District Play is coming

This is an exciting time for Little League Baseball. Every team is hoping they have what it takes to get to Williamsport.

I had the honor of trying to get our Carrollton All-Stars there last year. We finished 2-2, so I was pretty happy. It is a difficult time on the boys and the parents. You have to dedicate yourself to baseball for the better part of the summer. You spend about a month getting ready, and in most cases it is over in the blink of an eye.

Best wishes to this year's All-Stars from Carrollton, and to all the teams that are going to be playing. The Little League World Series has launched many careers. Quite a few wound up being professionals in other sports, but their first experience on such a grand stage was right there in Williamsport.

Celebrating the 4th of July

I'm going to get ahead of this holiday, rather than be late, as I was on Memorial Day. This is far and away my favorite of the Summer holidays. There's not as much pomp and circumstance as I would like to see sometimes, but for some reason it's the birth of a great nation, and I suppose humility is a part of that greatness. I've been lucky to celebrate it in several cities around the country.

Once I literally sat alone New Jersey, on the bleachers of a little league baseball field with my dog, and watched a display across the river. That is an strangely moving experience.

If you're ever in Dallas, during the 4th, I highly recommend watching Kaboomtown, in Addison. They put their show on the evening of the 3rd. They start the festivities around 5 or 6PM, with the launching of nearly every WWII plane you can imagine. They have a wonderful museum there that houses these planes, and the heroes from that generation love to get out and fly them on the 3rd. Then they proceed to put on one of the top 10 fireworks displays in the country. I'm not kidding. When you think it's over, there's always just a little bit more. I've been going for nearly 20 years now, and it just gets better and better.

I did hear some disturbing news this morning, on the eve of such a great holiday. Someone is burning American flags as they hang off houses. Cheap thrills, but such a despicable, cowardly act. While burning the American flag should be a federal crime, an official flag retirement ceremony is probably one of the most emotional events someone can attend.

When my son and I were involved in Cub Scouts, we instituted a flag retirement ceremony every year at our family camp out. It was designed to follow the federal guidelines of retiring a flag, and yet simply modified to make sure everyone participated. The actual ceremony is to be simple and respectful. In the 3 years that we performed this ceremony we were honored to retire flags that we collected, because we noticed they were frayed and torn from office buildings that didn't know how to dispose of them, to flags that flew over the home of a retired Army Colonol, and the most moving, a flag that flew over one of our dad's unit in the 1st Gulf War.

Everyone at the camp out got a simple bound strip that included a red stripe, a white strip, and a star, wrapped together. Each family together walked to the campfire and carefully tossed their package into the fire. I read a speech that I had written, combining information on the history of the flag, the process of the ceremony, and a few extra words I felt important. Somehow, everyone, realized during the ceremony they were honoring the millions of Americans that have fought, died and have been wounded for this great nation.

This should be a yearly event at every school. It is void of any religious overtones, as it should be. But it does bring a new sense of meaning evertime you see the flag flying. Those cowards that are burning flags for kicks should have had to do this. They wouldn't find it so funny now. They might actually realize the harm it does not just to the family that proudly flew that flag, but to us as a nation.

Have a safe and fabulous 4th of July! I know I will.

What a Tragic Day

Two superstars in one day, both hopefully knocking on the Pearly Gates. One I'm sure will be greeted with open arms, the other...well he may have some explaining to do.

Michael Jackson's death, while ultimately an unexpected surprise didn't effect me as much as the death of Farrah Fawcett.

I need to find my Farrah folder. I had so many pictures of her in a file. Her smile was magical. Everyone talks about that famous hair, but for me it was the toothy smile that made her so pretty. Of the two, knowing that she has passed made me more sad.

Quite frankly, I wasn't much of a Michael Jackson fan. Anyone who made that much money and ended his life so deeply in debt, and having to rely on the kindness of other wealthy people to the point even they sued him and kicked him out is very sad. Yet he remained an icon to millions. I don't know what that says about our fanticism. I guess it doesn't matter much now. He's going to make so much more money dead than alive that I'm sure his 3 precious children will never want for anything.

