By KRISTI TAUSINGA
I have been involved with the Little League program here in Mesquite for the past 3 years as an umpire for the minor league softball program which is girls ages 8-11. I have also coached softball for over 30 years and have been an umpire for almost as long. I have umped little league, seniors and adult leagues.
I love working with the minor league girls. There are always teaching moments that come up. I love that I can take a minute to teach, at that moment, when they are confused or don’t know something.
For example, the other night a batter hit a pop fly foul ball. I heard the pitcher tell her catcher to try and catch it next time. I took a minute, pulled the catcher aside and asked her if she was aware that when the batter hit a pop fly foul like that; if she caught it, the batter would be out. She had absolutely no idea! It was a great teaching moment and one that probably just had not come up at practice for the coach to be able to talk to her about it.
I love experiencing those first hits when the bat connects with the ball and the ball goes into play. The smile they get when they realize they got that first hit is priceless!
I have been excited about this years season. I made arrangements with my second job to have Mondays and Wednesdays off and committed to doing something I love. I even bought some of my own equipment.
The first week was amazing! I saw girls that I have watched the last two years step into roles of leadership, I saw first year girls get their first hits and I saw pitching that had greatly improved. It was awesome.
I felt a little frustrated though because normally there are two umpires on the field. But the board has not been able to find anymore umps. So I did my best calling the game alone and had a good week.
On Monday, it was raining and cold outside. I was advised that the 5:20 game was cancelled. It was decided, however, that the 7:00 game would be played.
The game began and I was alone again on the field. It was 43 degrees, rainy and cold!
Throughout the game there were continuous “digs” and comments from coaches and parents regarding the way I was calling the game. There were unnecessary comments about me personally.
At one point, one of the male coaches screamed at me and began charging out of the dugout demanding to know why I called the pitch the way I called it! His tone and body language were hostile towards me and I physically had to call a timeout, with my hand up to stop him, and warn him to get back in the dugout. I told him that if it happened again he would be removed from the game.
He muttered something under his breath and a female parent from the stands yelled to him that she agreed with him. I stopped the game and advised the crowd that I was doing my best under the circumstances.
May I remind you these are 8-11 year old girls and its the 2nd week of the season! The verbal abuse was totally unnecessary.
A couple of things I would like to say:
1. This type of behavior is why the local league; and leagues all over Nevada; are unable to find umpires!
2. This age group is about “learning” and there are so many opportunities during the game that as an umpire I can take those moments and teach, and I do!
3. You will not find anyone as passionate and invested in these girls as me. Without me there umping the game, the next step is probably going to be some teenage boy who knows nothing about fastpitch softball who will be umpiring the kids.
My heart is literally broken because I have chosen to no longer be involved. I spent 21 years as a Law Enforcement Officer and was called every name in the book. But I will not subject myself to the verbal abuse from parents and coaches in doing what I love.
These coaches and parents are teaching their girls at a very early age that it’s okay to argue and yell at the umpire! The behavior on that field was unacceptable.
I appreciate those parents that were encouraging and supportive and also the board has been very supportive. I know the board puts alot of time into making this league run smoothly and it’s such a blessing to have this for the kids. I appreciate those coaches that have been fun to work with and wish you all a great season.
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9 thoughts on “OPEN FORUM: Why no one wants to ‘ump’ Little League”
Kristi, thank you for your service and the sacrifice of your personal time over all those years. As a former coach, I can relate to the fulfillment of watching young athletes enjoy the game and most importantly, talk about how/why they’re excited to come play next year. It seems to me that the 8-11 age group should be more about skills development than winning. As the athletes get older, there will be plenty of time for the serious side of competition.
I completely agree with your observation that the behavior of coaches and parents can be so impactful – both in a positive and negative manner. When adults act, they need to be acutely aware that younger people will often see them as encouragement to do good – or unfortunately, an excuse to do bad.
Again, thank you for touching so many lives – likely because you were a link in the chain of their development at some important time in their young life.
This. What Kristi was subjected to was totally uncalled for! It was freezing cold and raining. Kristi came so a game could be gotten in. Would these men have treated a man like they did to Kristi? I very highly doubt it.
I cannot agree more! Coaching Fastpitch Softball for over 25 years, umpiring just over 20, it has reached a level of discomfort and disappointment.
I still train players,(have several playing at the college level), and I recently stopped umpiring the local league.
Uncontrollable parents, protests at a 11 Jr Level, i seems the leagues have lost purpose for which they exists.
I love the sport, and when it’s too much, will miss developing the young people!
Sad!
This is a misrepresentation of what really happened. It’s unfortunate that this was published. Coaches are passionate about the game and put hours every week into improving these girls. I appreciate the umpires who are willing to be involved in youth sports. The umpires in this league are paid $25/game and they only have to show up during the game. The coaches are practicing hours a week and do it voluntarily. The 8-11 year old girls are trying to learn the game so calling pitches that bounce in front of the plate or go over the batters head isn’t helping the girls learn the game. Umpires deserve to be treated with respect but should also know that part of umpiring means sometimes someone may disagree with your call. It’s not personal and it happens every game. One coach raised his voice but merely stated the pitch that went over the batters head wasn’t a strike. I played baseball at the college level, I have umpired several games from little up to high school, and I have coached youth sports. I have seen way worse, far worse, and this is the first time I’ve seen someone post an article in a newspaper because a coach disagreed with a call. It’s sad
Hello John,
Tried to email you but it is coming back as being undeliverable and could not be found
It’s sad to see that everyone is a victim now days. I remember growing up in the 80’s when you could disagree with someone and it wasn’t considered “bullying”. C’mon America, let’s keep our backbones. MAGA!
It’s unfortunate that you refuse to post a comment that disagrees with the article. Our first amendment rights are being controlled by the media, social media giants, and the government. We can only voice our opinion if it falls in line with the media’s narrative. Sad. A coach disagreed with an umpire and raised his voice. There were no threats and the league president was sitting right there and said he didn’t feel like the coaches actions were out of hand. When has an umpire in baseball ever umpired a season without coaches and spectators disagreeing with a few calls. Kristi overreacted and took it personal. It’s better for the league that she quit
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Darn it. I’m sorry the umpire felt this way, and had to leave this season just after 2 games. I was at the game, and it was freezing. I remember lots of cheering, yelling, rain, and some very fun moments for both teams.
All Umpires make good and bad calls . It’s part of the game. Coaches support and look out for their players. It’s part of the game. I did feel like the umpire had complete control of the game the entire time. I do remember her addressing the coaches and the crowd at one point . I felt like she was respected .
Most importantly the girls ( both teams) learned how to work hard and have fun. The girls were cold, tired, and frustrated during parts of the game, but they didn’t give up. It was inspiring to see them high- five and cheer each other on till the very end . We all need to remember that whether we are the coaches, parents, umpires, players, or fans…it is just a game. We can always do better.
I hope my girls learn to keep showing up, and always give their best effort. Youth sports/ activities are so valuable. Thank you to everyone involved.