A member of the Bedford Little League community is headed to baseball’s biggest stage for youth athletes. Cameron Bernard, a Bedford Little League umpire and New Hampshire District 1 Umpire in Chief, has been selected to serve on the volunteer umpiring crew for the 2026 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The prestigious tournament will take place from August 19 through August 30 and represents the highest level of competition in Little League Baseball. Appointment to umpire at the World Series is widely regarded as the highest honor Little League can bestow on an official, recognizing years of dedication, performance, and commitment to the game.
The path to Williamsport is both lengthy and highly selective. To be eligible, umpires must first work at a regional tournament. From there, candidates submit an application through the Little League Umpire Registry, followed by a detailed review process that includes feedback from District Administrators and evaluation by a national selection committee. Only a small number of umpires are chosen each year.
Bernard’s journey began on the very fields he now helps oversee. A former Bedford Little League player, he started umpiring in the league during the 2014 season. Since then, he has played a key role in developing the next generation of officials. He is one of the founders of Bedford’s Junior Umpire Program and later helped expand similar initiatives statewide in 2021.
In addition to his local contributions, Bernard has served as New Hampshire District 1 Co-Umpire in Chief since 2019. His experience includes selection to umpire the 2023 Intermediate Baseball Regional in Dover, Delaware, and the 2024 East Regional in Bristol, Connecticut—both critical stepping stones toward a World Series assignment. With this selection, Bernard becomes just the second umpire ever from New Hampshire to be chosen for the Little League World Series and the first in history from Bedford Little League.
With his 2026 selection, Bernard will become one of the youngest umpires ever to work the Little League World Series, a testament to both his skill and dedication. His appointment reflects not only his knowledge of the rules and ability to manage high-level competition, but also the respect he has earned within the Little League community.
Being chosen for the World Series umpiring crew is more than a personal milestone. It represents an opportunity to contribute to one of youth sports’ most prestigious events, ensuring fair play and upholding the integrity of the game on an international stage. Bernard will also serve as a representative of New Hampshire’s growing and committed umpire community.
As Bedford Little League and District 1 celebrate this achievement, Bernard’s selection stands as both a point of pride and an inspiration for young umpires across the state. Congratulations Cam!