Which brings me back to Farrah. She will become a fond memory for every man my age who couldn't wait to get their hands on that famous poster and hang it on their wall. To be greeted by that warm smile, ever morning. She will be remembered for what she did that was good, and not for anything unseemly, and that's the way everyone should be remembered.

Farewell to you both - but for me I'll hang on to my Farrah memories longer than Michael's.

Another Season has passed

Sad to say, but this baseball season has been put to bed. But not without some unexpected suprises.

First I want to honor Scott Pendley, the President of the U4K Umpires Association. He called his 1,200th game this season. What an accomplishment. What a great guy, to boot. Scott is an oustanding father and husband. He treats all the kids in the league as if they were his own, and the repsond to him in a way that truely touches the heart.

As part of the closing ceremonies, after the Umpires were introduced we gave out our Sportsman of the Year award to all kids from all age groups. Then Scott does what Scott does. He always has a surprise for someone. He included a young man who always comes to find Scott and thank him personally for calling each of his games. Even after the traditional post-game handshakes, this young man will find Scott and thank him all on his own. What makes this so special, is the Sportsmen this year, like last, and this young man will be honored guests at a Texas Rangers baseball game. They will be given a chance to meet Hall of Famer Jim Sundberg, tour the Club House and Dugout and enjoy a fantastice evening of baseball.

That's only part of Scott's generosity. To start the season we held a food drive, and while we had hoped to collect a modest 400-500 items, we collected well over 1,500 items. A testement to Scott, and the parents and board members of Carrollton Little League.

Although my decision to participate this year was difficult, because it caused me to sacrifice watching my all-time favorite baseball player, my son Tony, it was more rewarding than I expected it to be. Anytime you're lucky enough to allign yourself with success you have to grab it. I'm pretty sure I'll be donning the No. 11 Umpire jersey again in the Fall, and next Spring, but it's only because not only Scott, but each of the Umpire's I got to work with this year care for these kids the way I have cared for all mine for nearly 10 years. It's awful hard to say good-bye to something you enjoy so much. And, I do enjoy Carrollton Little League baseball.

Oh yes - there is crying in baseball

As much as I hate to see it, or be the cause of it....these are still little fellows and their excitement can turn to devastation in the blink of an eye.

Little League has a rule that forbids sliding into a base head-first, unless the runner is attempting to get back to a base. But when initially sliding into a base the runner must slide feet first.

Last night, the cutest little guy in the league did just that. I had to call him out, even though the bases were loaded and the batter was walked. He came trotting down from third, towards home, and out of the sky blue......dove across home plate. My heart sank as I yelled "Runner is out...diving into the base!" He turned and looked at me, and as I explained the rule to him, those big crocodile tears, accompanied by the quivering lower lip, started to flow. I knew I wouldn't be able to console him enough to understand I had to follow the rules.

This kid is a character. He's one of the smallest in his division, so his strike zone is somewhere around 2"X2", anyway. Every time I call "Ball"...he raises his bat up over his head as if he's slain another dragon. I was lucky enough to see him get his first hit ever last Saturday, and I thought he was going to absolutely burst he was so proud and excited. So knowing him as I do, I could understand why it was so heartbreaking for him last night.

That's been one of the secret treasures of umpiring, this year. In a normal season, I got to know 11-12 kids. I learned what got each one motivated, and how to get each one focused on the game and the team. This year I get to meet them all. The silly guys, the serious guys, the guys that could really care less. It's been fun. Really fun.

Trust, Respect and Love

Last year coaching, I approached the boys with the 3 things I thought they were going to need to succeed as a team:

Trust
Respect
Love

Boys are interesting creatures, and teaching them these 3 things changed us from a group of guys that were OK to a TEAM. The other thing I did was make them stretch out in a circle. They could look at each other while they were getting ready to play. They could talk to each other. More importantly, there wasn't anyone in the middle of the circle, unless it was me. The team was complete.

