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.