Columbia Gorge resident Joe Wampler has been named the OSAA Softball Umpire of the Year. Wampler was nominated by the Mid-Columbia Umpires Association (MCUA) and Commissioner Robert Jamack. He was chosen by the OSAA as this year’s top softball umpire in Oregon from 16 different nominations across the state.
The elimination of the requirement for the entire pivot foot to be in contact with the pitcher’s plate is among the changes approved for the 2018-19 high school baseball season.
A few additions and changes to rules will be made in the upcoming 2017-18 spring season regarding a couple high school sports: softball and track and field/cross country.
In several walks of life, whether it is a police officer, teacher, doctor or game official, receiving any type of accolades or recognition goes above and beyond any expectation. Most, if not all, are in their respective fields to make a difference and be a contributing member to society. That is why long-time umpire and official, Robert Jamack, was surprised when he received the Oregon Athletic Officials Association’s Official of the year award for the 2016-2017 season, the first ever for the Mid-Columbia Umpires Association, since the OAOA started giving the out the award in 2005-2006.
Celebrating his 40th year as an umpire, Bruce Parker was selected as the plate umpire for Saturday’s 5A State Softball Championship game at the Oregon State University Complex in Corvallis between Dallas and Marist Catholic.
The countdown to opening day begins. The Dalles Little League is breaking ground on a new 2016 season, so the organization is sending an alert out to all parents and volunteers for Kramer Field to help out with the annual field cleanup day starting at 9 a.m. this Saturday at Kramer Field in The Dalles.
Rule changes for the 2016 high school baseball and softball seasons were made at National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules committee meetings in Indianapolis. Those changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
The Dalles Babe Ruth League will be holding signups for 12-to-15-year old players at the Middle School Commons from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 6.
