PRESS RELEASE – According to an article on the Little League Website, www.littleleague.org, the organization announced on June 11, 2014 that 115 umpires have been selected for the nine Little League World Series scheduled for this summer. Among those named for the Majors Division is Guam’s own Steve Muna, a resident of Mangilao.

Baseball umpire Steve Muna has called numerous international competitions and has been selected to umpire the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. (courtesy photo)

According to Brian McClintock, Director of Media Releations, “One of the most important aspects to the success of the Little League International Tournament is the volunteer umpires calling the games. Umpires are selected for a World Series after going through a lengthy, stringent selection process. Appointment as a member of the umpiring crew for a World Series is the highest honor Little League can bestow on an umpire, and selection means that these umpires are considered among the best in the world.”

According to the website, Thomas Haines Jr., Little League Director of Umpire Development, organized Little League’s first-ever Little League Baseball World Series umpire orientation. For two days, the 16 umpires (including Muna) that will be officiating the World Series came to South Williamsport to become familiar with the administrative aspects of umpiring as well as what to expect on the fields during this year’s World Series. Led by a panel of Little League staff, volunteers, and former Little League Baseball World Series umpires, the volunteers learned about World Series expectations, video replay, becoming familiar with the stadiums and umpire mechanics.

The Major Division tournament is considered the grand tournament of all the Little League tournaments held since it attracts the largest participation and is the most publicized and marketed event. Of the nine Little League World Series held annually; it is the most watched series and televised in 120 countries to millions of viewers worldwide.

The 2014 Little League World Series will be held this summer from August 14-24.

Muna leaves Friday to umpire the Asia Pacific Regionals in the Philippines scheduled for next week.

Muna’s Umpire Service

2005 Umpire, Asia Pacific Regional’s in Fukuoka, Japan

2006-07 Umpire, Asia Pacific Regional’s in Hong Kong

2008 Attended Umpire School in Williamsport, Pennsylvania

2009 Umpire in Chief, Asia Pacific Softball Regional’s in Guam

2010 Umpire, Asia Pacific Regional’s in Jakarta, Indonesia

2011 Umpire in Chief, Asia Pacific Regional’s Major’s Division in Guam

2012 Umpire, Asia Pacific Regional’s Juniors Division in Nha Trang, Vietnam

2013 Umpire, Asia Pacific Regional’s (All Division’s) Pampanga, Philippines