One last word

In summation, I'm not the first or last Umpire to be selected for a Regional or World Series Tournament.  I know that.  But, little did I ever expect this when I first started umpiring about 16 years ago. 

It would have never come about if not for first of all my son, Brad, who played Little League Baseball and his team needing an Umpire.  I had been the Manager for Brad's team for 5 seasons when suddenly I received a phone call from the League President informing me that we actually lived in another League, Chantilly (CYA), and not SYA.  I volunteered to manage again in CYA, but was told that there were enough managers.  So, I volunteered to be an Umpire.

I have to thank first, for the tremendous support not only from the beginning, but especially after Brad moved on from Little League, my wife, Laurie, because without her support, this would have not been possible.  Thanks, dear.

Special thanks also to those that helped be a better Umpire, notably, Jack and Darren, thanks so much.  Thanks to those that have put up with me umpiring games, as your input has also been very important to me.

Thanks to my personal physician, Doctor Jennifer Neria, who has done her best to make sure I'm the best I can be, even though I don't do what she wants me to do more often than I'm willing to admit.  Thanks, Dr. J for caring.

Thanks to Garrett Shelton, who umpired in this Tournament last year for his info that was vital about what to expect, what to do or not to do.  Little things, but very important things that would be important to those that mattered.

Another special thanks to Sandy Popejoy, Administrative Assistant, at our Southeastern Region Headquarters.  Sandy, I learned, started her association with Little League at age 5, even though through an email, she told me 10.  I'll just leave it to the fact that Sandy has had Little League in her blood more years than I have.  Sandy was the victim of many emails from me and a good source of information.  She told me I was awesome, but I think she was awesomer, if I can forgiven for making it a word.  Thanks, Sandy.  Jen and the Southeast Region are fortunate to have you.  Sandy's husband was the PA announcer for the Championship game.

I've appreciated the comments I've learned about that were or were not made directly to me, that this blog was fun to read, or a good insight about the Tournament.  That's why I did it.

Oh, and about that number 42 I requested for my shirt and was so proud to wear.  That was my daughter, Lindsay's number through four years of basketball in High School and four years in College.

I can't believe I came so close to not submitting my application for this Tournament.  I mean, it almost did not happen.  I thought, first of all, I'll never be selected, and secondly, my age won't allow me many more chances.  Lessen learned, you'll never get what you don't ask for. 

For those that keep submitting their applications, I'll quote Jim Valvano, "Don't ever give up, don't ever give up." 

Because..... look what happened to me.  I'll never forget what happened to me.