While they got ready, I repeated what I told them at the start of the year and at every practice:

1)You HAVE to learn to trust the guys that are on the field with you. You each have a position to play. That is the position I have decided, as the coach you have the best chance of succeeding in. I know there are other positions you want to play. For now, though, where you are is the most important position on the field. Learn that position, watch what the boy playing the position you want is doing to learn from him, and TRUST that everyone is ready to play their position as well as you are going to play yours.

2)Respect each other. This one was tricky - because respecting someone and liking them can be two different things. It helps if they work together, but they don't have to. You can not really care for someone but you have to respect them. Especially as a teammate. We're all different, but that difference requires that we respect each other.

3)Love each other, the team and the game. If the 1st two criteria are met, the 3rd comes naturally. It's important with boys to teach them that there's the Love you have for your family, the Love you may have for another person, and the Love that's required to be successful. It's not all kissing and hugging. Boys have to learn to Love each other without the added pressure of being looked at as queer. It's learning a team handshake, or whatever superstitious thing brings them together.

Lastly, I reminded them that the magic of the game happens between the foul lines. If you're not out on the field, you can't do anything about the way the game unfolds. But once you get out there between the lines, open up and feel the magic. Now the power to succeed is yours.

I have always felt that you almost enter another world when you cross any boundary line and step onto a competitive field. Everyone is watching you. You're no longer a witness but a participant. You now have control over the outcome of the game. Make the most of the time you have between the lines. When you come off the field, you want to know you did your job the best you could.

Memorial Day

I know it's late, but since it was just this past Monday, not too terribly so. I want to say "Thanks" to everyone who has put on a uniform, voluntarily or otherwise, to protect this great land, and the Great Game.

It takes courage, often beyond one's years, to voluntarily enlist to serve our nation. It comes from a belief that we truly are the greatest, freest in the world. No matter your length of service, donning the uniform takes great courage. You know, from that day forward, you now have the responsibility to stand up and protect us from whatever evil may arise.

It was a great weekend - even if we were all off the fields. I enjoyed the Indy 500, and my son got to take in a Texas Rangers v. New York Yankees game. I have to admit I was a little jealous watching it on TV, and not there with him. Growing up is hard on everyone I guess.

All their faces were in front of me

Last night I called two games - a T-ball game, and a Coach Pitch game. Something really funny occured. As I was watching each boy come up to bat, probably more so in the the Coach Pitch game, I saw the faces of all the boys and girls I've coached in the past.

Each one came up and there was an eerie reminder of each little guy that I've pitched to at one time or another. There were a couple that even reminded me of my own son. It was funny to me. As individual as we all are, there are certain traits we pick up that help us in that individuality, but somehow make us similar at the same time.

These guys also reminded me of what I miss when I watch the older boys play.....they're having fun. 9/10's, 11/12's and up really start competing hard. I think bragging rights at school plays into it quite a bit. This isn't parent induced competition - it comes from inside each boy. The problem the older boys have with it is they can't control it yet. They haven't figured out how to compete hard and have fun. An error or blown call causes them to lose their focus, and in turn it lets the team down. The games ended last night and win or lose each player was still the happy little guy he walked in as. That fades too quickly. I'm sure a bag of Dorito's and a cold juice bag is plenty incentive. Instead of pride, the little guys are playing for the snack reward at the end of the game.

Why do parents have to ruin everything?

Last night I was lucky enough to umpire a really good baseball game. The weather was great, and the teams both played as hard as they could. Fittingly, the end was a 12-12 tie. Both teams had equal opportunities to win. But, baseball is a funny game...you need one more out, or one more run, to finish things off, and somehow it just doesn't go your way.

The only black mark on the entire evening? The parents. Coaches telling us how to call the game and parents making fools of themselves in the stands just about made a special moment miserable.

