KeithAllison
Current Location: Martinsburg, West Virginia
Hometown: Martinsburg
Occupation: Sanitarian
Years Umpiring: 24
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ................................................... Roberto Clemente
Favorite Professional Athlete: .............................................................................Lynn Swan
Favorite MLB Team: .....................................................................................Pittsburgh Pirates
Favorite Vacation Spot: ................................................................................................ Florida
Favorite Meal: ................................................................................................................. Lobster
Favorite Place to Dine: ........................................................................................Olive Garden
Favorite TV Show: ...............................................................................................................NCIS
Favorite Movie: ........................................................................................................The Sandlot
LouieAngelotti
Current Location: Crawfordville, Florida
Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla
Occupation: Leon County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer
Years Umpiring: 14
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ............................................................. Dale Murphy
Favorite Professional Athlete: ...........................................................................Scooby-Doo
Favorite MLB Team: ..........................................................................................Houston Astros
Favorite Vacation Spot: ................................................................... The woods or the water
Favorite Meal: ................................................................................................................Seafood
Favorite Place to Dine: ..........................................On the waters edge with my lovely wife
Favorite TV Show: ........................................................................................ Outdoor channels
Favorite Movie: ..........................................................................................................Dirty Harry
Famous Family or RelativesBrother is a stunt-man in Hollywood
Favorite Umpire Memory“Umpiring in the 2016 senior softball World Series , and I was told at the start of last semi final game, which I was not umpiring, that I would be on the field for the champi-onship game at first base. Florida, my home state, was playing in that semi final game. And yes I knew if Florida won I would not be able to be on the field for the championship game. So I sat there as a spectator cheering Florida on all the way. YES that’s right, cheering for Florida to win and they did just that. They were on there way to the Champi-onship game all smiles and full of dreams. Again I’m a spectator cheering and watch-ing Florida playing for World Series Championship and thinking how it would feel to be on that feild Umpiring a championship World Series. Well Florida won, These girls are sitting on top of the world full of laughter, smiles and memories . After all it’s not all about me...............it’s about these young girls and these memories that will carry them a lifetime.”
PamelaBrooks
Current Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
Occupation: Judge, Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court
Years Umpiring: 11
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ............................................................My daughters
Favorite Professional Athlete: ........................................................................Max Scherzer
Favorite MLB Team: ..............................................................................Washington Nationals
Favorite Vacation Spot: .............................................................................Smoky Mountains
Favorite Meal: .................................................................. Grilled ribeye, baked potato, salad
Favorite Place to Dine: ............................................................................. Sweetwater Tavern
Favorite TV Show: .....................................................................................................The Orville
Favorite Movie: ................................................................................................ Field of Dreams
Special TalentsIsn’t umpiring a special talent? LOL
Favorite Umpire Memory“I was getting on my plate gear for a LLBB game and a grandmother came up to me and said she was glad I was there. Her husband told her while driving to the game that women don’t know anything about baseball. He stopped talking when they pulled into the parking lot and saw me getting dressed to umpire their grandson’s game.”
DavidByars
Current Location: Bradenton, Florida
Hometown: Plant City
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Years Umpiring: 25
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: .............................................................Buster Posey
Favorite Professional Athlete: .......................................................................Bruce Koepka
Favorite MLB Team: ...............................................................................................Tampa Rays
Favorite Vacation Spot: ............................................................................................ Key West
Favorite Meal: .................................................................................................................... Steak
Favorite Place to Dine: ....................................................................... LongHorn Steakhouse
Favorite TV Show: ................................................................................................ SportsCenter
Favorite Movie: ................................................................................................ Field of Dreams
Famous Family or RelativesJess Willard - Boxing Heavyweight Champion 1915. Beat Jack Johnson for championship and lost title to Jack Dempsey.
Special TalentsAmbidextrous
Favorite Umpire Memory“Semi-final plate 2011 LLSBWS and International Championship plate 2018 Intermedi-ate WS”
DonnieCaudill
Current Location: Hamilton, Georgia
Hometown: Hamilton, Ga.
Occupation: Commercial Contractor
Years Umpiring: 10
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...........................................................Chipper Jones
Favorite Professional Athlete: .......................................................................Chipper Jones
Favorite MLB Team: ...........................................................................................Atlanta Braves
Favorite Vacation Spot: .......................................................................................... The beach
Favorite Meal: .................................................................................................................... Pasta
Favorite Place to Dine: ......................................................... Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant
Favorite TV Show: .........................................................................................................Seinfeld
Favorite Movie: ............................................................................................................ Gladiator
Favorite Umpire Memory“Calling behind the plate on ESPN during the 2018 Little League Baseball regional.”
JohnChapman
Current Location: Sarasota, Florida
Hometown: Sarasota, Florida
Occupation: Department Manager, City of Sarasota, Utilities
Years Umpiring: 24
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ................................................... Roberto Clemente
Favorite Professional Athlete: ..........................................................................Henry Aaron
Favorite MLB Team: ...........................................................................................Atlanta Braves
Favorite Vacation Spot: ............................................................................Jackson, Wyoming
Favorite Meal: .........................................................................Taco’s, who doesn’t like Taco’s
Favorite Place to Dine: ....................................................... El Adobe, no longer in business
Favorite TV Show: ..........................................................................................................M.A.S.H
Favorite Movie: .............................................................................................................Sand Lot
Famous Family or RelativesDistant relative to Baltimore Oriole Boog Powell also George Washington’s wife Martha
Special TalentsThe ability to continue Umpiring Little League baseball without loosing my mind. That should count for something!
Favorite Umpire Memory“In 2016 working the last Big League World Series and had a call recapped on ESPN showing that I had the call right with proper positioning and being recognized by name and my town mentioned.”
