Please note that this site uses Adobe PDF files. If you need the free Reader, click on the logo below:
Umpires
Nicky Trevino kept a log (below) from his
travels to the 2011 Regional JR BB tournament in Irvine, CA.
Below is the recap of his trip:
Final Day
My room mate termed it "Ground Hog Day", as
it seemed like each day we would wake-up, shower, eat breakfast,
clean our umpire gear and/or do laundry then off to the ball park by
11:00 a.m. We would finish the three games around 10 pm then off to
eat "dinner" and hang out with the umpires for a couple of hours off
premises. We are all very tired, and I just never imagined the
fatigue would be so cumulative as it was. Fortunately we had nice
breezes each day that kept the temperatures down.
The final game was Arizona vs Idaho. We all
thought that Arizona, fresh off our 13 inning battle, would be tired
and out of pitching - wrong again!
Arizona came out swinging, had their ace on
the mound, and at the end of seven innings shut out Idaho 10-0. The
game went fairly quick, right around two hours and there were no
controversies on the field. We ran a six person crew so we had four
line umpires alternate the lines each inning, and I was on one of
the lines. Wouldn't you know it, I went back out on the field in
left and the first or second batter hit a fly ball near the foul
line and over my head. I opened up and watched the ball sail over
my head, straddled the line looking at the ball, and the left
fielder dives to make the catch about two feet in fair territory and
slides into foul territory. I wait until he lifts his glove and
shows me he has caught the ball, I signaled fair, then out and you
could hear the crowd change their cheer when I signaled the out -
depending on what side they were on. I had another catch in right
field as well where the fielder caught it over his shoulder running
towards the outfield fence. Those could very well have been the
most exciting plays of the game as Arizona handled Idaho fairly
easily. I might add that Arizona only had ten players, and when I
ejected one of them earlier in the tournament (helmet slam and
profanity) they were down to only nine players and still managed to
fight through and win the tournament.
They are a well coached group and they
should do well at the World Series.
I drove home today and finally got in about
8:30. It is so good to be home.
Thank you to all who sent emails as it was
good hearing from you when I was away. Hopefully either Paul Eaton
or myself can get a World Series assignment in the next few years,
but I am just not sure my knees can handle another week like this
one. I also want to say a huge thank you to our D.A., Bruce
Barnett, who not only approved my application but also stopped in
and caught a couple games. Once again, seeing a familiar face goes
a long ways in these times away from home and I appreciated Bruce's
efforts and support.
Day 8
I miss Northern California, and was pulling
for the team from Rocklin in one of the semi-final games as they
were playing Idaho. Well, not the whole state of Idaho, but the
team from Nampa, Idaho. I sat out this game as the crew consisted
of six umpires so two of us sat out the first game, and two sat out
the second game. Northern California has played so well, pitched so
well, and mashed the ball in prior games. They just made too many
errors in this game and had trouble at the plate so Idaho won the
game to move on to the final today.
I had the 7:00 game between the scrappy team
from Arizona vs. So. Cal. I had the plate for this game and it was
billed as the game of the tournament. After hearing that in my
prior game I kind of thought it would be just another game, and I
could not have been more wrong. Those who were at the game, as well
as the umpires, described it as "epic". This was possibly the
biggest and most intense game any of us had ever umpired.
Our crew had a thing going to see who had
the quickest complete game and I was right on track to do just that
and finished five innings in just about one hour. Arizona carried a
3-1 lead into the 7th inning and could not add to their lead. Up to
that point the game was characterized by good pitching and small
ball. So. Cal. Came up in the bottom of the seventh needing two
runs to keep the game going and they did just that. It was so
intense as their fans had packed the stadium and were cheering
(screaming) at every pitch. Arizona's fans started cheering
(screaming) for their kids and the sound was way loud. I had to
scream as loud as I could to put the ball back in play. The crowd
hung on every pitch, but So. Cal. could only score two runs, we go
to extra innings, and our umpire from the Bay Area had the quickest
game in the books.
