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Old Forge Ump Draws Cheers At Little League World Series

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT—Thousands of people cheered on the players as a team from Las Vegas took on a team from South Dakota. There were folks from Lackawanna ...

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT---Thousands of people cheered on the players as a team from Las Vegas took on a team from South Dakota.

There were folks from Lackawanna County in the stands, too, clapping for the home plate umpire.

"This is quite thrilling, he's dreamed about this for a long time," said Dave Thomas, Christopher Thomas' father.

Christopher Thomas is a high school principal from Old Forge and he has been a Little League umpire for 22 years.

This year, he has the honor of working at the Little League World Series in South Williamsport.

"There are thousands of umpires that this is the ultimate goal, is to come to Williamsport and be here at such a mecca for youth sports. And it's a process. There's a definite process for it, and 22 years is a long time to wait, but it's well worth the wait," said Thomas.

Thomas has undergone lots of training for this. He said he has been applying to ump in South Williamsport since 2007 and this year, he got the call that he had been selected.

"You only get one shot at the apple this is a one and done deal. We've made it here. Take it all in. The only way we're coming back is spectators or volunteers to help the program," said Thomas.

Thomas's supporters said they could not be more proud of him.

"I mean as little league umpires, this is the crown jewel," said fellow Little League umpire and friend Frank Galli from Throop.

"Listen, he's thrown me out of a game, I'm just excited for him, thrilled and I know he'll do a good job," laughed Dave Thomas, who was a Little League coach.

Thomas said the best part of the series is the camaraderie with everyone on the field.

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