Umpire Information

BLL Umpire Coordinator
Gale DeMartini

If you or your Son/Daughter is interested in being an Umpire for BLL next season, please send an e-mail to chiefumpire@benicialittleleague.com. More details to follow after that initial communication. The minimum age is "League Age 13".

Little League Announces Rule Changes For 2013

Little League will announce rule changes for the 2013 season, and when they do we will post a copy here.

Message From The Umpire In Chief

Welcome to the Benicia Little League Umpire Page. Each year we strive to provide Benicia’s already excellent Little League program with quality umpires. With the 2012 Spring and Fall seasons now completed we will continue to work in partnership with our players, coaches and fans to provide Benicia and other communities with the best possible baseball experience through the remaining post season games. Our umpires meet every Sunday at 3:00 pm at the Starbuck's in the Safeway Shopping Center. If you are interested in more information on our program please contact me or join us at a meeting.

We look forward to developing new umpires during the 2013 Spring Season. Please join us if you are interested.

Gale DeMartini Umpire in Chief, Benicia Little League chiefumpire@benicialittleleague.com

He's Just a Little Boy

He stands at the plate with his heart pounding fast;
The bases are loaded; the die has been cast.
Mom and Dad can not help him; he stands all alone.
A hit at this moment would send the team home.
The ball nears the plate; he swings and he misses.
There's a groan form the croud, with some
boos and hisses.

The thoughtless voice cries, "Strike out the bum!"
tears fill his eyes; the game's no longer fun.
Remember - he's just a boy who stands all alone.
So open your hear and give him a break.
For it's moments like this a man can you make.
Keep this in mind when you hear someone forget.
He's just a little boy, not a man yet.

A New Article on the BBCOR Standard from Popular Science

This new article from Popular Science Magazine sheds more light on the science behind bats, and their impact on our favorite game.

Download the article here

New Bat Restrictions - Continue for 2013 Season

Letter from LL International on Composite Bats

Little League International Issues Update Regarding Composite Bats: Moratorium Imposed Immediately

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Dec. 30, 2010) - Little League International has placed a moratorium on the use of composite bats in the Little League (Majors) Division and all other baseball divisions of Little League, effective immediately.

"Today's decision of the Little League International Board of Directors Executive Committee is based on scientific research data from the University of Massachusetts (Lowell), which was contracted by Little League Baseball," Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, said. "The maximum performance standard for non-wood bats in the divisions for 12-year-olds and below is a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.15. The research found that composite bats, while they may meet the standard when new, can exceed that standard after a break-in process."

Local Little Leagues were first informed of the research last September.

"From the beginning, and throughout this process, we wanted to keep everyone informed," Patrick W. Wilson, Vice President of Operations at Little League International, said. "Our intent was to provide local league constituents clear direction regarding composite bats. There is a process through which manufacturers can submit individual models for a possible waiver if they wish to seek it. Going forward, we will let our leagues know which ones meet the standards for the Little League Baseball (Majors) 12-and-under divisions, if any."

On Sept. 1, Little League International placed a moratorium on composite bats in the Junior, Senior, and Big League Baseball Divisions of Little League. Subsequent to that moratorium, some composite bat models have received a waiver and may be used in those divisions. Information on the composite bats that have received waivers for the Junior, Senior, and Big League Baseball Divisions of Little League may be found here:

Little League Approved Composite Bats

At present, no composite bats for the Little League (Majors) Division and below have received a waiver. If and when any models do receive a waiver, Little League International will inform its leagues of that decision.

The moratorium on composite bats, which now applies to all baseball divisions of Little League, does not apply to any softball divisions of Little League.

Sincerely,Little League International