What transpired in the next SIX innings was
nothing short of incredible. Just when you thought one team would
be out of pitching, they would bring in a new pitcher who seemed to
throw harder than the one before. There were some amazing defensive
plays in this game, including an al out dive and catch by the center
fielder to prevent runs from scoring. Nevada's middle infield have
possibly the quickest and most agile players I have ever seen. On
numerous occasions they fielded ground balls on the edge of the
grass and still made an out. So. Cal. loaded the bases once and
there was a low fly ball to center field and the runner from third
took off for home. The center fielder caught the ball, nearly
doubled the runner at second, and the runner from third had to
return to third. If that runner would have just stayed on the bag
until the ball was caught he would have scored and won the game for
So. Cal.
Arizona opened it up in the top of the
thirteenth inning and scored five runs. So. Cal. Came up to bat,
had bases loaded again but could not score a run and the game ended
at 10:30. Yes, a three and a half hour battle between two very good
teams. It was sad to see either team lose with such an effort as
they both gave. I was totally exhausted, soaking wet from
perspiration, and my legs felt like noodles. Incredible efforts
from both teams, our umpire crew, and the fans.
So, today's final is at 6:00 pm between
Idaho and Arizona. I am sharing an outfield line position for
tonight's game. Usually the prestige in these tournaments comes
from your assignment on the final game. Although I am sharing a
line tonight I had the game of the tournament, and probably my life,
last night. Who knows, we may have yet another battle tonight.
Day 7
First game was Nevada vs. Montana. We had
some good games today, and some more balk calls that raised the ire
of two managers. We had one pitcher start in the stretch position,
come to a stop, the step toward first base with his left foot, then
continue his pitching motion. I balked him on his third pitch which
did not go over well. Later our evaluator said to allow the pitch as
there were no runners on base. Now I know, but it teaches awful
mechanics.
N. Cal. vs. WA. Not much to report here as
my room mate had the plate and he called a great game. I had loaned
him my metal indicator and he nailed the game. He is from Bend, Or.
and is a great person and a fantastic umpire. We did have an
overthrow out of a gate which our third base umpire got and awarded
bases perfectly.
Or. vs. So Cal. This was supposed to be the
game of the day and I was honored to have the assignment. Both of
these teams came in as aggressive and strong hitting and pitching.
So Cal. came out swinging and hung five runs in the first inning.
The final score was 15-2 so it did not end up being the game it was
billed to be. It was hard to keep any rhythm in this game, and it
took about an hour and forty minutes for five innings. So Cal. is
very strong and looked unbeatable. I tried to move the game along
and it ended with the better team winning.
I was assigned one of the semi-final games
tonight, Arizona vs. So. Cal and it should be an incredible game.
We will see what happens tonight.
Day 6
After a much needed, and appreciated, day
off we resumed play on Saturday. First game for me was Washington
vs. Montana. I had second base for this game and our plate umpire
did a great job of moving the game along. One of my most enjoyable
moments of my experience down here was when I came to the side to
get a drink of water between innings and I heard my name "from
above". Usually down here when you hear your name it is not a good
thing as you are about to get corrected for something. The field I
was on is lower than the stands and walkways, so when I looked up
expecting to get corrected about something I see my boss and D.A.,
Bruce Barnett. Bruce is a very funny person, the ha-ha kind of
funny, and he says "Hi Nicky, nice pink shirt.". Even though he got
a zinger in about the pink shirt, I was so happy to speak with
someone from home and to that point I had not realized how much I
was missing everyone back home. We could only chat a few seconds
between innings and I hep to see him again while he is traveling
down here. The only real thing in this game that held us up was
when Washington wanted to bring in a new pitcher, he then changed
his mind and wanted to bring in a different pitcher. Since he had
already announced the change the plate umpire told him he had to
pitch to at least one batter, which the Washington manager did not
agree with. This went to the Tournament Director who ruled he could
change his mind if the pitcher did not actually pitch to a batter.
