As Little League International announced the umpiring cohort for their Little League World Series tournaments, Australian trio Matt Wagner, Marc Roberts and Paul Carthy have made history, as the first Australians to be invited to the Little League World Series tournaments.
Wagner, a native of Appin, NSW, will officiate at the Senior League World Series in Easley, South Carolina between July 30-August 5. Wagner has been involved in the Australian Little League Championships since 2012, and in 2016, made his way to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the home of Little League, to participate in the Little League Umpiring School.
Carthy will make his way to the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan. Carthy officiated at the 2012 Asia-Pacific tournament, and the Melbournian has been involved as a volunteer official at the Little League level for over 10 years.
Marc Roberts will head to Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the 71st Little League World Series in August 2017, having officiated in the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Australian Little League Championships. Roberts also made his way to the 2016 Australian Senior League Championship and has 15+ years experience umpiring at the Little League level.
Baseball Australia extends its heartfelt congratulations to all three men, and we know they'll do us all proud on the international stage.