Who can forget the old Little League umpires Bud Auen (above) and Norb Winters (below)? How many years did these two gentlemen croutch behind the plate, wearing what Walt Evans termed "The Tools of Ignorance," or stand watch on the basepaths? These pictures, from 1970, show the two umpires in their familiar poses.

Both of these gentlemen were present at the beginning, back in early 1950s, when the Brookline Little League was organized. Mr. Auen, whose son Raymond was one of the original group of Brookline boys to take up the bat and ball in what was then the Brookline Business Men's Association Little League, was one of the first coaches, and continued in that capacity for many years before taking a permanent position behind the plate.

Mr. Winters was also one of the first coaches, but he was always more inclined to umpire rather than manage. He was a no-nonsense kind of guy, but never in a negative way, especially where the kids were concerned. From what I can gather, whenever he ruled the basepaths the games were never out of control and the kids were always on their best behavior.

In my own recollections, I can remember Norbert Winters only vaguely, as he retired from the league following the 1971 season, after twenty years of service. I had just started my first year in Little League as a nine year-old. Bud Auen, however, I remember quite well. During my four years as a Little League pitcher, my impression was that he was the best umpire around (pardon me Mr. Jack Lombardi). His keen eye and consistent calls made him a well-respected man in a position that traditionally gets little or no respect.

Bud Auen retired from league service after the 1975 season. On opening day, 1976, he and Joe Powers, another Little League pioneer, were honored for their 25 years with the Brookline youth baseball program. There have been many talented individuals that have stood watch behind the plate over the years, but only a select few can stand toe to toe with Bud Auen or Norbert Winters.

Click on images for larger pictures.