Then, while the pitcher was warming up the Tournament Director comes
down and informs the plate umpire that this pitcher cannot pitch as
he had already played catcher for four innings. The Washington
manager then decided that he did not want to make a pitching change
after all. Oy vey!!
Second game was Oregon vs. Norther Ca.
(Rocklin) which had me at first base. Rocklin's pitcher is very
good and will play D1 baseball for sure. I can't remember a game
where I had so many out calls at first base or in the outfield on a
rotation. Once again our plate umpire did a great job and we moved
right through that game. Oregon mounted a late game comeback but it
fell short for their first defeat.
Last game was Southern California (San
Clemente) vs Nevada and I had the plate. After two very long games
in my prior two plate assignments I was committed to a shorter game
and a less tight strike zone. Sure enough the game rolled right
along with no major hiccups and our crew really worked well
together. I had a very good game and once again the evaluator said
I looked really good. We had a lot of ground outs and fly outs and
the batters were swinging early in the count which helped move
things along. The only issue we had in this game was when So. Cal.
wanted to change a pitcher who was marked as ineligible but the
manager thought the pitcher was eligible. The manager ended up
deferring to the Tournament Director and put in another pitcher.
The next inning the Tournament Director informed me he had
miscalculated the days rest and the pitcher was in fact eligible.
That player did pitch later in the game and So. Cal. was very
gracious about the mistake.
Yesterday was a great day of umpiring. Our
crew for the day melded well and we got together when we needed to
and moved the games along. It is so fun to work games with umpires
you are comfortable with and this was a fun day all around.
Day 5
We went to the 11-12 regional in San
Bernardino yesterday and the guys were able to see the umpire's dorm
and go down below in the stadium where the teams and umpire
evaluators are during the game. We watched part of one game, ran
over and got a bite to eat at a Mexican restaurant, and then went
back to watch the Idaho vs. Oregon game. We were able to watch the
game from the "Mayor's Tent" which kept us out of the hot sun.
Behind the outfield fence is a grassy area where people set up their
E-Z ups and the space was getting to be a premium as the tournament
grew in popularity. To keep things in order, one of the volunteers
now assigns space for the "tents" and that area is called "Tent
City". Any prior Regional umpire is welcome in her tent and she
treats us very nice.
After the game we did some laundry in
preparation for today's game. Why a special run to the laundromat
you ask? We have been issued a pink shirt for the three games
today. Yes, one pink shirt to wear for three games. Yes, the same
shirt that will be dirty and smelly will be worn for three games
today. I have assignments at first, second, and then the plate for
the final game so at least mine should remain fairly clean through
the day. That's right - pink. This is in recognition of breast
cancer awareness, so it will be for a good cause. Please, no
comments or requests to wear pink shorts in our District.
Time to iron the pink shirt and head to the
ballpark.
