Twitter and Tweeting.... something new for me. It seems that everyone in the world is now using Twitter as a way to sent short messages on what's going on. We've seen Tweets from Iran, Iraq, CNN, FoxNews, ABC, CBS, NBC, Little League... like I said... everyone is using it, so I figured I should try it out too. But as I said, this is something new for me.

I started out by creating an account (www.twitter.com/activetom) and even made my own background. So far, so good. I then posted a few "Tweets" over a few weeks and thought... ok, I can do this... no problem. And then I decided to Tweet during the game last night between Illinois and Indiana and learned this is not as easy as it looks.

Trying to update the game inning by inning and being limited to only 140 charachters was really hard for me. Not only do I tend to run on with words here in the blog, but to now limit me to 140 charachters... tough job! I never knew you could abreveted so many words and I'm sure a lot of them won't make sense to the typical reader. Oh, they made sense to me but what about to you? I guess I'll just have to leave that up in the air for now and let you decide.

Another issue I had was with the wireless Internet access we have here in the press box. Everything was going fine until about the 4th inning when the access became erratic. I had to use Notepad to try and keep up with the game and then "copy and paste" the text into Twitter. Of course then I was over the 140 charachters and had to try and reduce everything down. I'm sure I missed some things but overall, it went pretty well.

Today I will be attempting to use my Blackberry to post Tweets during the Nebraska vs N/S Dakota game. I'm also volunteering here again this year as a "Team Host" and Nebraska is my team. I'll write a post on that later. But I'll be in the dugout with the team so we'll see if I'm able to post the Tweets. I tried yesterday a couple of times but Twitter was having Blackberry server issues that I hope have been cleared up.

II hope you'll "Follow" me at www.twitter.com/activetom!

All twelve teams have arrived and are ready to play baseball here at the Central Region Little League Headquarters. The twelve teams are divided into two pools; Midwest and Great Lakes. One team from each pool will advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport later this month.

Segments of Pool Play

• Segment 1 - The Pool Play Round: Each team in each of the pools will play four games. The four teams with the best records in thier pool will advance to the next segment.

• Segment 2 - The Elimination Round (Semifinals): The four teams from each pool advancing out of Segment 1 are matched up in a single-elimination format.

• Segment 3 - Championship Game: The two teams from each pool advancing out of Segment 2 play in the Championship game televised live on ESPN with the winners advancing to the World Series representing the Central Region as the Great Lakes and Midwest.

Each of the Regions have similar formats of play with their champions moving on to Williamsport where there will be eight US and eight International teams.

You can follow the Central Region teams on Little League's website. Click here for the Great Lakes bracket and click here for the Midwest bracket. You can also watch the games streamed live over the Internet. Visit www.youthsportslive.com for information.

It's hard to believe that another regular season of Little League Baseball has gone by and that the US Regional tournaments begin this week. The Central Region's Great Lakes and Midwest pool play kicks off August 6 with the other Regional's beginning the next day. This an exciting time for anyone involved in Little League.

I'm planning of heading to the Central Region complex in Indianapolis, IN tomorrow, and have been in Kalamazoo, MI umpiring in the Senior League Baseball State tournament. The winner here heads to Columbia, MO for the Senior Baseball Regional for a five day pool play tournament. The winner heads to the Senior League Baseball World Series in Bangor, Maine. That is also my ultimate umpire goal as well. But as with all World Series assignments, it can be a long wait. As that old slogan goes, "Many may apply, but few are chosen".

Our tournament had been going smoothly until last night with lightening struck in the 4th inning. We're in the double elimination bracket after completing an 8 team pool play. We were playing the loser bracket with the winner moving on to the Championship game today against Midland Baseball Association from Midland, MI who are undefeated. The two teams playing to advance are Saginaw Little League and S/W Portage Little League and both need the win to advance.

