Jim Bailey, 54, a resident of Gainesville since 1997, has been umpiring Little League softball and baseball for 12 years and was selected among thousands of umpire candidates nationwide to serve in the 2024 Little League World Series. According to the league, appointment as a volunteer umpire for a World Series event is the highest honor the organization can bestow on an umpire.
“Being named an umpire at one of our seven World Series events is an honor that thousands of Little League umpires strive for each year and has long been known as an opportunity to showcase their hard work and give back by helping to provide a fun and memorable experience for the hundreds of participants from around the world,” said Stu Hartenstein, Little League Director of Umpire Development and Operations, in a press release announcing the umpires’ selections.
Even for Bailey, a veteran official with over a decade of experience on the field, the Little League World Series opportunity still gives him mixed emotions.
“I am nervous and excited,” Bailey said. “…I want to make sure I do my best.”
He said the selection started with a lengthy process that began with Little League training classes and then umpiring at state tournaments. After umpiring there, selected umpires move up to regional tournaments, which are evaluated by Little League regional training staff.
“At the end of the region tournament, you sit down with the training staff to review your strengths and weaknesses, and are scored based on the review form developed by Little League International,” Bailey said.
Umpires must score well to be recommended for the World Series events. The process can take years for an umpire to be appointed for a Little League World Series. In the 2024 Little League World Series, Bailey will serve as an umpire for the Senior League Softball World Series in Lower Sussex, Del., from July 29 – Aug. 4. The Senior League Division is for boys and girls aged 13-16 years old.
“I appreciate what Little League offers to the children in our community and look forward to being involved for many years to come,” Bailey said. He added that his son and daughter also played baseball and softball, and he often saw the “love of the game” from players and their families and enjoyed the camaraderie with other umpires.
He is one of 13 volunteer umpires officiating the Senior League Division games, and other umpires in the division hail from locations like British Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Philippines, and several U.S. states. The games are scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN starting July 27.
Kevin Sandell is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.
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The appointment follows a challenging period for the county’s relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.
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If you’re looking for a loyal and energetic companion to brighten your days, Daphne could be the perfect fit.
Visit her during adoption hours at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit their website at Spotsylvania Animal Shelter.
Help Daphne find the loving home she deserves—stop by today!
Join the fun at the Manassas Winter Market on Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Prince William Street Commuter Lot in Historic Downtown Manassas. Shop for baked goods, fresh produce, warm beverages, and other seasonal delights while supporting local vendors. The market runs every Saturday through March 22, making it the perfect spot to stock up your pantry and enjoy cozy winter vibes.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
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Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
