With the 2026 Little League Softball® World Series, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods (LLSWS), quickly approaching (August 2-9), two unique stories have emerged from this year’s World Series umpiring crew. From personal experiences to inspiring paths to Greenville, North Carolina, these umpires embody the commitment and spirit of the Little League International Tournament.
To better understand the heart 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 Hiram Rivas and Doug Durling. Each umpire shares their umpiring journey, why they continue to impact their community, and what umpiring means to them.
Hiram Rivas moved to the United States from Puerto Rico and will be working his second LLSWS this year. His “Full-Count Conversation” is up first:
1-0 Count: When did umpiring first become part of your life in the United States, and what drew you to Little League specifically?
“It was close to nine years ago that I moved to the United States, after the devastating Hurricane Maria, to give my sons a better life. Thankfully, my boss allowed me to move to the U.S. to continue working remotely, which was a blessing for me and my family. Before becoming was an umpire, I was a coach for my kids in Puerto Rico and later continued when I moved to the U.S. One day, back in Puerto Rico, a game needed an umpire, so I volunteered and ended up falling in love with it. From that moment on, I decided to take umpiring seriously, doing all the training and anything my league provided me with. Being an umpire makes me feel like a player again. The smell of the dirt and the competitive atmosphere are what initially drew me in, and it is still what I love most about being on the field.”
1-1 Count: In what ways did umpiring help you adapt to a new culture and give you a sense of community?
“There wasn’t too much change, but the umpiring role in the United States felt more serious, as if there was more importance behind each ball and strike call. The parents of players give so much support to the teams whether they win or lose; this culture is something that became a pleasure to adapt to. Throughout my career, I’ve worked both high school and travel ball games, but Little League has always held a special place in my heart. I have seen players grow and flourish in this community. I feel this sense of community when the children I umpired for when they were just beginning their Little League journey still recognize me when I umpire their last Little League games. It’s a special feeling.”
2-1 Count: Having made the journey from Puerto Rico to the United States yourself, what does it mean to stand on the field where teams from all over the world come together to compete?
“Having the opportunity to know and meet individuals from all over the world is a blessing. Sometimes I don’t understand what they say when they talk in their native languages, just as they might not fully understand me. But here, at the Little League Softball World Series, we have a universal language, the game. On the diamond, we are all the same and speak the same language. It’s fun seeing all the different cultures come together on the field and soak in the amazing opportunity that we are all afforded here.”
2-2 Count: What advice would you give to a young umpire who is looking to stand where you are today, getting ready for your LLWS assignment?
“I try to give advice all the time. If umpires want to receive my knowledge, I’ll be there to help every time. I mainly give constructive criticism followed up with a small tip, so their confidence stays high. I try to pass everything I know down because we need more umpires. I sometimes go to local leagues and different cities to watch other umpires and let them know they are doing a great job after the game is over. That validation is important for a job where we are often criticized.”
3-2 Count: What does wearing a Little League World Series umpire uniform represent to you personally?
“It’s like being in Major League Baseball. I remember the first time I got to umpire a Little League World Series. The national anthem was playing, the smell of the freshly cut grass and both teams lined up ready to play. I worked hard to achieve this dream, and getting to put on the uniform is a dream come true. It allows me to keep enjoying the game and spread its fun to everyone nearby. For me, it is the greatest tournament that provides such a fulfilling feeling.”
Doug Durling, a three-time LLSWS umpire (two-time Crew-Chief), is behind the plate next with his “Full Count Conversation”:
1-0 Count: What inspired you to become a Little League umpire?
“When my son was playing ball, I helped coach his team, and after a few years, the league needed umpires. As a volunteer coach, you always step up to the plate because you have heart. The heart of a volunteer does anything from working the concession stand to lining the field to coaching, to, in this case, umpiring. I can’t describe what clicked, but I enjoyed it. The more I got out on that field, the more I welcomed the thought of really sticking with it. I wish I could put into words the feeling it gives you because that would help more umpires stay in the game.”
1-1 Count: What keeps you coming back each season?
“When I realized that what we do is good for the youth and beyond, I committed to coming back and staying a part of this organization. Youth sports do a lot for our community. For example, building self-esteem and resilience. Little League taught my kid and teaches everyone who plays that not everything goes your way. The game gives you three strikes, and you must learn to capitalize on that opportunity, but even if you don’t, it is still okay. This is a great skill to have later in life, and I love being part of an organization that can instill that in our children.”
2-1 Count: Why is Little League different from any other level of softball you’ve worked?
“At Little League, we are volunteers, but the special part is that it matters more to us. Everyone I have talked to in the umpire community has really looked up to Little League and what we do. Little League is where everyone’s journey in this sport, no matter what role, begins, and that’s what makes the experience so unique. As for the kids, you see players of all abilities that work together to win. With every small victory comes a kid who gets to feel 15 feet tall. The community surrounding Little League is full of support for everyone involved so that they can all flourish.”
2-2 Count: What advice would you give an umpire working their first Little League game?
“The first thing I would say is thank you for being here. We need you, and you don’t know how impactful you are just by being here. When spectators have things to say, just remember that you are up here doing it, and do not get discouraged. I try to encourage everyone around, whether it is the president of the league, the coaches, or the parents, to build each umpire up. You’re doing a great thing, and that’s what’s important. Lastly, if you love it, keep at it.”
3-2 Count: What are you looking forward to most this World Series?
“Just showing up there on the first day because our umpire community is so tight-knit. Through meetings and orientations, we have all gotten familiar with each other if we aren’t already close friends. Once we get to Greenville, it feels like a reunion. I get to be on that field with some of my close friends, participating in a game that we all might’ve once played. The feeling of having a well-umpired game makes me feel like the little kid I once was, in center field with all the parents cheering for me after making a great catch. Now I get to be part of that experience for someone else.”
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.