Some Dreams Come True

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I started with the Edna Little League program back in 1972, which was a long time ago. I started managing a team called WOW (Woodsmen of the World), which did not have a manager or coach.  Little did I know then how much Little League Baseball would change my life.

After managing four years, it got to where I could not take the time off work to manage anymore. I did not want to quit my involvement with Little League, but could not manage either. A friend of mine, J.W. Wyer, an umpire, asked me if I wanted to umpire a game with him. One game  that's all it took. I've been having fun umpiring every since. Yes, umpiring is fun!

I started umpiring a local league, and had lots of good times. Then, like others, I wanted more of a challenge.  I found out what it would take to call the all-star games and began training for them. Yes, umpires must train, just like players. There are tests plus a lot more.

My first opportunity to call an all-star came in 1979. Man. I was nervous and sick before the game. I still get nervous before a game till this day. But we, the men in blue, had a great game and lots of fun.

I am human; therefore, I have blown a call or so. I've had managers, coaches, and fans mad and upset. But that did not stop me. Like my mother told me, "you get out what you put into it," so I just worked harder and got better.

I have had fun umpiring in all 14 leagues, which consist of 11 cities in District 27. Also, I have been invited and called games in other cities outside my district:   Houston, Uvalde, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Waco, and Palacios.  I have umpired in the Little States Tournament nine times: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998.  I will be going back this year for my tenth time. In 1991, I umpired in the Southern Regional tournament in St. Petersburg, Florida.  I will be taking vacation time, as well as time off work, to attend State Tournament the week of July 31 – August 6, 1999.

During the week of August 21 - 28, 1999, I will travel to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to umpire for the Little League World Series, the realizations of a life long dream! At be offered the opportunity to umpire in the Little League World Series represents the culmination of many years of hard work and thousands of hours of time devoted to achieving my aspirations. I have made a lot of friends and met a lot of people after so many years umpiring in the Little League program.

While the Little League organization will provide lodging and meals after I arrive at the tournament site, I AM A VOLUNTEER UMPIRE. I don't get paid for games! My travel funds come from donations and my back pocket. Only volunteer umpires can call in state, region, and World Series.

Watch the Little League World Series on TV this year on ESPN2, or CBS.   Hope to see you there!

As you can see, Little League Baseball is a big part of our life.

With out the help of my family and friends this dream would not have come true.

I want to thank my supervisor, Matt Rains, for giving me the time off.  I also appreciate support of my friends and coworkers at Wilkinson Pontiac Buick and GMC.

Special thanks to Butch Clark of Edna for all his help and support.

Special love to my

Bobby Hernandez

1999 Little League World Series Umpire

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