It is a warm spring evening, the grass has just been cut, and the clean smell of freshly raked earth permeates the air. The senses are on overtime.

There is a routine rhythm to putting on the equipment. The shin guards, the chest protector, check the mask, the shoes are polished. In the near distance you can hear the kids talking, the parents are filing in. The lights are warming up as the sun slowly falls to the western sky. It is almost time. Last minute talks with your partner and the walk to the field. The stomach churns, the mind races through the scenarios that may occur. The gate squeaks as you and your partner walk on the field. It is now yours.

The fans and players look to see you stride toward the dugout. Coaches watch as you inspect the equipment, players say “hey blue”. It is baseball, America’s pastime, and you are in charge. You hear the coaches yell last minute instructions to the players, the pop of ball hitting gloves as the defense warms up. “Coaches to the plate”. The plate conference, ground rules, lineup. Your partner heads to first; you pull the brush, clean the plate. Everything looks in place. The first batter walks nervously to the plate. You tap the catcher on the helmet-“you ready”, ”yes sir”,” batter you ready”, “yes sir”. You check with your partner, he gives you the sign. You look at the pitcher and tell him “Play ball”.

The game begins and you are the plate umpire. The game needs you and so do we. ULLL wants and needs umpires. Young men or women 13 or older are wanted to umpire Little League in western Loudoun. It is a great way to be a part of the game, have a good time and make a few dollars as well.

Upper Loudoun Little League is very proud of our officials, the young and not so young, that makes this game work so well. Training is provided in our preseason clinics, on and off the field. Some of the best adults in the area help you learn, most of who have been to state or regional playoffs, and some who have even gone to the Little League World Series. One of our recent rookies, Reid Joyner, completed Pro-Umpire School in Florida and is working his way up through the minors. We are quite proud of him. Join our ranks and be the next to start and possibly become a pro umpire-or just have a good time on a spring day.

If interested, please Email the Umpire in Chief, Jim Hill
Email: umpire@ulll.org