The following is a message from Jennifer Colvin, Southeast Region Director regarding a change to the Southeast Region Umpire Staff.
It is with a deep sigh that I share with all of you that effective November 1, 2020, Marshall Casey, has stepped aside as Southeast Region Umpire-in-Chief (UIC). Marshall had wanted to make 2020 his last year leading our great staff of instructors but with the current pandemic, was not able to reach out and do so.
I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for all that Marshall has done for the Little League program and more importantly the Southeast Region umpires. He is one of the greatest motivators I have ever had the privilege to meet. While he is stepping back, he has promised me that he is only a phone call away, I will hold him to that.
Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank Marshall for all that he has done to make me, as the director, look like a genius for appointing such a great staff. Marshall, while you have given countless hours to the Little League program and the Southeast Region, it is the time you have spent as a personal friend that I thank you for and will continue to cherish for years to come. Thank you Marshall. Cheryl, Hannah and Jake thank you for allowing us to have all the time with him that he so selfishly dedicated to us.
We are all better people for having spent time with Marshall and better umpires for learning from him.
I am pleased to let you all know that the Southeast Umpire program is still in good hands. The “honorable” Rich Ealy, has agreed to attempt to fill the shoes of the “Governor Casey” and be the Southeast Region UIC effective November 1, 2020. Thank you, Rich.
Thank you,
Jen
The following is a message from Marshall Casey, former Southeast Region Umpire-in-Chief.
To: All Southeast Region Umpires
Some of you may have already heard that I announced earlier this year that 2020 would be my last year serving as the UIC for the Southeast Region. For personal reasons I have decided that it is time for me to step back and commit more time to other aspects of my life. I, like so many of you, strongly believe in the Little League programs and appreciate the opportunities that allow us to give back to kids and community.
I have been very blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful program and to have been surrounded by a tremendous group of individuals so willing to share their knowledge and expertise in developing umpires throughout the region. I want to thank everyone involved with our Umpire Training programs, Umpire Evaluation programs, and our Regional Tournaments for making my tenure as the Southeast Region UIC a very memorable and pleasurable time.
I especially want to thank all Umpire Staff members for the support they have provided. Although over the years some of the members have changed; the support and commitment to training umpires to the highest standards has never waivered. The training programs that we have been able to provide cannot happen without a tremendous group of folks being there to provide all of the support necessary.
I also want to thank all of the Southeast Region Staff; Jen, Matt, Sandy, and Cheryl who were always there and willing to provide whatever resources were needed. I can tell you it would be impossible to find a Region Director that can and will provide more support for umpire training and development than Ms. Colvin. Every time we needed something to enhance our training programs or to make tournament time more enjoyable for the umpires she was making the phone calls or kicking down doors if necessary.
I had hoped that I would see many of you throughout the year at our training programs or tournaments. However, COVID-19 has changed the world for all of us and impacted our ability to assemble in large groups. My original plan had been that the 2020 Umpire School would be my last official act as Southeast Region, UIC. Thanks again COVID, you kind of spoiled that for me as well.
With that being said; it is my pleasure to share with you that effective November 1, 2020 Rich Ealy will transition into the role of UIC. With this I can assure you that Rich and all of the Umpire Staff members will continue working hard to improve the training programs provided and that you will always be receiving the best umpire training available.
None of this really means that I am going away, I just won’t be visible. Because, in the back of your mind when you screw something up on the field or during a training drill; you will think I bet Marshall saw that. And you will never know, maybe I did.
The greatest thing this opportunity has provided me has been the chance to meet and get to know so many of our dedicated umpires throughout the region. I hope that our paths will have the opportunity to cross in the future. Just always remember when you put on that uniform; always be professional, always give 110%, always have fun, and always strive to make the Southeast Region proud!!
Thanks!
Marshall