JeremyChapman
Current Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Hometown: Hammond, LA
Occupation: Office Manager for Trinity Center, Inc
Years Umpiring: 4
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...................................................... Clayton Kershaw
Favorite Professional Athlete: .......................................................................... Tim Duncan
Favorite MLB Team: ............................................................................... Los Angeles Dodgers
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...................................................................................................Tahiti
Favorite Meal: ........................................................................................................ Fried Catfish
Favorite Place to Dine: ........................................................................... The Porch (Tex Mex)
Favorite TV Show: ......................................................................................... Game of Thrones
Favorite Movie: .............................................................................................. Lord of the Rings
Special TalentsI can recite the script for Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Favorite Umpire Memory“Walking onto the field, I overheard one player say to another, “I like this umpire. He’s my favorite.””
JohnCheesbrew
Current Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hometown: Grantsville, WV
Occupation: Distribution & Fuel Systems Analyst
Years Umpiring: 11
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ................................................ Emerald Cheesbrew
Favorite Professional Athlete: ....................................................................... Johnny Bench
Favorite MLB Team: .............................................................................................Chicago Cubs
Favorite Vacation Spot: ..........................................................................................The Beach
Favorite Meal: .....................................................................................................................Sushi
Favorite Place to Dine: ............................................................................................Sushi King
Favorite TV Show: ........................................................................................ American Pickers
Favorite Movie: .....................................................................................................Lone Survivor
Favorite Umpire Memory“I was doing one of the first baseball games of the season for the minors and told the catcher to throw the next pitch down. He looked puzzled and asked, throw the next pitch down? I said yep, throw it down. When the pitch came in, he looked at me, looked at the ball, looked back at me and then spiked the ball. The coach looked at me and said we haven’t covered that yet. We both had a good laugh.”
MikeChristensen
Current Location: Clarksville, Tennessee
Hometown: Green Bay, WI
Occupation: Inventory specialist
Years Umpiring: 7
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: .............................................................. Robin Yount
Favorite Professional Athlete: .............................................................................. Bart Starr
Favorite MLB Team: ..................................................................................Milwaukee Brewers
Favorite Vacation Spot: .............................................................................................Germany
Favorite Meal: ........................................................................................Wisconsin Lake perch
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................................................Texas Roadhouse
Favorite TV Show: .............................................................................................................MASH
Favorite Movie: .................................................................................................... Major League
Favorite Umpire Memory“Championship plate for the Tournament of Champions softball tournament held at Clarksville TN. Also, umpiring my grandson’s games.”
PhilChurchill
Current Location: Palm Harbor, Florida
Hometown: Durham, NC
Occupation: Project Manager
Years Umpiring: 21
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ....................... Hannah Adams, 2B, UF, Go Gators
Favorite Professional Athlete: ..........................................................................Roy Halliday
Favorite MLB Team: ...................................................................................................... Red Sox
Favorite Vacation Spot: .............................................................................................. Cruising
Favorite Meal: .......................................................................................................Pasta Weezie
Favorite Place to Dine: ............................................................................................ Carrabbas
Favorite TV Show: .......................................................................................Andy Griffith Show
Favorite Movie: ...............................................................................................................Shooter
Famous Family or RelativesCameron Churchill-He was on 3 teams that won national baseball championships U11 AAU, LL World Series (Big League Baseball) 2014, 2016 NCAA DII National Champion-ship
Special TalentsPole Vaulting
Favorite Umpire Memory“Umpiring my son Connor Churchill’s first HS game.”
ChrisDavis
Current Location: Haymarket, Virginia
Hometown: Springfield, VA
Occupation: Marketing Manager
Years Umpiring: 7
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...................................Ashley Davis (My daughter!)
Favorite Professional Athlete: ....................................................................... Johnny Bench
Favorite MLB Team: ..............................................................................Washington Nationals
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...................................................................................... DisneyWorld
Favorite Meal: .....................................................................................................................Tacos
Favorite Place to Dine: ...................................................................................................Chuy’s
Favorite TV Show: ................................................................. Star Trek, The Next Generation
Favorite Movie: ................................................................................. The Empire Strikes Back
Famous Family or RelativesMy great, great, great, great, great, great, Grandfather, John Wesley Davis, was the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1845-1847. I didn’t follow him into poli-tics!
Favorite Umpire Memory“Being invited to my first Virginia state tournament in 2016.”
RJDelaune
Current Location: Palm Bay, Florida
Hometown: Sunnyvale California
Occupation: Retired
Years Umpiring: 7
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ..............................................................Mary Iakopo
Favorite Professional Athlete: ..........................................................................Tiger Woods
Favorite MLB Team: ..................................................................................... Oakland Athletics
Favorite Vacation Spot: .................................................................... My Home with my wife
Favorite Meal: ............................................................................................Steak and Pototoes
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................................ Lisa’s Pizza Toms River NJ
Favorite TV Show: .................................................................................................. The First 48
Favorite Movie: .....................................................................................................Lone Survivor
Favorite Umpire Memory“Working a Majors Division baseball game by myself. The stands were packed and the teams were both very good. I have never run so much in one game. However, the appre-ciation from the coaches, players, and parents, all because I hustled on the field, made the whole experience one of my most memorable.”
RoryDittmer
Current Location: Melbourne, Florida
Hometown: Melbourne, Florida
Occupation: Construction Manager, City of Melbourne
Years Umpiring: 15
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ............................................................... Derek Jeter
Favorite Professional Athlete: .............................................................................Tom Brady
Favorite MLB Team: ....................................................................................... Tampa Bay Rays
Favorite Vacation Spot: ............................................................................ Florida Panhandle
Favorite Meal: ........................................................................................................ Any Seafood
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................Any place that serves good seafood
Favorite TV Show: ........................................................................... News (I’m a news junkie)
Favorite Movie: ........................................................Ten Commandments (Charlton Heston)
Special TalentsEnjoy fixing things - doesn’t matter what it is. The satisfaction of a job well done is worth the effort.
