Local umpire Jarodd Goedel set to take on the big stage for the Little League World Series in Williamsport this August. (Submitted Photo)

SHERBURNE – Local umpire Jarodd Goedel of Sherburne, NY is set to take the big stage this August. After two regional appearances in 2022 and 2024, Goedel was selected to represent the East Region at the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, PA.

“It is still surreal to know I was chosen from all of the umpires around the world to umpire at the Little League baseball world series,” Goedel said. “The selection process is much the same [ For Regionals and World Series], but following the Regionals, we are evaluated and then as selections for all Regionals and World Series start, they review recommendations, Regional evaluations, and any ID camp results. It’s more of a scoring system now. This is different than in years past where it was almost entirely based on recommendations.”

Goedel officiates local baseball games anywhere from little league to varsity to PONY League summer baseball, where coaches and fans are always happy to see him, especially in his hometown. At times, Goedel has to ump alone behind the plate due to the difficulty of finding a partner. Still, he welcomes the opportunity to share duties when possible so he can gain more experience beyond just working the plate.

“After my East Region assignment and ID camp attendance, the staff provided me with my evaluations of what I did well and what could improve. I appreciate this new system and can use it to improve my umpiring skills,” Goedel said. “Most of it is from the field umpire side, where it is difficult to get repetitions because I am usually by myself at games. I have started to partner up with other umpires when available so I can get more games on the bases.”

Goedel has also been working hard to improve his officiating skills, especially now that he is preparing for the big stage at the Little League World Series.

“Strike zone accuracy and consistency is always a must to improve on, but the most area is the four umpire rotations in the field. At Regionals and World Series, we use four umpires,” Goedel said. “One at each base and depending on where the ball is hit and the situation of runners is how the umpires move around the field. I also hope my experience continues to help me improve as an umpire. As levels of competition increase, it pushes you to improve.”

Goedel also hopes that not only local fans, but local youth and teens will tune in to watch him on the big stage, as the games will be televised. His journey serves as more than just a personal achievement, but also as a way to give back to the Chenango County community by being a mentor and a positive role model for aspiring young athletes.

“I hope I inspires other kids and adults to get into umpiring and officiating and show them that anyone can make it to the biggest stage,” Goedel said. “I plan to continue to mentor other umpires to help with the umpiring shortage. Hopefully they will see the path I took and aspire to the same goal.”

“I would like to thank all of the people who have supported me in this journey. From my Little League to High School baseball coaches. To my friends and umpiring mentors along the way who pushed me to improve,” Goedel added. “The most thanks goes to my wife, our kids, and my family for always supporting me and sacrificing time away from each other that allowed me to chase this dream.”

Good luck, Jarodd. Catch him on the big screen August 10-24 in Williamsport, PA, which will be televised on ESPN.