
Top official enjoys World Cup highlights
Kingsley Collins
10 September 2015
Back home after officiating at the Under 18 World Cup in Osaka, prominent Australian umpire and Alumni member Trent Thomas this week reflected upon the experience and on the tournament highlights of what has already been a stellar career.
For many years at the highest echelon of our domestic umpiring fraternity, Trent Thomas has officiated at all levels from local baseball through New South Wales State League, both incarnations of the Australian Baseball League and at numerous international events – including the 2014 Major League season opener in Sydney.
Again delighted to represent Australia at international level, Trent enjoyed some special moments in Osaka as both he and our Under 18 squad represented Australian baseball with great distinction.
“It is always an honour and a great opportunity to be appointed to a world level event such as the Under 18 World Cup,” Trent Thomas told Australian Baseball Alumni this week.
“Among the players were arguably some of the best kids either signed - or about to be signed professionally – turning out for their nations. Being on the umpiring panel not only allowed me the experience of umpiring high quality international baseball, but it also helps put on display the level of umpiring we have available here in Australia when comparing to others from around the world.”
As we mentioned in an earlier report, Trent was accorded the honour – on behalf of all officials – of reciting the Officials Oath at the Opening Ceremony in Osaka.
“That was a unique and humbling experience, although there was plenty more to come in the way of highlights,” he said.
“I was fortunate enough to be appointed as plate umpire to the Japan and United States game on night two – probably the most memorable game of the series for me.”
Working two games at Koshien Stadium in the Super Round, Trent Thomas has special recollections as plate umpire to the Korea versus United States game in the second round.
“That game saw United States come back to defeat Korea in a seven-hour, rain-interrupted game and start their run to the Gold Medal,” he said.
“It was also the game in which I sustained an injury to my left elbow after a United States hitter lost a bat in his swing early in the game.”
Personal honours and experiences aside, Trent Thomas places his participation at the Under 18 World Baseball Cup in a somewhat broader context.
“It is always exciting and satisfying to meet and get to work with people from around the world in various capacities,” he said. “Whether we are officials, teams, volunteers or supporters, baseball is universal when we are on the field – and it is what brings us all together.”
“Background, culture and language differences can be overcome – and celebrated - simply by participating in this sport.”
Australian Baseball Alumni thanks Trent Thomas for providing feedback on his experiences in Osaka. We wish him all the very best for the future and we know he will again be a regular and respected official during the upcoming Australian Baseball League season.