What is it about us that makes us go so crazy sometimes? I remember coaching a team 2 years ago. Much like my son's team this year, we had moved up an age group, and were really struggling to mature as a team. I had serious doubts about being able to complete the season as a complete team. It wasn't the boys it was the parents.



When these boys reach a certain age, baseball practice becomes a "drive-by, drop-off" opportunity for most parents. I had so much respect for the parents that came to practice and watched. Those were the parents who saw the progress, and understood the methods in my madness. The parents that only showed up for games were the ones that crowed the loudest. My response to their questioning how and when I played their child was easily answered: "Come to practice, and you'll understand." Funny even at 11 and 12, when you think you can drop your kid off and he'll be the precious angel he always is at home, that lack of parental eyes watching them is a scary catalyst.

Already this year, I've heard but not experienced, a larger number of coaches and parents being ejected and put on probation for their actions out at the park. What a shame. There are three things you need to remember in Little League - Coaches Coach, Players Play and Parents Cheer. It really is pretty simple. I don't think I could look my son in the face if I were ever asked to leave for my behavior. I'm sure the drive home included a statement like...."It wasn't my fault, that umpire was an idiot." Why? Because a person that can't control himself like that doesn't have the ability to see the faults in his own actions.

I've coached hundreds of games of all types - and I'm most proud of the relationship I was able to maintain with the officials and the parents. By the time the last pitch was thrown, and the last out called - there was always a mutual respect that EVERYONE came together to be a part of the team.

The Flu Bug has left...Now the Rain Must GO!

The great game teaches a great deal about patience. Working through a hitting slump, or trying to find your pitches again are all lessons. Standing in Right Field when the entire lineup of the other team bats right handed.....patience. But this whole H1N1 Flu bug, and the never ending rain has been enough to drive us all a little crazy.

I'm glad the Flu scare was just a scare, and am grateful that not as many people as was feared got sick. Personally, though, I would have much rather have had the kids outside playing. Of course, I guess the baseball gods could see the week and a half of rain we've had here in North Texas coming. So the Flu was as good as any other excuse for holding us up.

Now, though, we're going to be hard pressed to get the season in, before we have to move into Little League tournament time. That's a big deal. I've been lucky enough to participate in that. As a Manager it's a terrifying time, but very rewarding after the dust settles. I'll save that for another post.

Right now it's time to get the boys and girls back onto the fields of glory. Inside the foul lines where all the magic happens.

Waiting out the Rain

Saturday night I did something I've never done, and I have to say I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a special moment of quality time with their child. My son and I went out to catch the Texas Rangers and White Sox. When we got to the park it was raining cats and dogs. We had bleacher seats in Center Field, and the run-off from Home Run Porch was pouring all over the area our seats were in. So, my buddy and I bought some hot dogs and soda, and found a couple of empty seats under the Upper Deck, and just sat and ate and watched the rain.

We got there early, like we always do, for batting practice, so we had about 2 hours to kill. After we ate and talked a little we went to the Legends of the Game Museum, and marveled at the facinating pieces of baseball history they have in there. Ty Cobb's cleats, Lou Gehrig's jersey, Babe Ruth's jersey....pieces of the Great Game's history that are so valuable. Seats from some of the great stadiums of baseball lore, and baseball cards that would make my dad sick with envy.

It was a beautiful cool night in Dallas, the rain stopped and the game started a little late, but by the time it did, my son and I were closer to each other than when we walked in the gate. I hope it turns into one of those memories that lasts for him. I know it will be one I take with me to the great beyond. I got to spend time with the young man that he is becoming and still see a flicker of the little boy he has always been. Being a dad is wonderful and nights like Saturday remind me of that, when I need to be reminded the most.

Another beautiful Spring day

And, another day for the great game. My parents are coming into town to celebrate my son's birthday, and to enjoy some baseball.

