Milton’s Tom Aber doesn’t need to strap on the protective equipment, don the blue and assume his position behind the plate. He does it because he loves the sport.
Aber was behind the plate Thursday evening at Historic Bowman Field for a truly historic event as the USA Softball Women’s National Team took on Longstreth All-Stars during the 45-city tour that passed through Williamsport — part of the team’s “Bound 4 Beijing” pre-Olympics tour.
He was also part of the inaugural District 4 Coaches Association Hall of Fame class, which was formally inducted prior to gametime.
Aber has seen a lot during his more four decades in blue. One thing he didn’t anticipate was seeing the number of umpires shrink as much as they have recently.
“I never thought I’d see it,” he said. “We need umpires. We need young people.”
When you go to games every day for months as I do, you see and hear a lot of things. Most of the words I hear reserved for the umpires are less than flattering and that is truly unfortunate because these folks are dedicated to the sport, its players and coaches.
What, you thought they were out there for the big bucks they are paid?
You’d think fans could be a little more understanding when these umpires hit the field.
Instead, fans choose to pick on, poke fun at and generally demean the men and women in blue. I’ve heard them chastised for being “too old” or taken to task for conspiring against one team or another.
The conspiracy theories I love. It’s as if these umps gather out in the parking lot prior to the games and decide which team is going to win or lose. You are firmly entrenched in the “homer” category if you honestly think an umpire from the Lycoming Chapter is out to ensure a Northumberland or Union County team loses.
There is a need for umpires and for all of those willing to criticize one’s work from well beyond a chain-link fence, here’s your invitation to sign up and test your skills on the field of play. Otherwise, it’s best to keep your thoughts to yourself.
These officials are doing our kids a service. Without them, there’s no game.
Give the men and women in blue a nice thank you the next time you see them. They’ve earned it.

chris brady: 570-742-9671
sports@standard-journal.com