By
Umpirechick1
I just returned from Cooperstown Dreams Park week 12, and it was another great week. I had an amazing crew to work with, and enjoyed myself all week - well, except for the ugly bicep bruise I have from a 60 mph inside fast ball that the catcher never touched. Wednesday night, the assignments were given out for Thursday's play off games and when I saw my name listed for plate in the championship game, I thought I might fall over. It might only be "12 year old baseball" to some people, but at that park, in that setting, it's a big deal. They put on quite the production for the final game, and I was a bundle of nerves off and on during the day. Pre-game on the field involves fireworks, announcing of the umpires, the players, and the national anthem - for which I had to carry the flag out behind 2nd base and not move while it was sung. (I was just hoping I wouldn't trip on the walk out there!!)
Once I put the ball in play, all was good. I kept the generous strike zone that I'd had all week (which I was instructed to have) and things rolled along. We had the #1 and #2 seeded teams playing, so it was a good game. We had several home runs, some good defensive plays and then the #1 seed broke it wide open in the 5th. The only thing that I regret is the fact that with 2 outs in the top of the 6th, the catcher missed a 76 mph fast ball ball and I took it straight on the upper thigh. The next pitch was a strike and the game was over, but the bruise from that pitch will remain with me for a week or two.
Watching the replay of the game is interesting, mostly because the announcers annoy me. It's weird watching myself call a game, but to listen to guys second guess your strike zone is not fun. However, when I hear the comment "She's the most consistent plate umpire we've had all summer", I'll take it. The fact that they said it more than once is even better.
By Kelly
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