WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – On any given summer day, business is cooking at the ballpark. Players come and go, but it’s home for one kid at heart as for decades, this has been Max Stella’s Field of Dreams.
Max’s resume fills up the stat sheet.
“Umpiring for 45 years. Umpiring chief 25-30 years. 4000 games,” he said.
One goal every time out.
“We just come out here and see what we can do to make the game enjoyable for kids,” he added.
“When you do this for Little League, this is volunteer. You know, we’re not taking home a paycheck. So for 45 years, it’s amazing,” said fellow umpire for 30 years Gary Stockwell, 10 of which have been alongside Max.
“I’ve always loved the game,” Max said.
The only things he loves more are his kids and his wife of 49 years, Marsha.
“She’s an angel,” Max said. “She never says, ‘Have a good game.’ She never says, ‘Catch ‘em.’ She says, ‘Have fun.’ If I don’t have …