WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – For Little League World Series umpires David Nogel and Eddie Smith, it's the summer vacation of a lifetime.
Noegel, who lives in East Orlando, began umpiring in 2006. A graduate of the United States Military Academy and a Gulf War veteran, Noegel is based in Union Park Little League but plays throughout Central Florida.
“Some of the first umpires I worked with joked about how funny it would be to make the Little League World Series,” he said, “because we never thought it would ever happen.”
Smith began umpiring balls and strikes in New Jersey around 1996. He now lives in Horizon West and officiates games for Winter Garden Little League, and, like Noegel, he also officiates games throughout the Orlando area.
“It's like a dream come true for me,” he said. “I'm so happy to have been nominated and to be here.”
Coincidentally, Smith was the first base umpire for Lake Mary Little League's opening game against South Dakota.
(Team introduction: Lake Mary All-Stars)
“I was nervous, but that was planned,” Smith joked. “I felt comfortable there and I felt the vibe of the crowd, but I was prepared and it didn't really affect me.”
Lamade Stadium, where Lake Mary played Wednesday night, can seat a whopping 10,000 fans.
“I didn't expect the crowd to be this loud,” Noegel said. “You can't have the verbal communication that you can have at a normal game here.”
All 20 umpires who compete in the Little League World Series are volunteers. Little League covers their accommodations, but umpires are responsible for their own travel expenses.
“Volunteerism is in my heart,” Smith said. “The excitement I get seeing a shy kid smile and make a great catch is a positive thing.”
(Related article: Lake Mary All-Stars win first game of Little League World Series)
For both men, being an umpire wasn't about making money, but rather about the love of America's pastime.
“It's a way for me to stay connected to the sport I've loved and played since I was a kid,” Noegel added. “How can you be an umpire and not love the sport?”
The umpires took part in the same pre-tournament celebrations as the teams, handing out candy to spectators during Tuesday's parade and receiving thunderous applause when they were introduced at Wednesday's opening ceremony.
“We all looked at each other and said, 'Gentlemen, have fun. Enjoy the cheers and the applause. This is the last cheer you'll hear on your behalf. From now on, half the country is going to hate you for what you do,'” Noegel said.
“That's part of the game,” Smith added. “The best feeling is when you walk off the field and nobody knows you were there.”
Following Wednesday's game against South Dakota, the Lake Mary All-Stars' next game is scheduled for Friday night.
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