Faculty member/umpire honored during township's LL opener

Little League Opening Day celebrations were held throughout the region this past weekend, and a Pennsylvania College of Technology faculty member was honored for stepping up to the plate.

Craig A. Miller, associate professor of history/political science and department head for social sciences and humanities, was awarded the Barry Rake Umpire Appreciation Award by Loyalsock Township Little League. The award’s eponym was on hand to present Miller with the honor during ceremonies at Bruce E. Henry Park field in the municipality.

The award was established in 2014 to recognize the support and commitment of longtime District 12 (Lycoming County) Little League umpire Rake and is presented each year to honor an umpire, past or present, who has served as a role model to children playing in Loyalsock Township Little League.

“The award means a lot to me,” Miller said. “I’ve been umpiring games in Loyalsock for 10 years, and it’s an honor to work with the kids. Though I don’t live in Loyalsock, the kids and parents have made me feel like part of their community

Miller umpires Little League baseball games for ages 10-12, 13-15, and 16 and up. (His on-field service extended to last summer's T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby Championship in South Williamsport.)

Little League Opening Day events typically feature player parades, ceremonies with awards and first pitches, games and team photos, and they incorporate a variety of community organizations and league sponsors.

Loyalsock Township Little League is marking its 75th anniversary.