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.