On April 8, 2022, the Clear Lake High School Girls Softball team was playing at Lower Lake High school. It was a sunny, pretty day at a nice facility.

Shortly after the game started the home plate umpire had a health problem and was unable to continue.

After a pandemic shortened season and rainouts, everyone was concerned about how to proceed with the one remaining umpire.

Out of the stands came a young woman who shouts, “I’ll do it, I’ll umpire.”

She promptly put on all the required protective gear and shouted “Play ball!”

She did a great job! The rumor in the crowd was that this volunteer umpire was named “Sis” and that she routinely umpires for the South Shore Little League.

She saved the day, and deserves public recognition for volunteering to do a job that frequently is subject to yelling and abuse by fans and coaches.

I’ve noticed that the city of Clearlake has been advertising what a friendly community it is and this young woman exemplifies that spirit.

All of us should applaud this young woman. Thank you, Sis!

Bob Bridges lives in Lakeport, California.