weekend. But I received a call on Sunday morning to see if I could umpire a Legion Game in Plymouth, NH.  Very happy to do it. I have about 25 days before I will be at the East Region tournament for Little League in Bristol CT. I want to be ready and have as many good games under my belt as possible. Doing a game on 90foot Diamond is the same but different as on a 60foot diamond. Those that are umpires, you now that during the play the mechanics are close to the same. But the starting position and what to watch for can be very different. It was a warm day to umpire behind the plate, but I know it will be a lot hotter in Bristol. My next LL game is Wednesday night at Colby Field in Laconia, NH. I will have the plate for the 9/10 year old. It will be a much different look on Wednesday then this past Sunday. Also hope to umpire some at the District semi-finals on Sunday 7/17. Games will be played in Hooksett. I just may have some of my pins for trading in Bristol at the semi-finals. Look for my blog after Wednesday 9/10 game.