We were tied 1-1 in the 4th when the lightening struck the first time and kept it up until about 7:45 PM when it was decided to suspend the game until today. Unfortunately, it also put us in a predicament. As I mentioned, this is a double elimination round and Midland needs to be beat twice with those games part of a double header. But first we need to finish the suspended game. No big deal right? I mean the winner moves on to the Championship game against Midland. But if the team beats Midland in that game, we need to have the "IF" game which would cause three games to be played.

The Tournament Director made a call last night to Williamsport to see if we would be allowed to play the double header (if needed) and the decision was to wait and see what happens. If Midland wins, they are the Champions. If Saginaw or S/W Portage wins and forces the "IF" game, then we'll need to call Williamsport again and get a decision. My guess is they will make us play the "IF" game tomorrow. But you never know... this is Little League after all and anything can happen.

I'll be umpiring 1st base for the Championship game and will have the Plate for the "IF" game. So... you know what I'd like to see. Either way, this has still been a great tournament hosted by Michigan District 2 and South Portage Little League. If you'd like to see the brackets, you can find them on the Michigan State site at http://www.llbmichigan.org.

I hope you'll follow me as I head to Indy and then on to the World Series in Williamsport. I'll be using Twitter as well so don't forget to follow me there too. The address is www.twitter.com/activetom.

Despite building a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, the Northwest Region champ Mill Creek, Wash., couldn't overcome the hitting of the West champ Waipahu, Hawaii. Mill Creek will now be watching the rest of the Little League World Series from the stands. Tanner Tokunaga and Iolana Akau each hit two-run, first-inning home runs and Hawaii built a two-run advantage it never relinquished as it defeated Washington, 9-4, in a U.S. semifinal at Lamade Stadium. Hawaii (4-0), advances to Saturday's U.S. final where it will play either Florida or Louisiana.

"The next time we take the field there's only two U.S. teams left playing," Hawaii manager Timo Donahue said. "That says a lot." Back in pool play, Hawaii also trailed 2-0 in the first inning of a game against Florida, and held scoreless until the third inning. But this time, Hawaii got right back into the game.

Errors were costly for Mill Creek in first inning allowing Christian Donahue to reach first base. Then Tokunaga slammed a 0-1 pitch onto the hill over the center field fence thus tying !http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/38-20884/TeamTalk.jpg?blogID=8913&blogPostID=9741|height=315|style=padding:8px;|align=left|width=210|src=http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/38-20884/TeamTalk.jpg?blogID=8913&blogPostID=9741!the game 2-2. This was followd by another error by Mill Creek as Winchester reached first base and Iolana Akau lined a two-run home run over the center-field wall, putting Hawaii ahead to stay, 4-2.

"When I was up I was nervous because I got beaned the last time," said Akau. "I just tried to get a base hit and came through." Washington managed to pull within 4-3 in the second inning on KJ Neaville's home run, but in the third inning, Winchester hit his first pitch down the left-field line for a home run. Kainoa Fong finished a three-run rally, hitting a two-run double and extending the lead to 7-3.

Washington had several chances to even things up with Hawaii. They had seven hits but left 11 runners on base including two in scoring position in each of the last five innings. Trailing 7-3 in the fourth inning, Washington loaded the bases with two outs, but scored only on a passed ball before Tokunaga, pitching in relief, ended the threat with a strikeout. Washington also had second and third with one out and the heart of its order coming up in the second inning, but was unable to score following Neaville's home run.



"One of those big hits could change the game," Washington manager Scott Mahlum said. "I felt like we had a chance to get more runs in the first inning and break it open, but Hawaii just hit a couple more out of the ball park than we did." "I just told the guys to be proud," Mahlum said. "We're the first team from Mill Creek to ever get her!http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/38-20885/ClassAct.jpg?blogID=8913&blogPostID=9741|style=padding:8px;|align=right|src=http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/38-20885/ClassAct.jpg?blogID=8913&blogPostID=9741!e. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and a great experience."