Big game tonight. We've won two in a row pretty easily, but this team should finally be some more competition. They're supposed to be pretty good. I'm excited.

On the umpire front - these kids are a scream. I've done a couple of t-ball games, and some coach-pitch games. I had a second baseman, two nights ago, that was more interested in my clicker than in the game. I had to really work with him to keep him focused. If he paid attention he could hold the clicker between innings. How aweseme is it to see a little boy's face light up over something as simple as an umpire's clicker? But it's like that with boys. Especially learning about the game. I'm sure he has no real clue as to why I'm even out there, except to have fun with him and his coaches.

It's so peaceful, after the sun goes down and the lights come on. The cool breeze blows across the field. The sounds of parents and kids laughing and cheering. It's hard to believe with my son on the verge of being a teenager, that those days are so far behind me now.

I remember cutting my lawn when he was MAYBE 2 or 3, sitting there on the front stoop in just his diapers, watching me. I thought to myself that day, I have to remember this moment. It's not going to last. Now a decade has passed, and I remember it like it was just this morning. That little fellow picking dandelions. Just an awesome memory.

Ouch - this game teaches us so much

My son learned a valuable lesson last night, and I was reminded of it as well. Never give up. Ahead 7-1, our team lost 9-8. The other team fought back hard, and mental mistakes on our part helped keep them in it.

The heart-breaker came, as I watched my son dive for what could have been a game-saver, and saw the ball bounce out of his glove. He tries so hard. But he has to - because he's one of the smallest on the team. He knows he has to give it more than 100% all the time, or he'll watch from the bench. And, he hates to watch from the bench.

My son is a player not a casual observer. When he works hard he's the best on the field. If only I could convince him that life will be that way, too. If he works hard he will be the best at what he does. Of this I have no doubt, nor could I be more proud of anyone.

I know this is a team game, but he is my All-Star, and always will be.

What an awesome weekend

From what I could tell our league got off to a great start. The weather was awesome, and the pre-game presentation was fantastic.

I Love T-Ball.....little guys playing in the dirt as much, if not more than, playing the great game.

The season is well under way, and I couldn't be more excited for the Spring and early Summer, this year.

Tomorrow is the first game of someone's career

Tomorrow is Opening Day all around the country for little league baseball players. It's such a great day, and I hope the weather is perfect for everyone, even though I know it won't be.

The exciting thing about Opening Day, is there's a future Hall of Famer, or long time baseball star who gets to feel the ball hit the bat for the first time. The excitement, the thrill, the energy from that first at bat will be all his little heart needs to build the desire in him to work and achieve that level.

It's also the first time for a future regular Joe, like me, to feel the same excitement. It won't be any less exhilerating for him, than the future star, because deep down they are all boys. They will do what boys love to do...run and laugh....and have fun with their friends.

There will be many girls included in the thrill of a first baseball game, too. Future Softball Hall of Famers, that get their first taste of the game, tomorrow.

I'm so lucky, after managing my son for nearly 10 years, to still be able to share this day with a new generation. Only this time I'm going to be an observer....an umpire.

Tomorrow holds a new aura of excitment for me as it does them. I really hope the day is as exciting for everyone as it will be for me.

Alone at the Plate

He pulls on a helmet, picks up a bat
And walks to the plate “gotta hit and that’s that”

The crowd starts to yell, the game’s on the line
Last inning, two outs, and the scores nine to nine.

Dad yells, “go get it”, Mom wrings her hands
Coach yells “hit it” but alone there he stands.

Heros are made on seconds such as this,
But he’s just a little boy, what if he should miss?

Years after the game ended and he’s little no more
Will he remember the outcome or even the score?

No he’ll have forgotten if he was out, hit or run,
He’ll only look back on his friends and the fun.

So cheer this boy on, alone with his fate;
Help him remember with fondness, this stand at the plate.

Spend your time wisely and help in his quest
To be a hitter with confidence and always his best.