Favorite Umpire Memory“My first game behind the plate with full Umpire gear many years ago. I had a small amount of training but not too much. Unknown to me at the time our District UIC was in the stands doing an evaluation. After the game he did an honest critique and then wrote me a note that said simply “you’re going to be an outstanding Umpire.” I still carry that note in my bag. I’ve always used it as a reminder we always need to strive to improve and that being positive with your fellow Umpires is how we grow the family.”
MikeDuty
Current Location: 4463 Mountain Road, Cedar Bluff, Virginia
Hometown: Lebanon, Virginia
Occupation: Retired - Town Manager- Professional Licensed Engineer
Years Umpiring: 34
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ......................................................Brooks Robinson
Favorite Professional Athlete: .............................................................................. Larry Bird
Favorite MLB Team: ......................................................................................................Yankees
Favorite Vacation Spot: ..................................................................................................Beach
Favorite Meal: .............................................................................................Steak and Seafood
Favorite Place to Dine: ....................................................................................... Sea Captains
Favorite TV Show: .......................................................................................Andy Griffith Show
Favorite Movie: ..................................................................................................Meet Joe Black
Famous Family or RelativesMy Dad
Special TalentsAll sport athlete
WillFedewa
Current Location: Winter Park, Florida
Hometown: Portland, MI
Occupation: Owner of Agape Renovations Inc.
Years Umpiring: 12
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...............................................................Jenny Finch
Favorite Professional Athlete: ..................................................................................Ty Cobb
Favorite MLB Team: .............................................................................................Detroit Tigers
Favorite Vacation Spot: ..............................................................................Cedar Point, Ohio
Favorite Meal: .......................................................................................................................BBQ
Favorite Place to Dine: ........................................................................................ Sonny’s BBQ
Favorite TV Show: .........................................................................................................Not sure
Favorite Movie: ..........................................................................Hobbit and Lord of the Rings
Famous Family or RelativesBoth of my mothers brothers were pilots in WW2
Special TalentsFathered my kids well
Favorite Umpire Memory“Recently called a SRBB game on my BD.”
RobertFreeman
Current Location: White Bluff, Tennessee
Hometown: White Bluff, Tennessee
Occupation: HR Assistant
Years Umpiring: 22
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...............................................................Hank Aaron
Favorite Professional Athlete: ...............................................................................................-
Favorite MLB Team: ...........................................................................................Atlanta Braves
Favorite Vacation Spot: ..................................................................................................Beach
Favorite Meal: .....................................................................................................................Tacos
Favorite Place to Dine: ............................................................................................ El Monte’s
Favorite TV Show: ........................................................................................................Star Trek
Favorite Movie: ........................................................................................................... Star Wars
Favorite Umpire Memory“2014 Little League World Series. I was blessed with the great honor and distinct priv-ilege to umpire at the greatest event in youth sports. Every day brought a new favorite memory of watching exceptional athletes playing a game they love. The respect and life-long friendships with the 15 other honorees I had the privilege to work with will be with me forever. I did not want it to end but like all good things, it did, but giving me many wonderful memories I will think of for the rest of my life.”
DaveFrye
Current Location: Fort Pierce, Florida
Hometown: Ontario CA
Occupation: Retired
Years Umpiring: 14
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...............................................................Tony Gwynn
Favorite Professional Athlete: ...........................................................................Tony Gwynn
Favorite MLB Team: .....................................................................................San Diego Padres
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...............................................................................St. Augustine, FL
Favorite Meal: ........................................................................................................ Monte Cristo
Favorite Place to Dine: ............................................................................................Bennigans
Favorite TV Show: .............................................................................................The West Wing
Favorite Movie: ............................................................................................................Lion King
Favorite Umpire Memory“First day I ever umpired. Was Majors LL. I just got to the field and the two Managers came to me and said we need an umpire will you do it. I said sure but I have never done it before. They said “We know you know what a strike zone is to be and you know out and safe. You’ll be fine.” So I put the gear on and went behind the plate. The rest is his-tory here I am 14 years later.”
JohnGleason
Current Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Hometown: Kelseyville, CA
Occupation: Navy Helicopter Pilot
Years Umpiring: 27
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...................................................................Will Clark
Favorite Professional Athlete: ...............................................................................Will Clark
Favorite MLB Team: ................................................................................San Francisco Giants
Favorite Vacation Spot: ....................................................................................... Disneyworld
Favorite Meal: ...................................................................Mexican, preferably good tamales
Favorite Place to Dine: .................................................................. Anywhere with my family
Favorite TV Show: .............................................................................................The West Wing
Favorite Movie: ................................................................................The Hunt for Red October
Famous Family or RelativesI think my wife and kids are pretty cool, but I don’t know about famous...
Special TalentsParenting: being a Dad is pretty special.
Favorite Umpire Memory“That first District tournament game when I was 16 and finally thought I had ‘arrived’ in the world of Little League umpiring. Plus they gave me a hat, which was the icing on the cake.”
MatthewGlunt
Current Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hometown: Warren, Pa
Occupation: Systems Engineer
Years Umpiring: 8
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: .......................................................................My son
Favorite Professional Athlete: ............................................................ Juju Smith-Schuster
Favorite MLB Team: .....................................................................................Pittsburgh Pirates
Favorite Vacation Spot: ............................................................. Maho Beach, Sint Maarten
Favorite Meal: .......................................................................................................................BBQ
Favorite Place to Dine: ........................................................................On a Caribbean island
Favorite TV Show: .....................................................................................................The Ranch
Favorite Movie: .................................................................................................... Major League
MikeGoicoechea
Current Location: Tampa, Florida
Hometown: Norwalk, CT
Occupation: Self Employed
Years Umpiring: 18
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...........................................................Don Mattingly
Favorite Professional Athlete: ........................................................................... Derek Jeter
Favorite MLB Team: ......................................................................................................Yankees
Favorite Vacation Spot: ..........................................................................................Costa Rica
Favorite Meal: ......................................................................................... Anything mom cooks
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................................................................Outback
Favorite TV Show: ...................................................................................................Blue Bloods
Favorite Movie: .............................................................................................. John Wick Series
Favorite Umpire Memory“Every time I’m on the field.”
