had worked a state championship game before this season, a Connie Mack state championship game back when I lived in Washington state in 1999. However, that tournament really didn’t feel like anything special. Both teams were from the local area, and the tournament organizers only hired two umpires per game, even in the championship.

The Wisconsin LL Junior state tournament turned out to be a much different and much more positive experience for me.

Rich's perfect game

I was scheduled to work two games the opening night of the tournament and then the championship game three days later. Between those two dates, visiting umpires from around the state of Wisconsin were coming to work the games on the weekend.

Continued...