Day 4
This was a crazy day of baseball, no other
way to put it. First game for me was at the plate for Idaho and the
host team Laguna Niguel. My plate meeting was great, my crew was
ready, and the first three innings were incredible. I was in one of
those umpire zones, seeing the ball well, tracking everything, and
was keeping the game moving quickly. With bases loaded and no outs,
a batter hit the runner from first going to second and the second
base umpire was all over the interference - great call and
decisive. The runners all moved up one base, including the runner
from third who had scored and the base umpires all started back to
their positions. The second base umpire should have returned all
runners so I had to get that straight and make sure we were all on
the same page. We got together, put the runners where they should
have been and moved on. The very next pitch I had a catcher's
interference, which pushed a run home. It was at this point the
game seemed to turn to the bad. The Idaho team has a coach that is
a bit out of control and he fueled his coaches, pitcher, and catcher
to where the game became very negative. Nothing was going Idaho's
way and they wanted us to know that, especially my zone. They kept
saying it was homerville, and it was the most one sided called game
they had ever seen. I may have missed a few pitches here and there
but the game was called correctly. To really run things foul, Idaho
was staging a two out bottom of the seventh comeback with bases
loaded. There was a ball hit through the infield and the runner
from second tried to score and we had a throw offline and I had a
swipe tag out at home. Things erupted and one of the coaches said
"That was a high tag!". Mind you, he admitted it was a tag, his beef
was the runner's leg hit home before the tag. Since it was the game
ending out, two of their coaches wanted to appeal. The winning team
had all but left the field, and one of our crew was standing near
the exit so I asked the manager "Which of my crew, who were "100'
away, do you want me to ask?". He first pointed to the first base
umpire then said "No him!" while now pointing at the third base
umpire near the exit. I pulled our crew together to see if they had
anything different, which they did not. The out stood, we exited
amidst some disparaging remarks. Hate to end a game like that.
So, way bummed about my game ending like
that, and once again taking a long time, we had to get ready for the
next game of Utah and Alaska where I was at first base. The game
moved along fine and Utah had no answer for Alaska's pitcher. We
made it to the sixth inning with not much to report aside it was
just one sided. Alaska came up needing two runs to mercy rule
Utah. They score one run and leave runners at second and third.
Utah decides to intentionally walk the next batter and on the first
pitch the pitcher does not have a decent stop but we all let it go
as it seems like it is just a matter of time for this to be
decided. Well, on the next pitch the pitcher blows through the
pitch and the third base umpire says "That's a balk, oh, I am
sorry". He hangs his head, and he proceeds to apologetically award
bases and had no idea that walk balk was a walk off game ending
balk. He starts to return to his field position when he hears over
the loud speaker "And that concludes our game with Alaska winning
12-2". I do not know which was more priceless of a facial
expression - his initial look when he called the balk, then hung his
head and said "Oh, I am sorry"', the look on his face when he heard
the game just ended, or the combined looks of his partners who can't
believe what just happened. Wild and crazy stuff down here.
Last game for me was Arizona and Hawaii.
The umpire who had the balk call on the previous game was at the
plate, so we were all wondering how that was going to go. Early in
the game Arizona had runners at first and third, threatening to
score with a 3-2 count, and the batter had what appeared to be a
foul tip third strike which would have ended the inning. The first
base coach asked that the call be appealed as he saw the ball
hitting the ground. We got the crew together and affirmed the ball
was fouled and hit the ground, put runners back where they were, and
the next pitch the batter struck out. This scenario happened again
later in the game with a much different outcome. Hawaii jumped out
and scored first and held that lead until the bottom of the
seventh. It was deja-vu all over again. With no outs Arizona has a
runner at first base, and the batter gets called out on a dropped
third strike and takes off for first. The runner on first base,
obviously confused that the batter was already out, hesitates and
runs to second. The catcher throws down a bit off line and the
second baseman catches the ball and jumps to gain distance to make
the tag. In the process of jumping, and making the tag for the out,
the second baseman stepped/cleated the runner. The runner gets up
to his knees, grabs his helmet and slams it into the ground and
drops a very LOUD "F-bomb". I had to eject the player and when the
play is over everyone is yelling that it was a walk as it was
another 3-2 count and the plate umpire never signaled a strike. So
I tell the manager that his player, one of his best, has been
ejected, and then report to the plate umpire the same so he could
record it and report it to the scorekeeper. So, all this time the
fans are going crazy as they think it was a walk and the runner at
second should not have been called out. Once again, we bring our
crew together and we ask what the plate umpire had. He said he had
a strike call and the batter was out. Whether he signaled the
strike call or not, the batter was out but it did not look good. In
that process, remember he was the umpire who called the balk in the
prior inning, we asked him why he had not addressed the runner
standing on first base. He said "I have no idea who that runner is,
where did he come from?". I am telling you, this guy is a classic.