DemetriusGreene
Current Location: Titusville, Florida
Hometown: Cocoa Florida
Occupation: Security Officer
Years Umpiring: 7
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...........................................................Ronald Acuna
Favorite Professional Athlete: ..........................................................................Tiger Woods
Favorite MLB Team: ...........................................................................................Atlanta Braves
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...........................................................................................Las Vegas
Favorite Meal: .........................................................................................Fish and cheese grits
Favorite Place to Dine: ............................................................................ Seafood restaurant
Favorite TV Show: ..........................................................................................Sanford and Son
Favorite Movie: ......................................................................................................... Green Mile
Favorite Umpire Memory“Being chosen to do high school playoffs”
BusterHickam
Current Location: Kathleen / Warner Robins, Georgia
Hometown: Warner Robins
Occupation: Government Contractor
Years Umpiring: 16
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ..... Not Player but Umpire - Robbie Guest & Don
Brown
Favorite Professional Athlete: ....................................................Marshall Cassey SER-UIC
Favorite MLB Team: .........................................................................................................Braves
Favorite Vacation Spot: .........................................................................Marco Island Florida
Favorite Meal: .................................................................... Homemade Chicken & Dumplins
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................................................................ NuWays
Favorite TV Show: ....................................................................................... Games of Thrones
Favorite Movie: ..............................................................................................Planet of the Aps
Famous Family or RelativesDaughter, Jessica Sheppard, 2018 Teacher of the Year
Special TalentsPresident of Rolling Thunder Ga3; rides a Harley Davidson to bring awareness of over 82,000 POW/MIA are still unaccounted for.
Favorite Umpire Memory“I was assigned the plate for game 1 and 2.. Robbie Guest & Don Brown (both LL vol-unteer and SEC umpires) were assigned 1 base. During both of these games, the head coach asked them to come to me for assistance on a judgment/close call..”
JohnIgnacio
Current Location: Clarksville, Tennessee
Hometown: Clarksville, TN
Occupation: Purchasing Manager
Years Umpiring: 19
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ..........................................................Mickey Mantle
Favorite Professional Athlete: ............Walter Morgan (Former Senior PGA Tour player)
Favorite MLB Team: ......................................................................................................Yankees
Favorite Vacation Spot: ............................................Any LL REGIONAL or WORLD SERIES
Favorite Meal: ..........................................................My Dad’s Teriyaki Pork Chops and Rice
Favorite Place to Dine: ..............................................................Any really good steakhouse
Favorite TV Show: ..........................................................................................The Good Doctor
Favorite Movie: ....................................................................................... To Kill A Mockingbird
Special TalentsActor/Singer (I would love to sing The National Anthem at one of the Regional Games. After auditioning, of course.)
Favorite Umpire Memory“Umpiring the Challenger Game at the 2013 LLWS in Williamsport.”
GeraldJohnson
Current Location: Covington, Georgia
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Occupation: Retired Deputy Sheriff
Years Umpiring: 6
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ....................................................Giancarlo Stanton
Favorite Professional Athlete: ...........................................................................Tony Gwynn
Favorite MLB Team: ...........................................................................................Atlanta Braves
Favorite Vacation Spot: ..............................................................................St. Simons Island
Favorite Meal: .........................................Chicken Fried Chicken Baked Potato and Turnips
Favorite Place to Dine: ..........................................................................Outback Steakhouse
Favorite TV Show: ........................................................................................ Property Brothers
Favorite Movie: ........................................................................................................... Aquaman
Special TalentsNot that I know of
Favorite Umpire Memory“My first umpire clinic at Warner Robins. The interview was priceless.”
RhettJones
Current Location: Hampton, Virginia
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Occupation: National Account Field Support Specialist
Years Umpiring: 6
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ................................................................ John Webb
Favorite Professional Athlete: ..................................................................... Wayne Gretzky
Favorite MLB Team: ....................................................................................................Nationals
Favorite Vacation Spot: ............................................................................Pensacola, Florida
Favorite Meal: ...................................................................................... Barbecue and Seafood
Favorite Place to Dine: ...............................................................................Mission Barbecue
Favorite TV Show: ...............................................................................................................NCIS
Favorite Movie: ........................................................................................................... Star Wars
Famous Family or RelativesCousin- John Webb
Special TalentsPlayed Hockey for 20 years
JosephKusior
Current Location: Front Royal, Virginia
Hometown: East St. Louis, Illinois
Occupation: Retired USMC/Civil Servant
Years Umpiring: 13
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...............................................................Jenny Finch
Favorite Professional Athlete: .......................................................................Don Mattingly
Favorite MLB Team: ................................................................................................NY Yankees
Favorite Vacation Spot: .............................................................................................Germany
Favorite Meal: .............................................................................................................Prime Rib
Favorite Place to Dine: .................................................................... Inn at Little Washington
Favorite TV Show: .....................................................................................Two and a Half Men
Favorite Movie: .........................................................................................................Tombstone
Special TalentsDiorama Building
Favorite Umpire Memory“Doing District and State Tournaments”
SteveLewis
Current Location: Tampa, Florida
Hometown: Tampa, Florida, USA
Occupation: Law Enforcement
Years Umpiring: 19
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ........................................Kaden Arroyo - Grandson
Favorite Professional Athlete: .....................................................................Michael Jordan
Favorite MLB Team: ....................................................................................... Tampa Bay Rays
Favorite Vacation Spot: ....................................................................................Baseball Field
Favorite Meal: .................................................................................................................... Steak
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................................................................Outback
Favorite TV Show: ...........................................................................................Baseball Games
Favorite Movie: ..........................................................................Bruce Lee - Enter the Dragon
Famous Family or RelativesChristian Arroyo - Nephew - member of the Tampa Bay Rays
Favorite Umpire Memory“Opportunity to participate in two (2) Softball World Series”
MikeLindsay
Current Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida
Hometown: Saint Petersburg
Occupation: Respiratory Therapist Transport
Years Umpiring: 24
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ................................................................Javier Baez
Favorite Professional Athlete: ......................................................................Antonio Brown
Favorite MLB Team: ......................................................................................................... Astros
Favorite Vacation Spot: .................................................................................. Grand Caymen
Favorite Meal: ..............................................................................................Authentic Mexican
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................................................................Outback
Favorite TV Show: ...................................................................................... Last Man Standing
Favorite Movie: ......................................................................................For Love of The Game
Special TalentsPlayed college football for Texas Tech University 3 Seasons.
