There is Baseball in Utah

[semper_fi_72]

Well since we moved to Utah I have become Babe Ruth Certified.

That was easy pay $40 and take a test online.

Worked two 13 year old games on Wednesday nights and had a 3rd cancelled because it was scheduled on Graduation night.

 

Past weekend worked a two day Fathers Day Tournament.

14 yr old brackets played here in Salina.

Was originally scheduled to work 6 games Friday and 5 Saturday.

A couple teams dropped out and was reduced to 4 Friday and 4 Saturday.

 

First game was scheduled for noon.

One team did not get a schedule change and was not there to play.

To keep the tournament on track a change was made and the game was moved to 2 pm at a HS field about 30 miles away.

I was asked if I would go there to work the game on the plate and they would get me a partner there before the game.

Sure no problem.

I also had to drive back to Salina for a 4 pm game and then a 6 pm game.

Even though I was now only working 3 games, I would get paid for 5.

The 4, I was scheduled for and an extra game fee for travel expense.

That was sweet.

 

All the teams playing are from towns/cities like within a hour and a half drive.

It was some good baseball and my partner were decent umpires.

 

When it came down to the championship game on Saturday I volunteered for the plate and we worked a three man crew.

It was tied 5-5 in the bottom of the 7th with 2 out and bases loaded.

Batter lays down a great bunt on a squeeze and just beats out the throw.

U2 makes the safe call and the game ends.

7 innings in just under two hours.

 

Had a game on the plate earlier that day that went the full 6 in just 1 hour 10 minutes.

 

Pizza was provided for the umpires both days for lunch as well as water and PowerAide all day.

 

I have a double header for 13 year old Babe Ruth State Pool games this Wednesday.

Will be working with area HS Assignor on those.

Have already meet him in person and he has heard of my umpiring ability from several people.

 

A couple of tournaments are coming up in July that I am confident I will get games in.

 

There is a big difference umpiring here then in Southern California.

That being that it is mostly small town rural areas.

Everyone knows everyone and I guess I just had the right people see me work at the right time on my first game.

News and information travels fast.

 

It seems my umpiring ability/skill has been more noticed here then it ever was in Southern California.

 

There is a Fall Ball HS program when school starts back up in the end of August also.

I have also been asked to keep the first Saturday in August open to attend a Football Official clinic in Salt Lake so I can Start working Football this coming season.

 

I may not be working games every night any more, but I am sure am enjoying the slower more relaxed pace of living here.

A traffic jam is 3 car at the 4 way stop in the center of town.

In some cases it may be 2 cars and a couple of quads.

Quads are used by older teenagers and adults as transportation around town.

I need to get me one of those. 

 

Yes there is baseball in Southern Utah and it is good baseball.

 

 

[Thunderheads]

sounds like you've settled in Lou, great!

 

Also, ... are you enjoying the games spaced out a bit?  Is it better than doing them EVERY single night?

[Stan W.]

Congrats on the move and the adjustment!....they recognized talent when they saw it...........

[semper_fi_72]

sounds like you've settled in Lou, great!

 

Also, ... are you enjoying the games spaced out a bit?  Is it better than doing them EVERY single night?

Yes it is more fun with them spaced out.

[semper_fi_72]

Wow

 

Got a late text for a tournament this coming Friday and Saturday

6 games Friday

7 games Saturday

Games are about 1 1/2 hours away in Beaver.

They are even paying for the motel room Friday night!!!!!!!!

 

Also picked up two HS pick up games tomorrow night.

 

I love how they treat and take care of umpires in Utah

[JHSump]

Cool!

 

"Is this heaven?"

 

"No, it's Utah."

 

(With apologies to Field of Dreams)

[BigUmpire]

Sounds like Lou has found a place where REAL umpires are valued.

[Thunderheads]

Wow

 

Got a late text for a tournament this coming Friday and Saturday

6 games Friday

7 games Saturday

Games are about 1 1/2 hours away in Beaver.

They are even paying for the motel room Friday night!!!!!!!!

 

Also picked up two HS pick up games tomorrow night.

 

I love how they treat and take care of umpires in Utah

that's great, but brutal!

I can't see physically and mentally being able to do more than 5 in a day.  My preference is 4, (if needed) but I can do 5 ....   can't even think about doing 6 or 7 ...wow Lou!

[cyclonehokiece]

Cool!

"Is this heaven?"

"No, it's Utah."

(With apologies to Field of Dreams)

Blasphemy!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Majordave]

Great report Marine! Keep up the good work and update us as you can.

[Magic]

That's Awesome Lou. We miss you in So Cal, but it sounds like you found home in Utah.

[grayhawk]

Great news Lou, but not at all surprising. How have your partners been?