Craig Hyde went from counting beans in Alabama Power’s Corporate Finance group to counting balls and strikes at the Women’s College World Series in softball – overnight.

The veteran umpire got the call to work the series bright and early at 7 o’clock Memorial Day morning.

“I answered the phone, ‘Good morning, Donna (Vavrinec, NCAA National Coordinator of Umpires). I was shaking on the inside. She said, ‘Hello Craig.’ I said, ‘Do you have the wrong number?’ “

She didn’t, and invited Hyde to work the series.

“My heart nearly exploded,” he said.

Craig Hyde was one of the few umpires selected to call a game in the Women’s College World Series. (contributed)

Hyde worked the pivotal semifinals last weekend, including Oklahoma’s win over Alabama and Auburn’s win over Georgia. He also worked LSU vs. Georgia and Florida State vs. UCLA.

Auburn and Oklahoma emerged as the finalists, with OU taking a one-game lead in the best two-out-of-three series.

Hyde was chosen by the NCAA National Umpire Committee based on his performance at the regional and super-regional games, and his overall career. His games are scrutinized for mechanics, calls, game management and off-the-field character.

Speaking of off-the-field, at Alabama Power, he is capital budget manager in the Corporate Finance and Planning Group.

“We are certainly proud of Craig’s tremendous accomplishment of being asked to umpire at the highest level of competition in collegiate softball,” said Alabama Power Assistant Treasurer Brian George. “To be chosen for this opportunity speaks to Craig’s passion and the amount of professional admiration he has earned with the NCAA.”

Hyde managed the pressure of knowing he was dealing in high-stakes national competition by “realizing you are here because you are highly skilled in your craft and not getting caught up on the magnitude of the outcome, based on a certain call.”

“I concentrated on my focus and taking my time on each call,” and “blanking out the crowds.”

Hyde got in the umpiring business through his father, who trained him in the craft. He’s done pretty well. He is an inductee of the Central Alabama Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame, and credits his wife Mary Ann and other family members for his success.

Craig Hyde at the Women’s College World Series. (contributed)

“I’ve been on the diamond as a bat boy, player, coach or umpire for 57 years,” he said. “My nonprofessional life has revolved around the baseball/softball diamond.”

Hyde said most people don’t know that hundreds of Alabama Power employees officiate all kinds of sports.

“I look at it as giving back to our communities we serve,” Hyde said. “Athletics builds character, competitiveness, sportsmanship, learning how to win and lose properly; all life lessons.”

“I’m fortunate Alabama Power supports community involvement in such a vigorous manner,” he said.

Hyde isn’t the only Alabama Power connection in the tournament. Kasey Cooper on the Auburn team is the daughter of Peppi Cooper, the training support manager at Alabama Power’s Plant Farley. Sydne Waldrop, an outfielder for the Auburn Tigers, is the daughter of Denis Waldrop in Shoreline Management’s Ragland office.