Hello Supporters of Little League Baseball everywhere! I just want to announce how very proud I am of my husband, who was selected to be an umpire for the 2007 Little League World Series! He was on ESPN on Sunday night, and he looked great; if I have to say so my myself! :-)
The ESPN announcers gave him some good face time. They said, "If you want to learn how to umpire with style and pizzaz, contact Jeremy Haley." And it is true. Some on the web hinted that he may have been "showboating" for the ESPN cameras, but let me assure you all - he has always umpired the way he did that night. He says every game he umpires is the most important game ever to someone, so he gives his all at every single one. But, I have to admit watching him Sunday was the most fun I've ever had at a baseball game!
For those of you around the world who are married to baseball umpires, please take my advice - it is worth being supportive of their dedication. Jeremy has volunteered his time, money, our summer vacations, weekends, and evenings for 15 years. We have fought many, many times over my desire to have a vacation instead of having him volunteer all summer; his travelling to Florida for training while leaving me at home; and his coming home 5 nights a week during the summer after midnight. I actually came over to the ranks of the Little League volunteers about 5 years ago, because I figured - if you can't beat em', join em'. It has been the best decision of my life! Still, though, I was a little jealous of his dedication to umpiring - until Sunday night. Suddenly, seeing him out there, hearing his praises sung by those we know AND on national tv, plus being there to enjoy the game made it clear that it was all worth it; my only regret now is that I ever complained at all!
If ever you want to get involved with a great group, for a great cause with your family: Little League baseball is it! Jeremy and I don't have kids, but we have both found ways to be involved. If you do have kids, it would have to be that much more rewarding. Trust me on this one - find a way to be involved with this great family of volunteers. It'll come back to you tenfold! And, don't forget to watch the Little League World Series on TV the week of August 16-22nd. Those kids are making some amazing plays, the likes of which you have never seen from a major leaguer! I'm so proud of them all!
