The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

CBS resident only Newfoundland Umpire at World's

A world championship is the ultimate accomplishment for a softball umpire and John Baldwin of Conception Bay South has climbed the ladder to achieve his goal of being selected to officiate at a world tournament.

The level five umpire is one of many whose name was submitted to Softball Canada for consideration to take part in the World's V Junior Men's Championships being hosted in St. John's at the Caribou Complex from July 20-27.

Baldwin has officiated in his share of national tournaments but never a world's tournament. He was an umpire at the Junior Men's in Quebec in 1990 and followed it up with the Senior Men's in Alberta in 1991, the Junior Men's in St. John's in 1991, the Senior Men's in Saskatoon in 1994 and again in 1995.

John is ranked 5th by Softball Canada for the World Junior Men's Championaships being held in St John's.

Baldwin will join the many elite umpires who travel from all over the world to officiate at the World's V Junior Softball Chamionships.

Contact: Ed Mahoney, (709) 738-2720 or (709) 738-2721.