Tuesday, May 31, 2005

The Road to Montgomery
Despite heat, Natali gets first games in

By Dave Natali

Things have been kind of crazy since arriving here late Wednesday night! I will be better about getting a report back to everyone. I will tell everyone that I am very proud to walk on the field with those four letters of "NCAA" on my hat! Most importantly however are the other four letters that go out there with me every time: NBUA. I truly believe I would not be here in Montgomery if it were not for the great training, mentorship and experiences I have gained with my years in NBUA. Oh yeah, and a little luck and some great breaks that I have had in being recognized.

I started the tournament at 2nd base in a game between Cal State Chico and Delta State from Cleveland, MS. We are playing at the home field of the Montgomery Biscuts, a AA Team in the Tampa Devil Rays organization. It is a beautiful field and great facility. Delta State wins 3-1. I don't really have a call to speak of and am really amazed Cat how hot and humid Montgomery is in late May.  

Game 2 is the night game between Florida Southern and Central Missouri State. The CMS shortstop decides to have a career night and hits three home runs in the game and CMS wins 5-1. We as umpires have a challenging night with some game management from one of the squads and I end up having a "whacker" at first and call the runner out. It didn't end up being as close as it initially looked it would be, but the runner who was called out decided to subsequently eject himself by throwing his helmet and saying something about the call, using an expletive that I did not receive well. The head coach wants to know what he said. I told him verbatim and he understands.

Sunday morning I have the first game off as I get ready for my first plate job. We have a six umpire staff and work the whole tournament 4-man until the championship game which we work 6-man. We have the game before and after our plate job off and serve as the alternate in the game after your plate job. Umpires are from Ohio, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida, West Virgina and of course Seattle. Game 3 that I have off is an 8-6 win for West Virgina State over Grand Valley State (Michigan).

The rains come!  I can't believe how hard it rains and we end up with a three hour rain delay.   My plate job starts at 9:18.   More details to follow . . .