2009 Umpire: Tom Seddon

Tom Seddon

When Tom began his umpiring career, he really didn’t plan on doing it very long. He just did it to make a little extra cash to support his six-day-a-week softball playing habits. Little did he realize at the time that Dave Hauseman, who introduced him to umpiring, and Irv Porter, who provided him State Tournament experience, were opening a path for him to the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.

As he found fortune and enjoyment from umpiring during the past 20 years, his playing time dwindled. He was umpiring numerous tournaments including the Women’s Class “A” NIT tournaments in Rockford, the Men’s NIT in Joliet, the Men’s IL State tournaments, the Women’s Class “A” World Series in Kentucky, the Women’s Class B & Class D Worlds, the Championship game of the Women’s Class C World Tournament at Disney in Orlando, and the Men’s “Class B, Class C & Class D” World Tournaments in Orlando.

Tom still umpires three nights a week while returning to the diamond to play co-ed with one of his daughters, and to stay close to the game that has been a huge part of his life. Tom admits, “I just love softball!”

Well Tom, for all of those hot days you have suffered through behind the plate to provide fair play to so many and to the USSSA game, softball loves you too by welcoming you into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.