Final Wrap up

I didn't get the final but did make 2nd base on the consolation game. That's OK because only 6 of 16 can get the final. Some umpires were assigned no game at all. I had a great time. Got challenged by the Taipai manager on a call on a sweep tag at 2nd on a runner sliding in. My call was upheld by the video review team. Two other calls by other umpires during the game were overturned on video review. So I guess I came out all right. Had some other bangers that never got challenged.

The entire experience has been incredible. It's unbelievably exciting to have your name announced before thousands of people as an umpire on a game. My plate games went well. I was told be several people including other umpires that I had a great strike zone. That was very rewarding. Having had the opportunity to do 2 plate games was great. Some umpires only got 1. Got some notoriety as the umpire on the game where the TV camera behind the plate was smashed on a pitch that got by the catcher. I have been very fortunate to have had to the opportunity to be a world series umpire. I also had the opportunity to do 2 TV inteviews with stations from 2 of the team's hometowns. That was a hoot. The entire atmosphere and the spectators make you feel like some sort of celebrity. I was even asked a few times for my autograph. Now that's an experience.

I appreciated most of all the calls and text messages I received from so many of you expressing your support and encouragement. Those were very special to me. This has been one of the greatest experiences in my life and one I know I'll never forget. Thanks everyone for a very special time and a very special year. You are the best.

Saturday's schedule and Sunday'possibilities

Well gang I got the LF line on the International Championship game Saturday at 1 PM. With Georgia being eliminated today in the "if" game this gives me a chance to make the final game. Here's hoping. Big surprise today. My wife and son Jordan came back to Williamsport for the weekend and really surprised me. It's great having them here. I will be happy with my series experience whether I make the final or not. It has been truly amazing. I have worked with a great group of guys and had lots of fun off the field as well as on. I have also received many messages of encouragement from so many friends. I even received an e-mail from someone I haven't heard from in over a year. The support I've received has been super. So it's on to tomorrow's Int'l final and then we'll see what Sunday brings. Thanks to everyone and see you soon.

What's up Thursday

Today I am working 1st base on the Texas-Washington rematch of last night's game at 4 PM on one of the ESPN channels but don't know which. It was very exciting. I had a lot of incredibly close plays at second base. In the end it came down to Texas' errors on one play allowing 3 runs to score that made the difference. We have a really critical game coming up today. The number of games is winding down to the important few. We will determine today who goes to the U.S. Championship game on Saturday. The other game is Georgia-Hawaii. If Hawaii wins there will be another game tomorrow to determine who goes to the U.S. Championship. If Georgia wins tonight it will be Georgia. Either way these are critical games. I have been very fortunate to get the games I'm on. I'll keep in touch and share with you what happened in today's game tomorrow. See ya.

Wednesday's action

I'm working the 8 PM game at 2nd tonight. Yesterday was quiet. I worked one game on the RF line. But I got to see several games and that was great. I'm looking forward to the rest of the schedule including the championship games. This is still an unbelievably super experience.

Tuesday's games and what's new

Today I am working the lines in two games, RF at 12 and LF at 6. Kind of a light day, but that's OK after getting back to back plates on Sunday and Monday. Yesterday's game was really great but a little trying with the TV camera getting smashed, the rain delay and then completing the game in a light rain. I think I still did OK. In any case it was great getting the plates and it was a great game yesterday. I have been having a great time. It's hard to put into words but umpiring in front of 10 thousand people is a real trip. Once the game gets started you get into the game and other than the noise level you focus on what you are doing. I have had the great support here of family and friends throughout the Series. That really makes a big difference. There is nothing like sharing a great time with the people you really care about. I wish you all could be here. I'll talk to you later. Thanks for all your support. The texts are really great to receive. If you want to send me one my phone number is 407-718-3233.

Another Plate Today

I have been given the plate at 4 pm today for the Carribean vs Mexico in an elimination game. I am really excited about this. I guess I did OK yesterday in my plate game. I'll write more about the last two days later today. My family left this morning so that is a real downer since they made the past 5 days very special to have them all watching and cheering me on. But on the bright side Denise and Dennis Sprenkle are still here and I really enjoy their support and company, Also Robert Stuart and Greg Gentleman are here for one more day and I have also enjoyed their support and comraderie. I want to thank everyone who has sent me great comments and well wishes. Its really heartwarming to have so many great friends. Thanks to everyone for making this time so special. Now on to today's game. I am hoping for another good one. I;ll do my best. I'll write more to you later.

My plate game

I just found out this evening that I am working the 12PM game on Sunday, Aug 22< on the plate. The game is on ESPN. Sorry if you did not get this notice on time to see the game but its the latest info I received on Saturday evening.