Nice shots. And like I say, it's not the gear (so much,) it's the guy driving! And those are again really nice shots of the boys. Their parents will be thrilled.
I really miss the days umpiring kids this age. Did the real Little League gig for several years after hanging up HS baseball when they cut freshman games back to ONE umpire!!!
Here's a cute story about guys this age. One 8 year old on first after a hit or walk. On the first pitch he takes off for 2nd. The pitch was foul-tipped directly into the catchers glove for a strike. I call, "strike one."
The catcher turns around and says, 'that was a foul ball.'
I say, "strike one," again.
He says, "well, is the batter out, then?"
I say, "no, it was strike one, like I called it."
He says, "well, is the runner out?"
I say, "no, he's safe at second because there was no play on him."
He says, "does he at least have to go back to first since it was a foul ball?"
I say, "how about we give the ball back to the pitcher and play ball?"
He does what I ask, (because that's what 8 year-olds do) but turns back two more times with this quizical look on his face like he's getting jammed by the umpire!
Finally, I say to him, "we'll talk to your coach after the inning is over, ok?"
So as promised, I walk him over to his coach for an explanation of the foul-tip versus foul BALL rule.
The catcher says, "What foul ball?"
Coach and I have a laugh and the game goes on.
dave
