With the crack of a bat, the ball flies out to left field.
The crowd cheers as the players round the bases.
A slide into home.
The coaches are yelling.
The crowd is in a frenzy.
What’s the call?
For umpires of the Diamond Council of Columbia, this is what the job is all about. Take a look behind the black, padded masks of some of Columbia's youth league umpires.
>> Charley Jameson has worked as an umpire since 1996, and now serves as 'Umpire-in-Chief' for the Diamond Council's competitive league. To learn more about Jameson, click on The Chief.
>> David Dow started umpiring right out of high school and has been calling games for over 25 years. Want to learn from the pro? Click on The Veteran.
>>Kim Buxton is more than a mother, grandmother, and administrative assistant; she is an umpire. Buxton made the transition from the dugout to the field nine years ago. To learn more about Kim, click on The Woman.
>> The Diamond Council of Columbia, Inc., was established in 1963 to serve youth baseball and softball organizations. In 2006, the Diamond Council served over 2,800 children in Columbia, Mo. Click on The League to learn more.