The final blow for Washington to have a chance came in the in the bottom of the fourth as Winchester hammered a two-run home run shot to almost the same spot he had hit one in the third inning and extended Hawaii's lead (and final score) to 9-4. "I just go up there and clutch up and hit the ball," said Winchester, who has three home runs in four Series games. "We're just having fun."

Unlike the 11 runners left on base for Washington, Hawaii left just four runners on base and now will watch the Florida-Louisiana game to see if it can capture the World Series title like Ewa Beach, Hawaii did in 2005. The next time we take the field, there’s only going to be two U.S. teams left,” said Donahue, “and that in itself is saying a lot.”

The Washington team showed a lot of class at the end of the game. After the traditional Little League shaking of the opposing team hands, the whole team went in front of where the Hawaii team parents were sitting in the stands and applauded them. A very classy act to be sure.

*BOX SCORE

Mill Creek, Wa. 210 100 – 4 2 2

West Waipahu, Hi. 403 20x – 9 8 0*

W

– Caleb Duhay (1-0). L – Derrick Mahlum (0-1).* S* – Christian Donahue (1). 2B – Kainoa Fong (WP), Peyton McLemore (LC). HR – Tanner Tokunga (WP), Iolana Akau (WP), Pikai Winchester, 2 (WP) KJ Neaville (MC).

Mill Creek, Wash (Northwest)., topped Jeffersonville, Ind (Great Lakes)., 3-2 in seven innings on Tuesday. The win, which was Mill Creek’s second straight after dropping its Little League World Series opener on Saturday to Lake Charles, La. (Southwest), earns it a spot in Wednesday’s single-elimination world quarterfinals. Mill Creek will face Waipahu, Hawaii (West) which went 3-0 in winning Pool B.

“It’s unbelievable to get to the (U.S.) semis,” Mill Creek pitcher Jason Todd said. “We’re going to be going up against a good team in Hawaii. It’s a great feeling to know that you’re moving on in the Little League World Series.” “We’re happy to be going on,” Mill Creek coach Scott Mahlum said. “We wanted to win or we didn’t want to play tomorrow. I didn’t want to back-door (into the quarterfinals).”

!http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/38-20747/GL-NW.jpg?blogID=8913&blogPostID=9707|height=303|style=padding:8px;|align=left|width=327|src=http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/38-20747/GL-NW.jpg?blogID=8913&blogPostID=9707!Alex Jondal was the Mill Creek hero on Tuesday. Down 2-1 in the fifth, Jondal hit an RBI single to plate Todd – who had doubled – to tie the game at two. In extra innings, Jondal hit a two-out, two-strike single over the head of Jeffersonville left fielder Brad Koerner to score Todd again, this time ending the game with the 3-2 victory. “I was thinking I needed to shorten up my swing with two strikes,” Jondal said of his game-winning RBI. “The past two games I haven’t done great, but I finally got into a hitting rhythm today. I was ecstatic. (I’ll) remember this for the rest of (my) life. It was great.”

Jeffersonville had its chances to advance. Like it did against Hagerstown, Md. (Mid-Atlantic), in its opener, Jeff led 2-1 after four-and-a-half innings, but couldn’t hold on. “We’re playing against the best teams in the United States,” Jeffersonville coach Derek Ellis said. “A bad pitch here and a blunder there, that will bite you against teams that are this good. You’re able to go that at state or at a regional. Here, you can’t give extra outs.”

Like he did against Hagerstown, Jeffersonville ace Drew Ellis had another great performance. After throwing a no-hitter in the loss to the Maryland champions, Ellis allowed just two runs on five hits against a Mill Creek team that scored 15 runs against Hagerstown on Monday. Ellis also struck out seven Mill Creek batters.

“I thought he did a great job,” Coach Ellis said. “He held those guys to one run. I’m very proud of what he did. He did a great job.”

Todd finished the game 2-for-3 with a game-tying home run in the bottom of the first inning. He scored all three of Mill Creek’s runs. Todd also pitched 5.2 solid innings, giving up two runs on five hits while striking out 11 Jeffersonville batters. “Jason battled out there,” Mahlum said. “He didn’t have his best stuff, but he threw a great game.” “He’s a pretty dogone good pitcher,” Coach Ellis said. “He has a nice curve ball and he throws it hard.”

