With the 2026 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, quickly approaching (August 19-30), two unique stories have emerged from this year’s World Series umpiring crew. From personal experiences to inspiring paths to Williamsport, these umpires embody the humble beginnings and community of the Little League International Tournament.
To better understand the perseverance and effort that goes into developing strong umpires for the Little League® International Tournament season, Little League sat down for two “Full-Count Conversations” with Cam Bernard and James Farque. Each umpire shares their umpiring journey that has led them from their beginning in the Junior Umpiring Program to the Little League Baseball World Series.
0-1 Count: What initially sparked your initial interest in umpiring, and what made you stick with it?
Cam Bernard (CB): “I really had a craving to get out there and start officiating. I started off doing my brother’s games when I was 12 or 13 years old, and stuck with it. I was fortunate enough to have good people around me to guide me and tremendous mentors along the way. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
James Farque (JF): “Even after I realized that I was not going to have a future playing baseball, I still wanted to be part of the game that I grew up loving. I decided to pick up umpiring so I could still be around it. We had a few younger guys umpiring for my league at the time as well and saw how much fun they were having. It was something I really wanted to be a part of, and once I did, sticking with it was an easy decision.”
1-1 Count: Why do you think the Junior Umpire Program is important, and what role did it have in your own career path?
CB: “The Junior Umpiring Program is so important for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it is a leadership program and teaches individuals about not only the game, but also about themselves. It’s also another opportunity for the kids when they’re done playing baseball or if they’re out of the majors divisions. For me, it taught me so much. You face so much adversity at times and learn how to speak to people, receive feedback, and give feedback. Having that development not just as an umpire, but how you can translate that into your everyday role in life or career path incredibly important to your growth.”
JF: “It’s important because it offers a sense of community to younger individuals. The Junior Umpiring Program teaches them responsibilities since it’s a lot of kids’ first job. It teaches them plenty of life lessons and helped my career start up. Additionally, the program gave me a ton of people that I would probably never even meet, along with a bunch of different opportunities.”
2-1 Count: Looking back at your time as a Junior Umpire, what was one of the biggest lessons you learned that you carry with you today on the diamond?
CB: “Have fun. Continuing to have fun every time you’re out there is so important because if you’re not having fun, you’re not going to enjoy it. You have fun by enjoying the kids, being a part of the experience, talking to players, parents, and coaches. If you’re out there having a good time and put in as much as you can, the experience will be more worthwhile.”
JF: “You need to have confidence in yourself. You must have that confidence in not just your calls, but also in how you carry yourself. It has brought me out of my comfort zone because when I first started, I was quiet and more introverted. Joining the junior program and umpiring as a whole has allowed me to open up and truly enjoy what I do.”
2-2 Count: For young umpires currently working through local Junior Umpire Programs, what advice would you give them about growing their confidence and handling adversity?
CB: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are so many outlets for you to use that will help you and benefit you. Just because you’re in a league that may not have a lot of mentors doesn’t mean you have to be afraid to try to find help. Don’t be afraid to email the regional office, your regional UIC, your training director, or your state UIC to try to get that help. Many people around you that will help you grow. I really want to put emphasis on utilizing the tools that are around you to continue your growth as an umpire.”
JF: “Take time to self-reflect after each of your games, and even in between innings. It’s important to take time to understand what you could have done better and what you need to improve on.”
3-2 Count: What does wearing a Little League World Series umpire uniform represent to you personally?
CB: “There is such a family aspect within us umpires, that sense of community and the sense of belonging that we have. We’re here for each other. The biggest thing is that we root for each other, and that we’re a team on and off the field. We are family. We understand the brotherhood and the sisterhood in that aspect of it. I think being able to have that camaraderie between each other and having that sense of family and belonging with each other truly contributes to the amazing experiences that I have received from this career.”
JF: “It represents the sense of community that we have. Not all men and women are the same age as you or have the same life experiences as you, so they bring different perspective to the table.”
Looking to step up to the plate and be an umpire this season? Visit LittleLeague.org/Umpire to learn more and find a league near you. Also, don’t forget to shop for all your umpire polos, caps, and accessories by visiting ShopLittleLeague.org.