Triple B and Slugger Make Move to Travel Ball
We introduced Blind Billy Ball (Triple B) and his seeing eye dog, Slugger, to Valleyans and the world last year around this time. You can read our original story HERE. Triple B and Slugger cut their teeth on calling rec league games, and they’ve done a great job. But, Triple B thought it was time for a new challenge. He has overcome challenges his whole life, and he’s always up for a new one.
Triple B said, “Slugger and I have had a great time calling rec league games. You have to start somewhere right? But, we want to move on to bigger and better things, and I thought it was time to take the next step to travel ball. I had a talk with Slugger, and he agreed with me. I understand that we’re going to have to prove ourselves all over again. We had a ton of doubters when we started calling rec league games, but we ended up being the best umpire in the league. I believe we can do the same with travel ball.”
Triple B and Slugger already have some doubters, and I talked with some at a recent travel ball tournament. One coach said, “I think Triple B and Slugger are going to be in for a rude awakening. It’s a big step up from rec league. The players are better, and the game is much faster. There’s also going to be a lot more pressure on them; all eyes are going to be on them. In the rec league, all the parents and kids love to see Triple B and especially Slugger. If he misses a call, no big deal because Slugger is so cute. It won’t be like that at travel ball tournaments. Are they ready? We’ll see.”
An umpire said, “I hope Triple B knows what he’s getting into. It’s like walking into a lion’s den game after game. These parents and coaches are ruthless, I mean ruthless! I only do this for the money; I don’t do it because I enjoy it. I’ve had to get on blood pressure meds since I started calling travel ball games.”
Triple B has big dreams, and he hopes travel ball is just the next step. “I’d eventually like to make it to the Big Leagues with Slugger. I know the deck is stacked against me, but that’s my dream and I’m gonna give it my all. Heck, I know that I’m better than Angel Hernandez right now. Maybe, I could loan Slugger to him for a fee”, said Ball.
It will be interesting to see how the next step goes for Triple B and Slugger. No one thought they could call games to begin with, and they’ve proved a lot of naysayers wrong. I think they have what it takes to take the next step to travel ball. The SRVO will keep you updated on Triple B and Slugger throughout the season.