Coach Ellis said that despite the winless trip to Williamsport, his league’s first trip since 1965 was far from a waste. “The kids are in good spirits,” Ellis said. “How could you not be after an experience like this? They battled hard. I’m extremely proud of those guys. It’s a memory I will never, ever forget. I’m sure it will hit me (in the future) what these kids have accomplished. Not many kids can say that they have played in the Little League World Series. These kids will always be associated with that.”

*BOX SCORE

Jeffersonville, Ind. 110 000 0 – 2 6 3

Mill Creek, Wash. 100 010 1 – 3 7 1*

  W – Alec Kisena (1-0). L – Christopher Wenger (0-2). 2B – Josh Burke (J), Drew Ellis (J), Jason Todd (MC). 3B – Austin Hines (J). HR – Todd (MC).

  Pool A Records – Jeffersonville 0-3, Mill Creek 2-1.

Abby Contini of Dover, Ohio, will be recognized during the Little League Baseball World Series as the 2008 Little League Mom of the Year.


“My Mom should be the Little League Mom of the Year because of her commitment and dedication to our league,” Mrs. Contini’s son, Cory wrote when nominating his mother. “She is the assistant treasurer of our league, the secretary for my team, and runs our concession stand. She does all this and still finds time to be the best mom in the world.”

The Little League Mom of the Year Award was established in 1991 as a symbolic form of recognition and tribute to the millions of mothers in communities around the world who contribute their time to the Little League program.

!http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/38-20657/AbbyContini_Mom-of-the-Year.jpg?blogID=8913&blogPostID=9678|height=146|style=padding:8px;|align=left|width=146|src=http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/38-20657/AbbyContini_Mom-of-the-Year.jpg?blogID=8913&blogPostID=9678!“This year’s Mom of the Year truly represents the majority of Little League Moms,” Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, said. “Responsible, dedicated and unassuming in tending to her tasks for Dover (Ohio) Little League, Abby Contini is the quintessential Little League volunteer because others notice and appreciate her commitment before she does. Her efforts have had a profound influence on her son, his team and their league, and Little League International is pleased to honor her with this special award.”

Each year, Little League players are invited to compose an essay that explains why their mothers should be the Little League Mom of the Year. From that group, one Little League mother is selected. Mrs. Contini will receive the award at the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pa., scheduled for Aug. 15-24.

“Abby has been a great asset to Dover Little League,” Paul Monaco, Dover Little League President, said. “I’ve know her for 18 years, and she does whatever needs to be done for the league. We were pleased to hear that Cory nominated Abby, because the whole family is deeply involved in our program. I know she enjoys watching her son play, but she is always there to do things to help the league.”

With six runs in the top of the first extra inning, Tampa, Fla.(Southeast), earned a berth in Wednesday’s single-elimination quarterfinal round with an 8-2 victory over Shelton, Conn (New England). Tampa, who will likely face Lake Charles, La. (Southwest), Wednesday, got a game-tying one-out home run from Kevin Merrell in the top of the sixth before exploding in the seventh.

“(Merrell’s) home run was the biggest hit of the game,” Tampa coach Joe Maguire said. “We don’t get the rest if we don’t get that one. After he hit the home run, going into the next inning I knew we were in good shape.” Danny Lastra opened the top of the sixth with his first home run of the Little League World Series and that opened the flood gates. “The way this team is, when one guy gets something started, they all get going,” Maguire said.

Ryan and Austin McCullers each had RBI doubles, followed by home runs by Brett Wilkosz and Merrell to cap things off. “The kids knew (this could have been it),” Maguire said. “They knew this could be their last game together. Tampa jumped on top when Merrell doubled and scored on a Lastra single. Merell finished 3-for-4 with two runs and two knocked in. Lastra was 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run. “(Merrell) has been playing with a hamstring injury for the last month,” Maguire said. “I give him credit for even being out there.”

