by Guy Vilt
If you’ve been to a youth baseball field in Sarasota or Manatee Counties over the last 22 years, then odds are you’ve seen Nick Marino umpiring one of your son or daughter’s games. He originally started as a coach when his son played Little League and then started umpiring in 1986. Nick has been calling balls, strikes, safes and outs ever since. He’s been involved in youth baseball for over 24 years. This year Nick was given the honor of umpiring the Southern Region Little League Baseball Tournament in Gulfport. The tournament consisted of the State Champions from each of the six states in the southern region of the United States, including Florida.
This year’s tournament was particularly special since it is the last time the Southern Region Finals will be held here in Florida. In 2009, the Southern Region will be moving to its new home. Although we are not sure on its exact location, you can be sure it will be a great facility and will make the Little League organization proud. “Its great to be part of history, both with the Southern Region Tournament and Little League Baseball itself.” says Nick. The next step for Nick is to umpire a Little League World Series. What many people don’t realize is that Little League is a volunteer organization. Umpires are not paid and have to spend their own money for equipment and travel.
Nick has traveled all over the United States umpiring, and in 2001 he umpired in Cooperstown, New York at a youth tournament. “I do it because I love baseball. It has become a major part of my life.” During the season, Nick will umpire anywhere from eight to twelve games a week. If he travels to a tournament, that number can easily rise to sixteen in just a weekend. Now that’s a lot of baseball.
Not just any umpire can umpire a regional tournament. First you have to be recommended by the District Administrator and then Approved by the Southern Region.
Since Nick shows no sign of slowing down and with years of experience behind him, and a true love of the game in his heart, I’m sure we’ll see him at the Little League World Series very soon - a true honor for Little League umpires around the world.
Umpires, or ‘Blue’ as they’re often addressed, care about safety, sportsmanship and the game of baseball. They want to make sure your child not only has fun, but also develops good playing skills, and respect for the rules and their fellow players. So, next time you’re at the game, remember to look for Nick, and know you’ve got one of the best calling those balls and strikes for your team. SFM
by Guy Vilt
If you’ve been to a youth baseball field in Sarasota or Manatee Counties over the last 22 years, then odds are you’ve seen Nick Marino umpiring one of your son or daughter’s games. He originally started as a coach when his son played Little League and then started umpiring in 1986. Nick has been calling balls, strikes, safes and outs ever since. He’s been involved in youth baseball for over 24 years. This year Nick was given the honor of umpiring the Southern Region Little League Baseball Tournament in Gulfport. The tournament consisted of the State Champions from each of the six states in the southern region of the United States, including Florida.
This year’s tournament was particularly special since it is the last time the Southern Region Finals will be held here in Florida. In 2009, the Southern Region will be moving to its new home. Although we are not sure on its exact location, you can be sure it will be a great facility and will make the Little League organization proud. “Its great to be part of history, both with the Southern Region Tournament and Little League Baseball itself.” says Nick. The next step for Nick is to umpire a Little League World Series. What many people don’t realize is that Little League is a volunteer organization. Umpires are not paid and have to spend their own money for equipment and travel.
Nick has traveled all over the United States umpiring, and in 2001 he umpired in Cooperstown, New York at a youth tournament. “I do it because I love baseball. It has become a major part of my life.” During the season, Nick will umpire anywhere from eight to twelve games a week. If he travels to a tournament, that number can easily rise to sixteen in just a weekend. Now that’s a lot of baseball.
Not just any umpire can umpire a regional tournament. First you have to be recommended by the District Administrator and then Approved by the Southern Region.
Since Nick shows no sign of slowing down and with years of experience behind him, and a true love of the game in his heart, I’m sure we’ll see him at the Little League World Series very soon - a true honor for Little League umpires around the world.
Umpires, or ‘Blue’ as they’re often addressed, care about safety, sportsmanship and the game of baseball. They want to make sure your child not only has fun, but also develops good playing skills, and respect for the rules and their fellow players. So, next time you’re at the game, remember to look for Nick, and know you’ve got one of the best calling those balls and strikes for your team. SFM