Favorite Umpire Memory“2008. The pitcher (Robbie Thigpen son of Bobby Thigpen) balked R3. Of course he didn’t like it nor agree. 3 years later when I took my son up to college, Robbie was there playing and helped recruit my son. Robbie met us at the field house and shook my hand and said,” Hello Mr. Lindsay, we are excited to have Jordan come play for us. And your were right. I balked...that was a balk.””
JosephLorino
Current Location: Vero Beach, Florida
Hometown: Vero Beach
Occupation: HVAC Service Manager
Years Umpiring: 12
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: .............................................................Rick Monday
Favorite Professional Athlete: ...........................................................................Hank Aaron
Favorite MLB Team: ........................................................................................... Miami Marlins
Favorite Vacation Spot: ............................................................Anywhere in the mountains
Favorite Meal: .....................................................................................................................Sushi
Favorite Place to Dine: ........................................................................................Saigon Sushi
Favorite TV Show: ............................................................................................Deadliest Catch
Favorite Movie: .................................................................................................... Major League
Famous Family or RelativesMy family is just a bunch of average Joes!
Special TalentsMy “other hobby” is teaching the Vero Beach High School Fighting Indians Marching Band and Nemesis Winds, an FFCC/WGI Independent A class indoor winds performance ensemble.
BartonMace
Current Location: Hamilton, Georgia
Hometown: Hamilton, Georgia
Occupation: Database Administrator
Years Umpiring: 21
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...........................................................Chipper Jones
Favorite Professional Athlete: ................................................................................Jim Kelly
Favorite MLB Team: ...........................................................................................Atlanta Braves
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...............................................................Clearwater Beach, Florida
Favorite Meal: ......................................................................................Cheesesteak stromboli
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................................Any good steak restaurant
Favorite TV Show: ........................................................................ Diners, Drive Ins and Dives
Favorite Movie: ........................................................................................................... Star Wars
Favorite Umpire Memory“Getting the opportunity to umpire the 2017 Junior Softball Southeast Regional. I have always wanted to get a chance to advance to a Regional and a World Series. I received a World Series recommendation after the 2017 Regional and that was my greatest accom-plishment so far.”
MichaelMcCullough
Current Location: St Petersburg, Florida
Hometown: Drexel Hill PA
Occupation: Retired Postmaster
Years Umpiring: 28
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ....................................................... Kevin Kiermaier
Favorite Professional Athlete: ....................................................................... Leroy Selmon
Favorite MLB Team: ....................................................................................... Tampa Bay Rays
Favorite Vacation Spot: .............................................................................................. Football
Favorite Meal: ............................................................................................Steak and potatoes
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................................................................Outback
Favorite TV Show: ......................................................................................................... Gotham
Favorite Movie: .............................................................................................The replacements
Favorite Umpire Memory“Working 2017 Little League World Series in Williamsport”
JennaMcLeod
Current Location: Hernando Beach, Florida
Hometown: Van Buren, Maine
Occupation: Teacher’s Assistant
Years Umpiring: 9
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ......................................................................Stanton
Favorite Professional Athlete: ..............................................................................Usain Bolt
Favorite MLB Team: ......................................................................................Toronto Blue Jays
Favorite Vacation Spot: ............................................................................................... Cancun
Favorite Meal: ...................................................................................................Chicken Alfredo
Favorite Place to Dine: ........................................................................................Olive Garden
Favorite TV Show: ....................................................................................................Big Brother
Favorite Movie: ................................................................................................... Pretty Woman
Special TalentsI love to make people laugh and have a great time. I can do a word search puzzle in record time.
Favorite Umpire Memory“When you see a player that is brand new to the game and you get to see their first catch or hit of the season and the expression on their faces. It is priceless. My love and enjoy-ment for the game is the reason i do what I do.”
DouglasNeville
Current Location: Burke, Virginia
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Occupation: Retired CPA
Years Umpiring: 21
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ......................................................Brooks Robinson
Favorite Professional Athlete: ............................................................................ Bill Russell
Favorite MLB Team: ..............................................................................Washington Nationals
Favorite Vacation Spot: ........................................................................................Puerto Rico
Favorite Meal: .......................................................................................................Fried Chicken
Favorite Place to Dine: ........................................................................................................KFC
Favorite TV Show: ........................................................................................................Star Trek
Favorite Movie: ..........................................................................Star Trek-The Wrath of Khan
Famous Family or RelativesMy cousin has 2 sons. One became an MLB player. The other became a pro tennis play-er and is currently Venus Williams’ tennis coach.
Special TalentsI had a talent for picking the perfect wife!
Favorite Umpire Memory“Teaching my son and daughter how to umpire. My son is now 32 and still umpiring.”
UcalPalmer Jr
Current Location: Austell, Georgia
Hometown: Springfield Massachusetts
Occupation: Relationship Manager
Years Umpiring: 9
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ....................................................Rickey Henderson
Favorite Professional Athlete: ..................................................................... Magic Johnson
Favorite MLB Team: ....................................................................................New York Yankees
Favorite Vacation Spot: .........................................................................Dominican Republic
Favorite Meal: ............................................................................................................Curry Goat
Favorite Place to Dine: ..........................................................................Marietta Fish Market
Favorite TV Show: .................................................................................................. Cosby Show
Favorite Movie: ................................................................................................... Harlem Nights
Special TalentsProfessional speaking
Favorite Umpire Memory“My first State LL tournament in Cartersville in 2010”
VinniePiscitello
Current Location: Seminole, Florida
Hometown: Neptune N.J.
