Umpire Dick Peecher works behind the plate during the 10&Under Cal Ripken Colorado State Tournament that was held recently in Lamar. The veteran umpire will work his fourth World Series in Louisana on August 6-16.

Dick Peecher has made his mark on the coaching scene.

He guided Wiley to a state championship in 8-man football and then at McClave High School directed the girls basketball team to three straight state crowns in Class 1A basketball.

Peecher has also made his mark as a respected umpire.

When he’s not on the sideline or on the bench, Peecher can be seen working softball games and hardball games at all levels. He also is a basketball official.

Peecher has had the distinction of umpiring in three Cal Ripken World Series at the 12 year-old, 13 year-old, and 14 year-old age divisions.

He will get the opportunity to work his fourth World Series during the 10 year-old Cal Ripken World Series to be held August 6th through the 16th in Abbeville, Louisana.

“It’s exciting and it is an honor being selected,” he said. “I’m excited for this one because of the age group. I think the 10 year-old division is a lot of fun. There’s nothing like these young kids playing baseball. There’s still an innocence at this level. There is just a different excitement about them. They’re so enthusiastic and always giving it 100 percent. That’s the only way they know how to play.”

Not only will Peecher be working behind the plate, but it will mark the first time he will be the umpire crew chief for a World Series.

The experience he gains will be valuable since Lamar will be hosting the 10 year-old Cal Ripken World Series next year.

“I’ve been told that this will be the first time in Babe Ruth history that they’ll have all the umpires for the World Series in Lamar from one state,” he explained. “ Four out of the five or six umpires for the Lamar event will have World Series experience.”

Peecher noted that Randy Holmen, who works a lot of games with him, will be an umpire for the 13 year-old Cal Ripken World Series in Jamestown, New York on August 10-20.

“We figured out if we both umpired together next year it will be 30 years,” said Peecher. “I’ve umpired for probably 35 years and that’s a long time, but I enjoy it.”

Looking ahead to the World Series in Louisana, Peecher said, “The best players will be there from across the nation, so I’m really looking forward to that. But I’m not looking forward to the heat and humidity there.”