WILLIAMSPORT, Penn. – For Little League World Series umpires David Noegel and Eddie Smith, it’s the summer vacation of a lifetime.

Noegel lives in east Orlando and began umpiring in 2006. The West Point graduate and Gulf War veteran calls Union Park Little League home but works throughout Central Florida.

“A couple of umpires I started with would joke about how funny it would be if we made it to the Little League World Series,” he said. “I mean, you never thought that would happen.”

Smith began calling balls and strikes in New Jersey in 1996. Today, he lives in Horizon West and calls Winter Garden Little League games. Like Noegel, he also umpires throughout the Orlando area.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” he said. “I got my recommendation and, lo and behold, I’m here and I’m so happy.”

Coincidentally, Smith was the first base umpire at the Lake Mary Little League’s opening game against South Dakota.

(MEET THE TEAM: Lake Mary All Stars)

“I had butterflies in my stomach, but they were in a row,” Smith said jokingly. “I felt comfortable out there, and I mean, I was aware of the crowd, but it didn’t really affect me because of how prepared I was.”

Lamade Stadium, where Lake Mary played on Wednesday night, has space for an incredible 10,000 fans.

“I didn’t anticipate how loud the crowd would be,” Noegel said. “Some of the verbal communication you have at a regular game isn’t possible here.”

All 20 referees at the Little League World Series are volunteers. While the Little League pays for their stay, the referees must cover their own travel expenses.

“Volunteering is something I love,” Smith said. “The joy I get from seeing a child who is shy but has a smile on their face make a great catch is something I find comforting.”

(READ: Lake Mary All-Stars win first game of Little League World Series)

For both men, their work as referees was never about making money, but rather about the love of this American pastime.

“It’s a way to stay connected to the game I loved and played as a kid,” Noegel added. “You can’t be a referee and not love the game.”

The referees were included in the same pre-tournament festivities as the teams. They attended the parade on Tuesday and handed out candy to spectators, and when they were introduced at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, they received a huge round of applause from the crowd.

“We all looked at each other and said, ‘Gentlemen, have fun. Enjoy the cheering and applause. This is the last cheer you’ll hear on your behalf. From now on, half the people are going to hate what you do,'” Noegel said.

“That’s part of the game,” Smith added. “The best feeling is when you walk off the field and nobody knows you were there.”

After Wednesday’s game against South Dakota, the Lake Mary All-Stars’ next game is scheduled for Friday night.

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