Umping…One State At A Time

Alan McCullough arrived at Taylor Field at Bangor East Little League Wednesday evening to do what he often does - be a volunteer umpire at a youth baseball game.

To many, getting a root canal is time better spent than volunteering as an umpire.

Sacramento, California's Alan McCullough is not like most.

In fact, when he umpired the Yankee Electic vs Rotary East game, it marked the 48th state he has umpired at least one Little League game.

Get ready Tennessee and Pennsylvania, McCullough is coming to your state soon to finish the bucket list.

The nationwide volunteer project began over 10 years ago.

"My idea is to promote being a volunteer umpire, to give back to the community. To show the kids that this is what we do as adults...we give back and we are role models. We want the kids to grow up and give back..."

McCullough is a registered nurse in California and uses vacation time and work related trips to squeeze in the chance to get to various states. He umpired a Little League game in Massachusetts (state #46) on Sunday, then umped in Manchester, New Hampshire (state #47) Tuesday night before arriving in Bangor Wednesday night.

Not only has McCullough worked games coast-to-coast, he has been selected to work several Western Regional Tournaments over the years and the Junior Softball Little League World Series.

His umpiring partner working the bases at Taylor Field Wednesday was Maine umpire Troy Lare, who has been selected to umpire at the 2018 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

McCullough is hoping the 50th and final state he umpires a game in just might be at Williamsport some day soon.

NOTE:  Hear more from Alan McCullough and his 50 state LL umpiring tour. He will be a guest on 'The Morning Pitch Show' on Sports Radio 92.9 The Ticket Friday at 6am.