Wild and crazy day at the ballpark indeed.
Once again, I had good marks all day and just had the misfortune of
another long game. Those of you who work games with me know how
much I dislike long games, so it is not for lack of trying to speed
these games along
We have today off and the body will much
appreciate that. We are heading to San Bernardino to watch a few
games at the 11-12 Western Regional as today is there first day of
their tournament. I am looking forward to saying hi to many of my
good friends there, especially Bill Carter, the Western Regional
Umpire-In-Chief. Bill Carter came over and watched a few games on
Tuesday. Bill Carter sent me an email some time ago about a rules
question and a Western Region qualification question. Bill Carter
said hi to me after my game on Tuesday.
Day 3
Beautiful weather continued yesterday, I do
miss this weather as I grew up down here. In the afternoon and
evening we get a nice ocean breeze and it is so soothing. Traffic
on the other hand is something I do not miss.
Yesterday had a lot of interesting baseball,
but not really good baseball. At times it looked like minor
baseball with the ball being overthrown two times on one play or
dropped fly balls. First game was Idaho vs. Alaska. My roommate,
UIC from Bend, Or., thinks there is a storm brewing in the Idaho
dugout. Something just seems dysfunctional there. My assignment
for that game was 2nd base and that is the busiest position of
responsibility on our four umpire mechanics. The game went well and
I settled in to the position about the second inning. Nothing
really major to report about that game, although we switched crews
for the games yesterday and had some crew adjustment to work
through.
Second game was Hawaii vs. Laguna Niguel and
I was assigned first base. I had my busiest game in regards to
calls, and staying on my toes. The Laguna Niguel team, host League
team, just happens to have Mike Witt as one of the coaches. He
played for the Angels and Yankees and was an all star a few times.
Anyway, the game was tight and emotions were a little high. Towards
the end of the game the Laguna Niguel team hit two batters and
walked another and the last batter that was hit to load the bases
had turned to take the ball in the back. Laguna Niguel's manager
said the batter was over the plate and would not drop it. When he
knew he exhausted his time, and patience, with the plate umpire he
was on his way back to his dugout when he told the 3rd base umpire
"This is horsesh@t". The third base umpire ejected him. Laguna
Niguel won the game, but will be without their manager. Can you
believe that I was not involved in that altercation?
Third game was Arizona vs. Utah. Arizona is
good, very aggressive and has good pitching. It was a close game to
the end when Utah started throwing the ball everywhere except where
it needed to be. I was back to my familiar third base position but
had three, yes count them three, times when I had outfield fly ball
coverage and either the first base umpire went out or even one time
when the second base umpire went out FROM INSIDE!!! Geesh, that is
as bad as it gets. Fortunately the evaluator saw that they were my
responsibilities and did not mark me down. This always makes a crew
look bad and I was very upset with that fact, not to mention I was
tired and cranky. One time when our first base umpire went out when
I did, on the way back to my position the second base umpire yelled
over to me "Hey Nicky, that was awesome how you guys turned that
four man mechanic to two man!". That made me laugh and helped me
finish out the game.
This morning I am sore. I have the plate
this morning, then first base, and finish at second base. We have
Friday off and I am looking forward to it. Most of us are going to
head over to San Bernardino, about an hour away, to catch opening
day at the 11-12 Regional. I wonder if Bill Carter will still call
me Ricky.
To my Folsom umpire brothers, I want to let
you know I am representing today. I have on the FNLL t-shirt you
gave me with the big "F" on it. I am wearing it proudly!
Day 2
My assignments today (first day of
tournament) were 3rd, plate, 3rd. Having two of the same position
in one day helped. My first game went well, (Montana vs. No. Ca. -
Rocklin) no missed calls but my partner at second and I went out
once on the same ball, then I recovered to take second in his
absence. Really the only issue in that game. As stated before,
these fields are HUGE!
