Recently, the Southeastern Region Director, Jen Colvin announced that Doug Durling has been appointed to the Southeastern Region Volunteer Umpire Staff.
The Volunteer Umpire Staff is lead by Umpire-in-Chief Marshall Casey and includes volunteers who lead and conduct the Region’s umpire-related training and education events at the Regional Center in Warner Robins and throughout the eight-state region.
Doug is a 17-year umpire, who resides in Davenport, FL, where he works as a landscaper. He is originally from Kinston, NH. He was appointed to umpire the 2020 Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, NC, his first world series appointment. He has previously been appointed to three Regional Tournaments.
Why do you umpire?
“I value Little League as one of the institutions that help make our society and our country great. Umpiring is an enjoyable way to help support and contribute to the program.”
What does joining the umpire staff mean to you?
“I have always looked up to the Southeast Region Staff Umpires, and I have been thrilled to help out for the past couple of years as an instructor. To be invited to join the staff is an incredible honor. It’s hard to put into words.”
How do you hope to make an impact as part of the staff?
“As part of the staff, I plan to help continue the great work that they have done over the years to develop an incredible curriculum and to train hundreds of umpires across our region and our country. I owe my development as an umpire to our Regional Staff members, and I can only hope to have a similar impact on some of the umpires in our region.”
What is your advice to umpires, regardless of skill level and years?
“My advice to all umpires, and to everyone else for that matter, is that timing is everything!”
Why Did You Get Involved with Little League?
“In May of 1980, the Kingston Astros were playing the Kingston Tigers in the town championship game. In the fourth inning, Kelly Ahlman got up and crushed a pitch into left field. The nine-year-old outfielder for the Tigers, yes, it was me, got a good jump on the ball, and, moving to his left, got under it and made the catch!”
“I remember the crowd, including people I didn’t even know, cheering for me. I have never forgotten that feeling, it was like I was 15-feet tall! So, when my kids were young, I made sure to get them involved in Little League. And when they aged out (now 25 and 23 years old), I continued helping with the program. If I can help facilitate other kids to share that same type of experience, I think that’s a pretty good use of my time. This is what organized youth sports will do for everyone involved; it provides rewards that cannot be purchased or replicated anywhere else.”