Occupation: Service Manager
Years Umpiring: 15
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ........................................................... Johnny Bench
Favorite Professional Athlete: ........................................................................ Emmit Smith
Favorite MLB Team: .........................................................................................Tampabay Rays
Favorite Vacation Spot: ........................................................................................ Lake Tahoe
Favorite Meal: ................................................................................................................Lasagna
Favorite Place to Dine: ........................................................................Harrah’s Steak House
Favorite TV Show: ..............................................................................................................Mash
Favorite Movie: .............................................................................................................Star Trek
Special TalentsI make a great Key Lime Pie.
Favorite Umpire Memory“2015 Junior Softball World Series”
KristopherRatliff
Current Location: Marion, Virginia
Hometown: MARION, VA
Occupation: Independent Retail Pharmacy
Years Umpiring: 20
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ......................................................Freddie Freeman
Favorite Professional Athlete: ........................Steve Largent, WR for Seattle Seahawks
Favorite MLB Team: ...........................................................................................Atlanta Braves
Favorite Vacation Spot: ................................................................................. Fripp Island, SC
Favorite Meal: .....................................................................................bourbon glazed salman
Favorite Place to Dine: ............................................................... local independent eateries
Favorite TV Show: .......................................................................... Dexter & Big Bang Theory
Favorite Movie: ................................................................The Undefeated &/or Shenandoah
CraigReynolds
Current Location: Trinity, Florida
Hometown: Tonawanda, NY
Occupation: Special Education Teacher
Years Umpiring: 36
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ............................................................... Gary Carter
Favorite Professional Athlete: .....................................................................Michael Phelps
Favorite MLB Team: ......................................................................................... Montreal Expos
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...................................................................................The Caribbean
Favorite Meal: ............................................................... Chicken Wings - My hometown food
Favorite Place to Dine: .....................................................................Anywhere serving steak
Favorite TV Show: .............................................................................................. The Goldbergs
Favorite Movie: ......................................................................................... It’s a Wonderful Life
Favorite Umpire Memory“Working with my son, Matthew”
MichaelRiddle
Current Location: Fort Myers, Florida
Hometown: Fort Myers
Occupation: Project Manager
Years Umpiring: 27
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ....................................................................................
.......Left Fielder for the Virginia 2017 Senior Girls Southeast Region Championship Team
Favorite Professional Athlete: ......................................................... 1972 Miami Dolphins
Favorite MLB Team: ..............................................................................2004 Boston Red Sox
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...................................................................... Utah Canyon Country
Favorite Meal: .................................................................... Anything my son, the chef, cooks
Favorite Place to Dine: ......................................The Bubble Room, Captiva Island, Florida
Favorite TV Show: ...............................................................................................................NCIS
Favorite Movie: .......................................................................................Run Silent, Run Deep
Famous Family or RelativesI have been told that I am related to the band leader, Nelson Riddle, but never had the opportunity to meet the man while he was alive, nor any of his surviving family.
Favorite Umpire Memory“Aside from the left fielder for Virginia laying herself out to snag a line drive fly ball to win the 2017 Senior Girls Southeast Region Championship - perhaps one of the best defen-sive plays I have ever witnessed - there was an incident this year that was quite notable. Major baseball game. Coach, are all of your kids equipped and ready to play per Little League rules and regulations? I get the obligatory “yes”. First Batter comes to the plate. TIME! please take your necklace off. I deliver it to the third base coach. Second batter comes to the plate. TIME! Please take your bracelet off. I deliver it to the third base coach. Third base coach yells at the dugout as I take my position behind the plate: “any-one else have any jewelry on?” A little voice replies: “I have a belly button ring.” TIME? Umpire is on his knees laughing until he’s in tears.”
HiramRivas
Current Location: Dundee, Florida
Hometown: Dundee, Florida
Occupation: Information Technology Architect
Years Umpiring: 5
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: .......................................................Francisco Lindor
Favorite Professional Athlete: ..............................................................................Usain Bolt
Favorite MLB Team: .........................................................................................Boston Red Sox
Favorite Vacation Spot: ............................................................................................... Cancun
Favorite Meal: ...............................................................................flank steak, rice and beans
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................................................Texas Roadhouse
Favorite TV Show: .................................................The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Favorite Movie: ................................................................................................................. Avatar
Special TalentsMusician (Saxophonist)
RobbieSacra
Current Location: Unionville, Virginia
Hometown: Madison County Virginia
Occupation: Correctional Lieutenant
Years Umpiring: 22
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ................................................................ Cal Ripken
Favorite Professional Athlete: ........................................................................Darrell Green
Favorite MLB Team: ......................................................................................Baltimore Orioles
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...........................................................................................Las Vegas
Favorite Meal: ....................................................................................Blue Crabs and Seafood
Favorite Place to Dine: .............................................................................. Dan’s Steakhouse
Favorite TV Show: ........................................................................................................... Cheers
Favorite Movie: ..........................................................Officer and a Gentleman and Top Gun
Favorite Umpire Memory“All of them”
JasonSalley
Current Location: Watauga, Tennessee
Hometown: Watauga
Occupation: Operations Manager
Years Umpiring: 10
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ..................................................................Pete Rose
Favorite Professional Athlete: .....................................................................Micheal Jordan
Favorite MLB Team: .........................................................................................................Braves
Favorite Vacation Spot: ............................................................................................Destin, Fl
Favorite Meal: .................................................................................................................... Steak
Favorite Place to Dine: ......................................................................... Brazilian Steakhouse
Favorite TV Show: ..................................................................................................... Gold Rush
Favorite Movie: .................................................................................................... Forrest Gump
Special TalentsI really enjoy woodworking as a hobby but don’t have much time to do it anymore.
