LLWS

[DazedandConfused]

I get more pleasure watching the LLWS than professional sports. Yesterdays game between Tenn. and Cal. was something else. Cal. scored 10 runs in the 6th inning to tie the game and Tenn. scored 9 runs in the 7th to win it. I guess because I coached Little League is the reason I like it.

[daisycutter]

Dazed, Maybe someday you might see me umpire that big game!

[GEEZER]

Dazed, I have to agree.
There is nothing like watching kids that have learned the "basics" of a sport, and to watch the "cream" of that sport, playing still for the "love" of the game.
Very unlike the spoiled brats of the "professional " leagues, who have had their "bad behavior" ignored and covered up, just so they can "play" for a living.
Most of those pros need to be held for their behavior, fired or jailed......and then told "you had your chance, now go get a real job like the rest of us, and see where that gets you!"
Oh crap....just like in politics....money wins again!
Daisy..........wouldn't that be a thrill!

[DazedandConfused]

I watch this every year. The talent of some of those kids is a hoot. I saw a kid pick up a slow roller at third base and he looked like Brooks Robinson throwing the runner out. I umpired at the LL and Junior level. One time I got stuck as the only umpire in a Junior game, not an easy task.

[GEEZER]

Now that's funny...I don't envy that one.first thing .throw the parents out!

[DazedandConfused]

Now that's funny...I don't envy that one.first thing .throw the parents out!

Parents are idiots I was managing one team and a kid missed a ball at third base and his stupid father yelled "if you miss another ball you are off the team" I just looked in the stands and shook my head. I coached a very go-go style of ball, and it drove the other teams nuts. One time my son beat out an infield single and he just turned and headed for second, the other team was so shocked that he ended up scoring on an infield grounder. I couldn't coach that way in the LLWS, but we forced a lot of errors. I carried it a little way in the Juniors especially if the catcher wasn't paying attention to a runner at third and just lobbed the ball back to the pitcher. The fast kids had the green light to go, but only if they had a good lead off third.

[GEEZER]

I repeat.....fun to watch when the kids have been taught to execute the basics....first rule...pay attention! No time for a nap!
Teaches a good life lesson...prepare for anything. When my son played ball, by the time he got to "Senior Colt", if you slept, they would burn you down.
Killer team...undefeated season, followed by undefeated JV in high school..they were BAD, and awesome to watch. Really good times..really good coaching..
really good kids.....Ah, those were the days!

[DazedandConfused]

My kids were in sports and the band, and I think I enjoyed it as much as them.

[GEEZER]

I personally played LL 1 yr. My daughter wound up a better player than I was...
Never was good at sports myself, so I was the one "in the band"
I know there is the $ for umping, but kudos for spending the time doing what kids nowadays need.

[DazedandConfused]

I remember looking down on the LL because they limited bat size. I was a switch hitter and used a 32 or 34" bat. I hit a softball so far in elementary recess that the teacher went out and measured the distance. I wanted to be Willie Mays, but I had the foot speed of Harmon Killebrew. LOL We played sunup to sundown working on fielding, pitching and hitting. Those were the days. My sons Junior coach played SS for the Yanks for a very short time and he would have me spell him in batting practice to show the kids the junk ball. I gave them everything from knuckleballs to sliders and fork balls. The coach would just roar laughing because they couldn't get the ball out of the infield.