The Big League Softball World Series gathers the finest players from around the world. But our tournament wouldn’t be possible without the selfless volunteer work of the men and women in Blue, The World Series Umpires. Umpiring at the World Series is a labor of love for these volunteers and recognizes the many hours they have spent on the ball fields each summer. Endless umpiring alone doesn’t earn an invitation to this series. Like our players, World Series Umpires must be outstanding officials to be recommended by their regional directors. Only the “best of the best” are invited to Little League World Championships.

The umpires profiled below represent ten states and Puerto Rico. All have distinguished resumes. They pay their own way to Kalamazoo; most taking a week of vacation to ump at the Big Show. These volunteers deserve our appreciation and gratitude. We salute our 2011 Big League Softball World Series Umpires!

Lisa Bull DiLullo hails from Milford, Connecticut. She has umpired three Eastern Regional Little League tournaments, Little League, Big League and Junior Softball state tournaments and the Connecticut Special Olympics
Sports Festival. When Lisa isn’t between the lines, she’s the Assistant to Milford’s mayor. She enjoys slow-pitch softball, jogging, and weightlifting.

George E. Carroll and wife Patricia came west from their home in Moyock, North Carolina to join us here in Kalamazoo. George has umpired for the
past 20 years at numerous tournaments, including the 2008 & 2010 Southern Regionals. George, a retired mailman enjoys golfing in his spare time.

Richard Clark has been umpiring for 19 years and is the District 1 Umpire Consultant for Softball in hometown Troutdale, Oregon. This Daimler Truck employee lists short trips on his motorcycle, Breweriana collecting, and his three year old Granddaughter as his interests. Will T-ball coach be Rick’s next Little League position?

Terry Coburn, our umpire coordinator, has been a fixture at Kalamazoo’s World Series since 1983. Our local favorite from Vicksburg, his wife Sally and daughter Kate have volunteered countless hours to make this tournament a success. Terry, an avid hunter and fisherman, recently retired from Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Tim Ersch will be umpiring his second Softball World Series; the first being the Major Division in Portland. Tim and wife Penny are both District staff members back home in Fredericksburg, Texas. Tim has been calling balls and strikes for 32 years but still finds time to hunt, golf and spend time with his grandkids.

Juan Galarza Figueroa brings a wealth of umpiring experience from his home in Villalba, Puerto Rico. The Physical Education teacher’s has officiated at local, state and Latin American tournament level for all Little League divisions; little, major, senior and big league. His wife, Brenda will be at the park to cheer on her man in blue.

Allan W. Holody and wife Sheila made the short journey from South Bend, Indiana to be with us for the week. Allan’s 23 year path to Vanderberg Park includes umpiring the 2005 Senior Softball World Series and state and regional officiating at all levels. This president of the District 11 Umpires Association enjoys Community Theatre.

Michael Mayer and wife Diane made the trek to Michigan from Los Angeles, California where Michael is a credit union branch manager. He is a Little League graduate…having played at North Venice LL District 25. Michael now has 20 plus years of umpiring, coaching, managing, and board of directorship under his belt. Kalamazoo welcomes the Mayer family.

Joe Nelson, from San Antonio, Texas has over 15 years umpiring experience in all divisions of softball at all levels. The list of tournaments includes; Little League, Junior, Senior West Texas Sectional and States. His softball tournament travels include the 2007 Junior SW Regional in Colorado and 2008 Senior World Series in Delaware. Darla joins her husband in Kalamazoo this week.

Dan Siok is the Chief Umpire at his home in Milford, Delaware and brings an impressive umpiring resume to Kalamazoo. He umpired in the 2006 Little League Regional, umpires USSSA softball and baseball and AAU and Legion baseball. Dan hunts, fishes, camps and coaches at Delaware Technical & Community College. His wife, Pamela and his two children are here to support their favorite ump.

Scott A. Steinmetz of Bothell, Washington began umpiring 15 years ago – working his kids’ games. In 2001 he attended Regional Umpire School in San Bernardino, CA, after which he worked six Canadian Regional tournaments in Victoria, BC. If you notice fireworks in places other than the diamond, it’s because Scott is a licensed pyrotechnics operator.

Harold Wangler made a relatively short trip to Kalamazoo from his home in West Branch, Michigan. Jim has 20 years of Little League service. Harold, like many others, started by coaching his children through the program and then began umpiring. His officiating experience has expanded to also include football, basketball, and volleyball.

Kevin Yochum hails from Fort Myers Florida where he is president of the District 18 Umpire Association. Kevin, a black belt in Taekwondo, has been involved in Little League officiating for 18 years and has served as a local board member and president. His son and two daughters played Little League. Kevin and his wife Anna are proud grandparents of two beautiful granddaughters.