Babe Ruth League

Larry Cantley Treasures the Call to Babe Ruth League’s World Series

Larry Cantley of Crossett, Arkansas, recognized the red, white and blue envelope that showed up in his mailbox this past March.  In fact,Cantley Cropped he receives many over the course of the year as he volunteers for Babe Ruth League, Inc. as the South Arkansas State Commissioner and as an Assistant Regional Commissioner for the Southwest Region.  He is also a member of the Babe Ruth League National Umpires Association.

However, this envelope was special, based on the time of the year and a gut feeling Larry had for its contents.  Inside this envelope was an invitation to serve as Umpire-in-Chief for the 2017 Babe Ruth League 13-Year-Old World Series to be held in Mountain Home, Arkansas, August 10-17.  And even though Larry has worked eleven previous World Series (two as a UIC), he was still humbled to be selected again.  “It’s a tremendous honor to be invited,” said Cantley.  “I have worked several Babe Ruth World Series since 2002; however, it’s still a huge deal to me to be invited back.”

Umpiring at a Babe Ruth World Series is truly a privilege and an accomplishment for any National Umpires Association member.  These umpires put in many hours of challenging work and dedication calling local league games hoping to be called up to the Babe Ruth League tournament trail and, ultimately, the World Series.

The talent pool is deep and the selection process to the big stage is difficult.  Experience is a must!  Candidates must have worked previous Babe Ruth League District, State, and Regional Tournaments.  Experienced umpires are evaluated on their knowledge of the rules and how to apply them, mechanics, positioning and on-field demeanor.  Candidates can be nominated by Babe Ruth League Officials or they can submit an application, including at least five references, detailing their local league affiliations and the Babe Ruth League tournaments they have worked. 

After the nomination/application process, the candidates, which number in the hundreds, are reviewed by Babe Ruth Headquarters, where a chosen few deemed to be the cream of the crop are sent invitations to work the six Softball and seven baseball Babe Ruth League World Series each year.

In his spare time (it is hard to imagine he has any since he serves as a State and Assistant Regional Commissioner), Cantley enjoys umpiring for the local Crossett Babe Ruth League. “My favorite hobby is umpiring, and I love to make a difference in my community,” said Cantley.  “On the field, umpires are the authoritative figures and have an equal, if not greater responsibility to that of the parents and coaches for modeling good behavior and sportsmanship. Competition may compromise parents and coaches from time to time, but umpires must maintain control at all times.  When I step on the field, I always remember I am here to do more than just keep the count.  I can serve as a teacher for the young athletes and bring a wonderful perspective to the game of baseball/softball and the game of life. Babe Ruth League is not just a baseball and softball program.  It’s a leadership program that we can use as a vehicle to teach valuable life lessons.“ 

Larry And Crew Labeled

When asked about some of his best game experiences, Cantley began mentioning working his first World Series in 2002 in Abbeville, Louisiana, where Claude Kennedy served as the UIC, and his first stint as UIC at the 2004 Babe Ruth 13-Year-Old World Series in Van Buren, with an all Arkansas crew. He summed it all up by saying: best game experience is hard to say, love being on the field when two great teams are matched up with a great crew.

BRL Vice President/Commissioner Robert Faherty said, “Cantley is a repeat selection by Babe Ruth League, Inc. to work the World Series after years of developing a reputation for competency and fairness.  We appreciate umpires like Larry Cantley who work the World Series and sacrifice family and vacation time because their professionalism, dedication and passion for the game goes above and beyond the calling. ”

“Working with the kids, watching them develop and staying in the game are what matters most to youth umpires, said Cantley.  “Most will tell you that baseball and softball are games where you are going to fail more than you succeed, but at the same time you learn a lot more—teamwork, respect, how to perform under pressure.  They are great games.  Once you experience the game, it’s hard to leave.  And umpiring is the best way to remain a part of the game long after your playing days are over.”