Just like in major league baseball park, as you enter either Lamade or Volunteer stadium there are ushers that greet you and give directions to your seating area. I usually enter Lamade Stadium every year at the same place, Section 1. When I arrive at Section 1, the same two ushers seem to be there no matter the time of day, or day of the week. So today, I decided to ask them why.
According to Joe Robinson and Chris Bird, they have been coming to the World Series as Ushers since 1999. Chris is a local from South Williamsport, PA but Joe is from Russell, KY and makes the drive here each year. What you need to know though is that both Joe and Chris are volunteers and accept no money for their time. They typically start their volunteer duties at 9 AM and don't leave the park until after the last game (sometime around 10 PM) and don't take a day off. Now that's real volunteer dedication. For the 2005 Series there are 75 Ushers working as volunteers and most, like Joe, even pay their own way and lodging to be here.
But Joe and Chris aren't alone. There are hundreds of volunteers doing all kinds if different jobs in and around Little League. From Ushers, to Grounds Crews, these volunteers do what they do for the love of Little League. So, the next time you see one of these great volunteers around the park, take a moment and say thank you! Did you know that there are only about 65 paid employees at Little League Headquarters? Can you imagine putting on an event like the World Series with just these 65 people? No way!! Without these very dedicated volunteers, the tournament would not be the class event it is. THANK YOU Joe and Chris and ALL the other Little League volunteers. You make Little League proud!