Favorite Umpire Memory“My favorite umpire memory would be in the 2013 Jr. Baseball Southeast Regional. Florida was playing in an elimination game and was in the first base dugout. They were in their final at bat and were down by 1 with a runner at 3rd and two outs. The batter hit the ball hard on the ground to the shortstop, this batter runner for FL was really fast, the shortstop gets his glove on the ball and knocks the ball down and bobbles the ball, he then gathered the ball and throws a rocket to 1st for a bang/bang play! OUT!! I sold it so hard I almost passed out!! I then realized that they had been eliminated and an explo-sion happened in the 1st base dugout as FL was thinking he beat the throw. I stood there for a second or two and Doug Durling (another umpire that was working 3rd) hollered at me “Jason, Let’s GO!!” Doug was trying to get me away from the explosion and off the field on the 3rd base side. Doug described the seen as it would appear in the movies as the building is on fire, explodes, and the guy comes walking out all cool and collected! The guy walking out was me although I still don’t know how “cool and collected” I was! I’ll never forget that moment though and it was still one of the biggest calls I’ve ever made!”
DonShirley
Current Location: Mount Jackson, Virginia
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.
Occupation: Retired Industrial Electrical Estimator/Supervisor
Years Umpiring: 4
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ............................................................Max Scherzer
Favorite Professional Athlete: ..................................................................Sonny Jergenson
Favorite MLB Team: ..............................................................................Washington Nationals
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...................................................................................... Small Towns
Favorite Meal: ....................................................................................................... Ribeye Steak
Favorite Place to Dine: .............................................................................. Joe’s Steak House
Favorite TV Show: ..................................................................................................Red Skelton
Favorite Movie: .............................................................................................................Star Trek
Famous Family or RelativesJared DeVries #95 Detroit Lions (11yrs) Retired
Special TalentsRemodeling Houses ( too many )
Favorite Umpire Memory“One of my favorites: Mothers Day weekend 2018 I was in Norfolk Va. at the Jake Hardi-son Memorial Challenger Jamboree as an umpire. During the second game of the day as the teams switched sides a young man who had been in right field with his helper bud-dy passed by me and he stopped, came back to me and handed me one of their game balls. I told him thanks but he needed to take it up with him. He said no and for me to keep it because I had come to their event. I still Have it. I have many favorites but that one I will not forget.”
RonaldSignore
Current Location: Delaware, Ohio
Hometown: Saint Charles, IL
Occupation: Manager
Years Umpiring: 20
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: .......................................................... Frank Thomas
Favorite Professional Athlete: .....................................................................Michael Jordan
Favorite MLB Team: ....................................................................................Chicago White Sox
Favorite Vacation Spot: ..................................................................................... Disney World
Favorite Meal: ...................................................................................................................43015
Favorite Place to Dine: ...............................................................................................Salernos
Favorite TV Show: .........................................................................................................Seinfeld
Favorite Movie: ...........................................................................................................Godfather
Special TalentsI’m really funny.
Favorite Umpire Memory“Calling games with my TN District 9 Brothers”
DustySmith
Current Location: Fort Valley, Georgia
Hometown: Fort Valley
Occupation: Firefighter/Paramedic
Years Umpiring: 15
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ......................................................................My Kids
Favorite Professional Athlete: ...........................................................................Hank Aaron
Favorite MLB Team: ...........................................................................................Atlanta Braves
Favorite Vacation Spot: ..................................................................................................Beach
Favorite Meal: ..............................................................................................Steak and sesfood
Favorite Place to Dine: ..................................................Any good steak and seafood place
Favorite TV Show: .......................................................................................Andy Griffith Show
Favorite Movie: .........................................................................................................Tombstone
AaronSpringer
Current Location: Mount Jackson, Virginia
Hometown: Woodstock, VA
Occupation: Law Enforcement
Years Umpiring: 12
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ................................................Aiden Springer (son)
Favorite Professional Athlete: ........................................................................ Mookie Betts
Favorite MLB Team: .........................................................................................Boston Red Sox
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...........................................................................................Las Vegas
Favorite Meal: ...........................................................................Ribeye and mashed potatoes
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................................................................Outback
Favorite TV Show: ................................................................................................Breaking Bad
Favorite Movie: ............................................................................................................Rounders
BubbaThompson
Current Location: Tampa, Florida
Hometown: Indianapolis Indiana
Occupation: Mechanic
Years Umpiring: 19
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ................................................... Roberto Clemente
Favorite Professional Athlete: ........................................................................Franco Harris
Favorite MLB Team: .........................................................................................Tampa bay rays
Favorite Vacation Spot: ................................................................................... north Carolina
Favorite Meal: .............................................................................................steak and potatoes
Favorite Place to Dine: ............................................................................................ jazzys bbq
Favorite TV Show: ...............................................................................................street outlaws
Favorite Movie: ..................................................................................................the last dragon
Favorite Umpire Memory“getting to umpire with my father Jim Thompson”
JamesTucker
Current Location: Lake Wales, Florida
Hometown: Lake Wales, Florida
Occupation: Retired
Years Umpiring: 11
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ..............................................................Aaron Judge
Favorite Professional Athlete: ................................................................ Patrick Mahomes
Favorite MLB Team: ......................................................................................................Yankees
Favorite Vacation Spot: ..................................................................................................Beach
Favorite Meal: .................................................................................................................... Steak
Favorite Place to Dine: .........................................................................Any good steakhouse
Favorite TV Show: ................................................................................................... Chicago PD
Favorite Movie: ........................................................................................................... Star Wars
IanTyra
Current Location: Sterling, Virginia
Hometown: Sterling, VA
Occupation: 7-11 Field Consultant
Years Umpiring: 21
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ............................................................... Willie Mays
Favorite Professional Athlete: ..........................................................................Tiger Woods
Favorite MLB Team: ....................................................................................................Nationals
Favorite Vacation Spot: ....................................................................................Savannah, GA
Favorite Meal: .......................................................................................................Rack of lamb
Favorite Place to Dine: .................................................................... Inn at Little Washington
Favorite TV Show: ...........................................................................................Big Bang Theory
Favorite Movie: ............................................................................................................Apollo 13
Special TalentsPretty good chef
Favorite Umpire Memory“Picture with my umpire partner judging the opening day parade with a sign saying “Odd Couple” (for a local play) placed behind us by our fellow umpires.”
