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23-Year-Old Volunteer Umpire James Farque Earns Spot at 2026 Little League World Series
At 23, James Farque has turned a decade of volunteerism into a ticket to the world’s biggest youth baseball stage.
Farque, a native of Summerville, South Carolina, has been a Little League umpire for ten years. He was selected to officiate four games at the 2026 Little League World Series (LLWS) in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania—an honor that only 20 umpires receive each year.
He began umpiring at age 13 after deciding he would not advance far as a player. "I realized I would not excel at the high school level, so I still wanted to stay connected to the game," he told WCIV‑TV. "I pride myself on volunteering and giving back to the community."
The LLWS, held annually from August 19 to 30, gathers 10 U.S. teams and 10 international squads of 10‑ to 12‑year‑olds at the Little League headquarters complex. Games take place at Howard J. Lamade Stadium and Volunteer Stadium and are broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
Farque’s assignment will involve four games. His performance will determine whether he receives additional assignments during the tournament. "That’s a big aspect of everything. The big mental side of umpiring is being in the spotlight," he said. "Then again, it’s just another baseball game. Anytime you step on the field, it’s just another baseball game. Just a higher stage in front of more people."
Little League Baseball is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1939 by Carl Edwin Stotz. The organization relies on volunteers to run local leagues and to officiate games. The LLWS is its most visible event, and umpire selection is based on experience, performance, and volunteer commitment.
Farque expressed pride in the opportunity. "This is every Little League umpire’s dream," he said. "It’s a tremendous honor; there’s only 20 people each year that are chosen."
He also noted that he plans to return to his home region after the series. "I don’t think I can ever hang it up. Even if I do the championship game at Williamsport, I still have this to come back to," he said. "The local level is what I enjoy the most, getting to mentor these kids and the sense of community around here."
While Farque has aspirations to officiate at the college or major‑league level, he emphasized that his heart remains in South Carolina.
The LLWS is a key part of Little League’s mission to promote youth sports and volunteerism. Farque’s selection underscores the organization’s commitment to recognizing dedicated volunteers.
The 2026 LLWS will conclude on August 30, after which the selected umpires will return to their home leagues. Farque’s performance may open doors for future officiating opportunities.
In summary, James Farque’s decade of volunteer umpiring has earned him a place on the 2026 Little League World Series roster. He will officiate four games in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and will return to his South Carolina roots afterward. The LLWS will continue to showcase young talent and volunteer dedication until the final game on August 30.
Farque, a native of Summerville, South Carolina, has been a Little League umpire for ten years. He was selected to officiate four games at the 2026 Little League World Series (LLWS) in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania—an honor that only 20 umpires receive each year.
He began umpiring at age 13 after deciding he would not advance far as a player. "I realized I would not excel at the high school level, so I still wanted to stay connected to the game," he told WCIV‑TV. "I pride myself on volunteering and giving back to the community."
The LLWS, held annually from August 19 to 30, gathers 10 U.S. teams and 10 international squads of 10‑ to 12‑year‑olds at the Little League headquarters complex. Games take place at Howard J. Lamade Stadium and Volunteer Stadium and are broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
Farque’s assignment will involve four games. His performance will determine whether he receives additional assignments during the tournament. "That’s a big aspect of everything. The big mental side of umpiring is being in the spotlight," he said. "Then again, it’s just another baseball game. Anytime you step on the field, it’s just another baseball game. Just a higher stage in front of more people."
Little League Baseball is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1939 by Carl Edwin Stotz. The organization relies on volunteers to run local leagues and to officiate games. The LLWS is its most visible event, and umpire selection is based on experience, performance, and volunteer commitment.
Farque expressed pride in the opportunity. "This is every Little League umpire’s dream," he said. "It’s a tremendous honor; there’s only 20 people each year that are chosen."
He also noted that he plans to return to his home region after the series. "I don’t think I can ever hang it up. Even if I do the championship game at Williamsport, I still have this to come back to," he said. "The local level is what I enjoy the most, getting to mentor these kids and the sense of community around here."
While Farque has aspirations to officiate at the college or major‑league level, he emphasized that his heart remains in South Carolina.
The LLWS is a key part of Little League’s mission to promote youth sports and volunteerism. Farque’s selection underscores the organization’s commitment to recognizing dedicated volunteers.
The 2026 LLWS will conclude on August 30, after which the selected umpires will return to their home leagues. Farque’s performance may open doors for future officiating opportunities.
In summary, James Farque’s decade of volunteer umpiring has earned him a place on the 2026 Little League World Series roster. He will officiate four games in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and will return to his South Carolina roots afterward. The LLWS will continue to showcase young talent and volunteer dedication until the final game on August 30.
