Shining on Little League’s Biggest Stage
As a volunteer softball umpire, Nancy Garza,
emergency department nurse manager at
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center –
Taylor, has heard a few choice words from
parents who don’t like her calls.
“I just keep focused on what’s inside the fence
– something I learned to do in my job, where
you have to be calm, see the big picture and
not get distracted by little problems.” she says.
And on the field, it’s all about the kids.
She uses her platform to teach them values
they can use for the rest of their lives. “I
demonstrate that it’s important to follow the
rules. Plus, I try to show them that what they
learn on the field – leadership, being part of a
team and hard work – pays off.”
26
Nancy’s volunteer work began in 2003 as a
coach, but over time she noticed the local
league struggled to find qualified umpires.
“Often, we had to pull parents with minimal
knowledge from the stands to call the games.
I was determined to change my role and teach
children to play fair,” Nancy says.
She umpires an average of four nights a
week and has to know the rules for all four
youth divisions. This knowledge, dedication
and professional approach led to her being
recommended for a top honor: umpiring at
the Little League World Series in Sussex,
Delaware.
“It was special to be a part of,” Nancy says.
“Plus, I got to meet kids and umpires from
different countries.”
26