Kerley makes the calls for Junior Little League World Series 

By Liz Tenney Jarvis

Last month, August 4-11, the Junior Little League World Series was held in Taylor, Michigan. Upper Loudoun Little League’s Umpire-in-Chief, Chris Kerley, was chosen from hundreds of umpires nationwide to be in one of the seven World Series events.  

Kerley began to play baseball “late in life” at age 13.  This was past the starting age of that when most players are not much taller than the bat itself. Kerley admits that despite having participated in several other sports, when it came to baseball, he was “not great, unfortunately.” However, this did not dampen his love of the game.

Growing up in Maryland, Kerley was a devoted fan of the Baltimore Orioles.  He saw them play at Memorial Stadium up until 1991, and when the team moved to Camden Yards in 1992. As Kerley’s sons became interested in playing, he and his wife coached at the levels of T-Ball, Coach pitch and Upper Loudoun Little League making baseball a family affair.

Coaching the Little League team that played on the fields at Hamilton Elementary, Kerley inquired as to additionally doing field maintenance.  That was when it was suggested that he also become assistant umpire-in-chief.  Kerley was asked to take over when Chief Umpire Bill Roth retired around 2011.   Coaching and being an umpire sometimes brought Kerley to the brink of a “conflict of interest” on the field.  However, his integrity and character deemed any accusations as unfounded.

Now in a serious position as Umpire-in-Chief, Kerley was umpiring All Star, District and State Tournament games as well as attending umpire school in Georgia.  During his time in the week-long school, he was encouraged to apply for umpiring World Series and he would umpire three state tournaments that year. 

2020 brought interruptions due to Covid so in 2022, Kerley was umpiring at the Regional level.  During the Regionals, “you are always being evaluated,” and the goal there is to get your World Series recommendation says Kerley.

Kerley did receive those recommendations—two actually—for the two different field sizes.  The 60 foot diamond being for players age 12 and under and the 90 foot (regulation size) for
ages 14-16.  

In 2023, Kerley was again evaluated during the Little League Regional in Georgia.  This led to Kerley being chosen as one of 13 umpires to participate in the 2024 Jr. Little League World Series in Taylor, Michigan.  

To better understand what an honor it is to be chosen to umpire World Series games in these leagues is to acknowledge the lengthy and rigorous process. There are the yearly evaluations and ultimately according to the Little League website: “The Little League International selection committee then considers all nominated umpires in coordination with the nine U.S. Region offices before selecting those who most closely meet the selection criteria. Individuals who meet those qualifications are then screened annually by the Little League International selection committee and region staffs for selection to umpire in a Little League World Series tournament.”  Kerley was one of thousands who were reviewed before being selected.

Keeping in mind that the game is ultimately about the players, Kerley recalls the experiences with the younger kids as well as the older ones. There are more rules and regulations as players move up.

At the 13–14-year-old level, players start to show their talents. Years of watching the kids play hundreds of games as they advance and play other leagues as an umpire, one is bound to witness the extraordinary. It was Kerley’s own son who pitched a what was recorded as a one-pitch complete inning; bases loaded and there was a triple-play with all on base being out.

Umpires will also physically experience the unintended path of the baseball.  Especially with the younger players, Kerley says that he was hit many times on the wrists and forearms hence the pads and his hockey-like face mask.  

Recently, a ball hit off the bat lodged itself firmly between his mask and his shoulder pad.  He was also hit square in the face and despite the protective mask, “I really got my bell rung,” and it would take Kerley a moment to get his bearings.

The umpire also has to be levelheaded when it comes to the behavior of players, coaches and even parents during the game.  There is a signed Code of Conduct form before each season that now somewhat keeps most in line. 

 It is rare that a player or coach needs to be removed from the game.  There are actions that are considered an “ejectable offense” such as tossing/throwing the helmet or bat in anger. However, as in any sport, the positive participation is an experience that players carry with them for a lifetime. 

In terms of what makes for a good umpire, Kerley says, “I think it takes a love for the game and being out there for the players and not for yourself. Understanding the rules and the ‘gray areas’ that exist in baseball as in everything else.”

As far as his umpire ambitions, Kerley states that his goal is move up. He would be thrilled to umpire at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. “I would really love that,” he adds. Secondly, he would like to get into college baseball starting at Division Three and work his way up if he could.  Kerley says, “I’d like to keep going for as long as I can … just keep progressing.”