Umpire Absence Turns Millikin–Eureka Softball Matchup Into the Quietest Game of the Season Graphic by Alan Look Photography EUREKA, Ill. — Wednesday’s scheduled Millikin University at Eureka College women’s softball game had everything a spring matchup could ask for: warm weather, a prepped field, two teams ready to compete, and fans settling in for an afternoon of collegiate action. What it did not have was arguably the most important ingredient of all — umpires. The field sat ready, the dugouts were stocked, and the players completed their warmups with the usual focus. But as the minutes ticked toward game time, it became clear that the only people prepared to call balls and strikes were spectators in lawn chairs. Somewhere in the labyrinth of scheduling, confirmations, and calendars, the umpiring crew simply wasn’t assigned. With no officials available to oversee play, the day took an unexpected turn. After evaluating the situation, Millikin chose not to proceed with an...
