[phs1986]

Okay... before I offically start on my input on all this I want to first congratulate Warren Co. Your boys are very nice young men from what I saw of and from them and I'm sure they will put forth the best effort tomorrow and bring home a victory!! Best of luck on tomorrows game and I will be cheering you on from here at home.

NOW....I sat and kept pitch count for Belfy. Beside of me was another of the mothers who was keeping a second book so that we were able to ensure that we were being exact on all of our stats. Yes, I did hear comments being made but NOT to any of the Warren Co. players. We always say things to our kids.... "Down and ready boys"..... "2 down... only 1 more"..... "play defense... get this out".... that type of stuff.... IF anyone said anything to any of Warren's kids I personally did not hear it. WHAT got it all started was the fine man in blue on 3rd when our base coach questioned on what the PLATE ump considered a balk. Our coach did NOT question the 3rd base umpire but he made it his call. I think we have a good pic of the veins in his neck buldging out if any would like it........ In every game that I have ever been at the Plate umpire or the umpire that makes the call unless they ask for help makes the decisions. All the coach did was ask a question. Yes, the crowd was asking if it was a balk... yes, they were loud.... BUT they did NOT say anything to any child. If anyone acted with unsportsmanlike conduct we have a GREAT pic of the ump rippin his tail when the question wasn't even directed to him. IF they young man behind the plate wasn't sure on the call then why put him back there. This is/was a state tournament. IMHO to be totally fair to all involved.... Have some ump's from WV come to KY and do the state there and KY ump's head to WV to do theirs. Unbiased umpires who do not have any connection with the tournament committee, facilities, schools in the area, children, parents, or DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR should be used for this calibar of games. Making sure that the KIDS are treated fairly and that the tournament games are called with the upmost professionalism should be the main focus of the "tournament committee"... WHICH BTW does anyone know who or how many was on it???

So... whatever you think you saw, we have the photograph of the pitch.... it speaks volumes. The child had every reason to be upset. The umpires did wrong by taking out their frustrations on the children as they made a call against 1 child that affected 9 others. In my book.... that is wrong. Have a set of KAHAUNA'S and set the crowd straight if that is the problem and let the boys play. Taking this opportunity from the boys from Belfry was wrong. They know it.... and so do many others. Believe me... this is FAR from being over!!!!!