Levi Gilcrease came in for Wyatt Reid, who pitched 4.1 solid innings, and picked up his second victory of the LLWS. Darren Miller pitched the seventh for his second save.“He’s got fight. He’s got a mean streak,” Maguire said of Gilcrease. “He’ll challenge anybody. He wanted to start today.” Shelton goes home with a 1-2 record, but nearly pulled off the upset after opening the LLWS with a 3-1 loss to Waipahu, Hawaii.

*BOX SCORE

Tampa, Fla. 000 101 6 – 8 10 0

Shelton, Conn. 000 110 0 – 2 7 0*

  W – Levi Gilcrease (2-0). L – Tyler Tice (0-2). S – Darren Miller (2). 2B – Kevin Merrell (T), Anthony Searles (S), Ryan McCullers (T), Austin McCullers (T). HR – Merrell (T) 2, Danny Lastra (T), Brett Wilkosz (T).

*Pool A Records *– Tampa 2-1, Shelton 1-2.

Two days after scoring just one run on three hits, Mill Creek, Wash. (Northwest), showed the why it had a reputation as a high-powered offense in its 15-5 win over Hagerstown, Md (Mid-Atlantic). Mill Creek scored its 15 runs on 16 hits and eight extra base hits, including two home runs by Alec Kisena. Jason Todd and Alek Baumgartner also homered for Mill Creek, which is now 1-1 in Pool A play and just needs a victory over winless Jeffersonville, Ind., to advance to the next round.

!http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/38-20643/save-at-home.jpg?blogID=8913&blogPostID=9674|style=padding:8px;|align=right|src=http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/38-20643/save-at-home.jpg?blogID=8913&blogPostID=9674!“The bats came alive,” Mill Creek coach Scott Mahlum understated. “I’m very, very proud of these guys. That was our biggest fear after the first game, that we weren’t going to show people what we’re capable of. I’m very happy the guys responded, especially in a do-or-die game like today.” “Sometimes good teams just beat good team,” Hagerstown coach Bill Abeles said. “They did exactly what they wanted to do and we gave them a couple of extra outs (with errors). I have to hand it to them, they took it to us.”

Kisena went 2-for-3 and knocked home five runs. Both of his home runs came on two-strike counts. “I’m a good two-strike hitter,” Kisena admitted. Todd – the likely starting pitcher against Jeffersonville on Tuesday – went 4-for-4 with a homer, two double, four RBI and three runs scored in the win. “I knew I had to be at my best because I knew this could be our last (chance),” Todd said.

Entering the game, both teams had struggled offensively in pool play. In their first games combined, Mill Creek and Hagerstown combined for just three hits. On Monday, the two sides combined for 11 runs on 12 hits – in the first two innings. “We knew we had to come out strong and put up some good numbers,” Todd said.

The difference in the game was the relief pitching of Mill Creek. While Mill Creek scored seven runs in the seventh inning to break the game open, Mill Creek relievers surrendered just one run on three hits. Joakim Soderqvist, who struck out the side in both of his innings and got Mill Creek out of a bases-loaded jam in the second. “He was huge,” Mahlum said. Hagerstown needs a win over unbeaten Lake Charles, La., on Tuesday and some help from Jeffersonville to advance.

All four teams in Pool A are still alive for a berth in Wednesday’s single-elimination quarterfinal round.

*BOX SCORE

Mill Creek, Wash. 521 070 – 15 16 2

Hagerstown, Md. 310 100 – 5 7 1*

  W – Derrick Mahlum (1-0). L – Zane Schreiber (0-1). S – Alex Jondal (1). 2B – Jason Todd (MC) 2, Dan Kingma (MC), Jondal (MC). HR – Alec Kisena (MC) 2, Andrew Yacyk (H), Jason Todd (MC), Alek Baumgartner (MC).

Pool A Records – Mill Creek 1-1, Hagerstown 1-1.