Our second game was Nevada vs. Oregon, and I
had the plate. It was a three o'clock game that had nine pitching
changes, went eight innings, and took three hours and fifteen
minutes! Not only did it drag on, but opening ceremonies were being
held up due to this game. Once the game was finished we had to
hustle and change, then run over to the adjoining field where they
were waiting on us. I felt like everyone was pointing at me, and
our Western Region UIC and President greeted me and told me "Are you
the one who had the three hour game?". When I told him I was he said
"This is the last regional assignment you will ever get". At that
point it honestly did not matter. Oh the game you ask? I nailed
it! One of my best games in a while. I was not nervous and just
had a blast - other than for that three hour thing.
Last game started a little late, Washington
vs. So. Cal. So. Cal. Team is good, but Washington fought hard. I
have seen some STRANGE pitching mechanics in two games but the
Washington pitcher kept opening and closing his glove, even in the
stretch. He blew through a pitch and I balked him. The Washington
manager would not let up on me for three innings, just saying little
gems from his coaching box. I gave him a warning and he responded
with "Blue, I am feeling a negative vibe from you". This manager
better get ahold of himself or he may have a short tournament. We
finished the game about 10:30, then had to do evaluations for two
games since we had to hustle to make the opening ceremonies. I had
good marks all day, no missed calls. I arrived back at the hotel
around 11:30. Surprisingly, the old body feels good this morning.
Day 1
I left Sunday morning for my trek to the
Junior Baseball Western Region Tournament which is being held in
Irvine, Ca. I left home at 4:30 am as I had to drop off two
motorcycles along the way and pick up one. I arrived at my folks'
house at 5:30 where I spent the night. This morning, Monday, I left
at 7:00 am and had to drop off another motorcycle and one more stop
to drop off some parts. All of these items made for a very
difficult Saturday as I was trying to get things ready to go and
NOTHING was coming together.
So, after my last stop Today headed to the
fields to go over the ground rules, then off to a meeting where all
the teams were introduced, player by player, and then the umpires
were introduced. Once we were introduced we were excused and were
taken to dinner by the host League at a real nice Western-Themed
steak hose. After dinner I was sitting there listening to guys
share some umpire stories and it dawned on me - Tomorrow is the
beginning of the tournament. I received the notice of this
assignment back in January and it always seemed like it was light
years away, and now it is time.
There are two fields here, and there are six
games a day for the first three days, fourth day is a day off, back
for another two days of six games per day, then two days of two
games and then the final game. There are eight umpires, two crews
of four each, working half of the games each day. So, for this old
body working three 90' diamond games per day will be a lot. Tuesday
assignments have me at 3rd, plate, and 3rd. Rotations are a little
different, but should settle in with them fairly well - hopefully
quick enough not to miss a rotation.
These fields are HUGE, lines are 365' and I
can't remember what straight away center is. The fields they have
used before were not available this year so they had to use these
city fields which have many leagues, and the local high school
playing here. There is a lot of territory to cover out there.
Weather looks good for the long term
forecast. We were warned by the tournament director that it gets
very hot down here, up to 85 degrees! If they only knew of our 100+
degree games they would not be that concerned. We do have some
umpires from Wa. And Or. So I guess they just need to cover
everyone. People here are great, tomorrow's games start at noon,
then 3:30, And 7:00. I will try and update this log each day, but
with that last game starting at 7:00 I probably will not be able to
touch base until the next morning. Thanks to all of you who have
worked with me along the way and have helped me become a better
umpire. Until tomorrow.
Little League Pledge
I Trust in God, I Love My Country and Will Respect its
Laws.
I Will Play Fair and Strive to Win, but Win or Lose, I
Will Always do My Best!!!
Parent/Volunteer Pledge
I
will teach all children to play fair and do their
best.
I
will positively support all managers, coaches and
players.
I
will respect the decisions of the umpires.
I
will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the
game.