Naperville Little League umpire Jim Meurer makes it to World Series

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Jim Meurer of Naperville, was one of 16 umpires selected to officiate at the 2011 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Meurer, 59, said it exceeded any expectations he had, and was a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Photo submitted.

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Little League World Series umpires are not compensated for their work, and must provide their own transportation to Williamsport, Penn. Once there, they are provided with a hotel room and per diem for the duration. It is truly a labor of love for those who volunteer to work the event.

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Updated: November 30, 2011 12:24AM

Jim Meurer finally made it to the big leagues. After 17 years as a Naperville Little League umpire, he got the letter he had been waiting for.

“I got home from work, saw the letter, and immediately knew what it was,” said Meurer, 59. “I opened the envelope carefully because I knew this was a letter I would eventually frame, and I didn’t want to rip it,” he said. “I read it, slowly, and then called (my wife) Laurie.”

The letter — like the golden ticket inside a Willy Wonka bar — was an invitation for Meurer to join an elite group of umpires from Aug. 18 through 28 at the 2011 Little League Baseball International World Series in Williamsport, Penn.

Exceeding expectations

Only 16 umpires — 12 from the United States and four from around the world — are appointed to the annual World Series. Appointment is considered the highest honor Little League Baseball can bestow on an umpire, and comes after an extensive selection process.

According to Little League rules, an umpire is only eligible to work a World Series once every four years. Meurer said realistically though, because so many umpires want to participate, it’s truly a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

And in baseball terms, it was a grand slam.

“It exceeded any expectations I had in my mind,” Meurer said. “You try to explain everything you see and hear, and you can’t do it justice. I tell people you just have to go there and experience it, because it is much, much more than you can see on TV.”

Meurer estimates he has umpped more than 1,500 games — all unpaid — over the past two decades. His volunteerism is simply a love for the game.

“I love baseball and have as long as I can remember,” Meurer said. “I love being connected to the game, and it’s an opportunity to give back to the community. I am fortunate in my career life that I can do that — I can donate my time — so other kids can experience the joy of baseball that I have experienced my whole life.”

Calling it as he sees it

Jim Petruzzi, president of Naperville Little League’s Republic division, said Meurer is a dedicated volunteer who has made a positive impact on the organization.

”Jim’s time and dedication to Little League baseball, all on a volunteer basis, is greatly appreciated,” Petruzzi said. “(Being part of the World Series) is a tremendous honor for Jim, Naperville Little League and District 11.”

Throughout the 2011 World Series, Meurer umpped 11 games, including two behind home plate.

“This year was unique because there was a Pennsylvania team that drew a big crowd every time they played,” the umpire said. “In fact, in their first game, there were 41,848 people (in attendance). It was the largest crowd ever for a Little League (World Series) game there.”

Meurer added that everything happens more quickly when it comes to series games, and the skill level of the kids “is at the highest caliber you can imagine.” He too, had to be on top of his game.

“You have to concentrate constantly and really focus on what you are doing as an umpire, otherwise you will miss something.”

And if you miss something, you are likely to be challenged, thanks to video replay that was introduced three years ago.

“I had a very good tournament,” he said. “Of all of the calls I made, three were reviewed by the instant replay process. “All three that came into question were upheld.”

Meurer returned to his “real” job Tuesday, where he has enjoyed a 30-year-career in the medical technology industry. But in the spring, he will be back behind the plate, for the love of the game.