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Last year I said that Little League umpires should be held more accountable, and I've never felt more vindicated in my life.
For those who haven't followed every pitch of the ongoing Little League World Series (all of you), a California team was absolutely robbed this week on the final pitch of what turned out to be a no-hitter.
Iowa won the game, 1-0, despite the boys from out west loading the bases with two outs in the sixth inning. Iowa starter Cooper Thissen struck out 15 and didn't allow a hit in 5 ⅓ innings, but had to be lifted due to his pitch count.
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That's when California worked a couple walks and loaded the bases, only to have a 3-2 pitch with two outs be called strike three in one of the most ridiculous fashions I've ever seen.
Lordy. I know Little League umps ain't exactly Doug Harvey behind the plate (gold star if you get that reference), but come on. What are we doing here?
That's clearly — very clearly — a ball. Should've been ball four, and the game should've, at the very least, gone to extras. It's a mile outside. It doesn't even sniff the plate.
Sweetwater Valley's Mateo Ruiz No. 4 reacts after a strike is called during the 2026 Little League World Series game against Davenport Northwest at Howard J. Lamade Stadium on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, in South Williamsport, Pa. (The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
There's having a "wide zone," and then there's calling a pitch a strike that's six inches off the plate. Maybe more. Actually, definitely more.
"Pretty bad, even for a little league strike zone," one fan commented.
"That batter should’ve been tapping his helmet," another said.
Added a third: "Got him on the corner? Corner of what? The other batter’s box?"
Yeah, hard to argue with that. The ball literally is in the other box!
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I know Little League strike zones are different, I get it, but come on. This is Williamsport. The Little League World Series! This ain't a 10 a.m. Saturday game in April where we're all just trying to get home.
Sweetwater Valley, representing the West Region, waits to take the field during a 2026 Little League World Series game against Davenport Northwest, representing the Midwest Region, at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pa., on Aug. 21, 2026. (The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
Let's have a little pride. A little self-respect. God forbid we have a semblance of a standard.
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