JessicaVikara
Current Location: Pace, Florida
Hometown: San Lorenzo, CA
Occupation: Teacher
Years Umpiring: 8
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ......................................................Jessica Mendoza
Favorite Professional Athlete: ....................................................................... Johnny Bench
Favorite MLB Team: ......................................................................................................NY Mets
Favorite Vacation Spot: .................................................................................................Hawaii
Favorite Meal: ........................................................Roast Beef, mashed potatoes and gravy
Favorite Place to Dine: ....................................................................Ye Old Brothers Brewery
Favorite TV Show: ...............................................................................................................NCIS
Favorite Movie: .................................................................................................... Mary Poppins
Special TalentsTeaching 4-year-olds
Favorite Umpire Memory“My very first time calling an infield fly.”
FreddieVillanueva
Current Location: Rockledge, Florida
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Occupation: Plasterer
Years Umpiring: 12
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: .......................................................Sandy Alomar Jr
Favorite Professional Athlete: ........................................................................... Nolan Ryan
Favorite MLB Team: ..................................................................................... Cleveland Indians
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...............................................................................Key west, Florida
Favorite Meal: .............................................................................................................. Prime rib
Favorite Place to Dine: ...........................................................................Weber’s steakhouse
Favorite TV Show: ............................................................................................... Walking dead
Favorite Movie: ......................................................................................Star Wars- all of them
Favorite Umpire Memory“First Little league state of Florida tournament with my dad. We were on the same um-pire crew.”
TonyWeaver
Current Location: Crestview, Florida
Hometown: Knoxville Tennessee
Occupation: Sales
Years Umpiring: 20
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ......................................................................My Kids
Favorite Professional Athlete: ............................................................................ Brett Favre
Favorite MLB Team: ..................................................................I enjoy watching the umpires
Favorite Vacation Spot: .................................................................................................Disney
Favorite Meal: ................................................................................... Anything my wife makes
Favorite Place to Dine: ................................................................................................Peppers
Favorite TV Show: ........................................................................................................ Changes
Favorite Movie: ........................................................................................................Point Break
Favorite Umpire Memory“Any time I can be on the field with my Kids. I got the best seat in the house.”
RobertWeiner
Current Location: Cocoa, Florida
Hometown: Port St. John
Occupation: Field Service Engineer
Years Umpiring: 22
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...............................................................Ozzie Smith
Favorite Professional Athlete: .....................................................................Michael Jordan
Favorite MLB Team: ....................................................................................New York Yankees
Favorite Vacation Spot: ................................................................North Georgia Mountains
Favorite Meal: .............................................................................................. Steak and otatoes
Favorite Place to Dine: ........................................................................Longhorn Steakhouse
Favorite TV Show: ...........................................................................................Big Bang Theory
Favorite Movie: ................................................................................. Any Marvel Comic Movie
DavidWellington
Current Location: Virginia
Hometown: STERLING
Occupation: Retired
Years Umpiring: 18
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: .............................................................DAVID ORTIZ
Favorite Professional Athlete: .........................................................................BOB GIBSON
Favorite MLB Team: .....................................................................................................RED SOX
Favorite Vacation Spot: .......................................................................................... GERMANY
Favorite Meal: .................................................................................................BUFFALO WINGS
Favorite Place to Dine: ............................................................ JIMMY’S OLD TOWN TAVERN
Favorite TV Show: ..............................................................................THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
Favorite Movie: ..........................................................................................THE GREAT ESCAPE
Special TalentsSNOW SKIING
Favorite Umpire Memory“In 2016 I UMPIRED A GAME FROM THE TEAM I PLAYED ON IN 1967 (CARDINALS). IT WAS THEIR 50TH YEAR, OPENING DAY, AND MY COACH (MR TIM TIMMERMAN) WAS STILL THE HEAD COACH. A 3-2 WALK-OFF TWO RUN HOME-RUN WIN FOR THE CARDI-NALS.”
DaleWheeler
Current Location: St. Cloud, Florida
Hometown: St. Cloud Florida
Occupation: Judicial Liaison Osceola County School Districr
Years Umpiring: 28
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ...........................................................Chipper Jones
Favorite Professional Athlete: ...................................................................Shaquille O’neal
Favorite MLB Team: ...........................................................................................Atlanta Braves
Favorite Vacation Spot: ...........................................................................................Savannah
Favorite Meal: ...........................Steak , Baked Potato, Corn on the Cob and ICE CREAM!!!
Favorite Place to Dine: .................................................................................. Bahama Breeze
Favorite TV Show: .........................................................................................NCIS Los Angeles
Favorite Movie: ...........................................................................................................Bad Boy II
Favorite Umpire Memory“The whole experience of umpiring the Junior Softball World Series.”
BryanWild
Current Location: Bonita Springs, Florida
Hometown: Dowagiac Michigan
Occupation: Sales
Years Umpiring: 40
Favorite Baseball or Softball Player: ................................................................ Lou Gehrig
Favorite Professional Athlete: .......................................................................Walter Payton
Favorite MLB Team: .............................................................................................Chicago Cubs
Favorite Vacation Spot: ..............................................................Williamsport Pennslyvania
Favorite Meal: .............................................................................................................. Hot Dogs
Favorite Place to Dine: ..............................................................................................Chik Fil A
Favorite TV Show: ...................................................................................................M*A*S*H*
Favorite Movie: ..................................................................................................................Rocky
Famous Family or RelativesTed Giannoulas
Special TalentsTattoo artist
Favorite Umpire Memory“Umpiring a State Tournament in Petosky Michigan.”
Top Related