An 18-year-old umpire who went viral for his energetic calls and coverage at Little League games made his Savannah Bananas debut last Friday, calling it a dream come true.
“It was such a blast,” Sawyer Sparks told ABC News on Wednesday.
The Savannah Bananas invited Sparks to ump a part of their home game against the Indianapolis Clowns in Savannah, Georgia, on June 5. At first, the recent high school graduate from Bakersfield, California, said he felt nervous.
“But as soon as my name got announced, and I started running in, all my nerves … just disappeared,” Sparks recalled.
Little League umpire’s spirited calls inspire players, generate fans across America
The Savannah Bananas shared an Instagram video recap of Sparks’ call, running and sliding into position behind home plate, sharing fist bumps with players and then calling a strikeout play.
The Clowns ultimately won the game 3-2.
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