Special thanks to my friends at Little International. They have provided another unforgettable experience. Jensen and his mates have spent the past two weeks playing games at their gorgeous facilities, battling it out with other locals at Howard J. Lamade and Volunteer Stadiums. It’s a dream come true for many of these youngsters. That includes us proud parents in the bleachers.

More and more of these exhibitions are being played at the incredible complex each year. It’s a beautiful thing, and a once in a lifetime opportunity. All three Hepburn Lycoming major teams received invitations to perform during the Little League Umpire School and World Series Orientation. The Susquehanna Marble and Granites got in five games at these world famous venues. We played against our friends from Woolrich, Renovo, Montgomery, and the Nippenose Valley.

Jensen is still on the DL as he is nursing a few fractured metatarsals. I’m sure he was disappointed with not being able to play, but he was in the dugout for all of the games. I told him to ditch the crutches and head out to right field for a few pictures. They turned out amazing and now are trending.

Little League International runs an Umpire School the last week of April. These volunteers come in from all over the map for six days of training. The program offers a detailed classroom approach to the rules and regulations. These umpires also get the opportunity to officiate these friendly local contests. They rotate every two or three innings, and I took it upon myself to start up a few conversations.

“We are all here because we love the game,” David Roberson of New Market, MD, explained.

“This place is amazing,” said Kyle Parsons of Somersworth, NH. “It’s a great camp, and I use this as a tune-up. I’ve learned so much and built many new relationships.”

“I don’t speak much English,” Ricard Morin of Ottawa, Ontario added.

“This is my first trip out, but I will be back,” Mike Toth of Billings, MT said. Having grown up in Billings- Mike and I had a few mutual friends.

Umpires for the 2019 Little League World Series were on hand for their orientation the following weekend. Folks from every region were in attendance. Officials give them a LIVE crash course on the protocols and expectations. There was an umpire on every base just like the showcases in August. These 20 or so were the VARSITY.

Props to everyone involved with this marvelous experience. Thanks to my friends Steve, Pat, Stahlnecker and Jamie for including us. Jensen and his teammates might not understand today. But later down the road. I am almost positive that they will remember these two weeks of games. Cheers.