AboutMartin Hoover Expertise Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.
Experience Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire
Organizations Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors. I'm also the Information Officer for California District 49, as well as an umpire consultant for the district.
Education/Credentials Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics
Awards and Honors Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)
Expert: Martin Hoover Date: 7/20/2008 Subject: offical softball
Question While playing in our local and distric games we used a solid poly/graphite center with a .47 core with a max comp. of 375. these balls are stamped little leauge and are made by macgregor.now we are in the states and the ball is differnt, its a softer ball that sounds like you are hitting a marshmallow. I asked to see the ball and there are no little leaugr markings on it at all, i belive it just said asa approved. Thanks for your help.....Scott
Answer Scott,
The simple way of finding out what ball is approved for tournament play is going straight to the source. Go to the organization for a complete list of approved equipment. If the ball is not on that list, don't use it.
For Little League, you can visit their website at www.littleleague.org, click on the "Tournament Resource Page 2008" at the top of the home page. Scroll down to the very bottom of that page and click on the link regarding approved baseballs and softballs.
I hope this has helped. Should you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
