2022 Umpire: Keith Tillman

Keith Tillman, Merriville, IN

I was born on the south side of Chicago to Genevieve and Howard Tillman. As an infant, my family transitioned to Gary, IN, where I lived for most of my life. I now live in Merrillville, IN and I’m married to Karen D. Fitzgerald-Tillman. I have a daughter Angel, a son Eric, and four grandchildren. I also have a host of nieces and nephews.

At a young age, sports became my best friend. Baseball being my top choice, led me to make history by playing in the 1971 Little League World Series Championship game. This was a first in Little League World Series competition when an all-black American team participated in the World Series. One of my teammates was Lloyd McClendon who went on to play and coach in the MLB.

Continuing to excel in baseball, the passion for becoming a sports official began to take over my thoughts. I got a chance to start officiating in 1986. While still playing and officiating during the mid-90s. I met my mentor Willis Miles (2012 IL USSSA Hall of Fame) and later Raymond Johnson another Hall of Fame official. They became my first official crew.

While working with these two officials, I was part of several fast-pitch World Series ranging from the kids to Women’s World Series. Being able to participate in those games was the best feeling ever. Because of my experiences, I have had the great fortune of experiencing the NCAA at the Division I level. I have traveled all over the USA doing what I love to do. (Being the best official I can be). It is not a job when you love what you do.

A note from the former IL State Director, Brenda Paulson: When Ken Franzen and Ken Paulson were Tournament Directors at the World Series events held in Rockford, IL, if Keith wasn’t in the finals, they wanted to know why not. It didn’t matter if the tournament was a 10U qualifying, State or World Series or the Women’s World Series, Keith gave it his all in each game. Always with a smile and maybe a little instruction to those younger teams.

Keith was an integral part of Willis Miles’ Chicago Metro Umpire’s Association that was formed due to the necessity of umpires needed for the IL USSSA tournaments that were boycotted by other associations. If it was not for this great organization and 30+ officials, IL USSSA fastpitch would not have developed in the state of Illinois.

Illinois USSSA owes Willis Miles, Keith Tillman, Thornton Lee (2016) and all of these umpires our debt of gratitude. Thank you so much!!!

2022 Umpire: Tim Sewing

Tim Sewing, Joilet, IL

My first experience with umpiring took place in 1982 at Crowther Field in Romeoville, IL. I was playing in the 6:30 game and the umpire had an emergency and didn’t show for the game. So, Dick Bartel, who at the time was running the field, umpired our game. After the game, he asked me if I would stay and umpire the last three games. When I was done, Dick and Teena Mackey (fellow 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee) asked me if I wanted to do some umpiring for the Joliet Park District. I accepted their offer and worked the rest of the season.

I continued playing regularly so I stopped umpiring for awhile. Teams I played with for over 25 years were Jim’s Peppers, Joann’s HickoryHut, The End Zone, and Darcy’s Motors.

I began umpiring fulltime in 1994, doing league nights at Inwood Sports Complex for the Joliet Park District. By 1996 I was umpiring State Tournaments, NITs and Divisional Championship Tournaments in both Rockford and Joliet.

In 2005, we got an umpire group together consisting of Tommy Seddon, Mike Mackey, Jeff Myles, Adrain Foster, Steve Raasch (Stan Craven replaced Steve later), and went to Kissimmee, FL to umpire the USSSA World Series events. The days and nights were long as we worked all classes of both Men’s and Women’s games and sometimes, working both in the same day. Don’t worry, we worked long hours, but we always found the time to have fun. (“Just gotta have fun” as Tommy would say).

I’ve always tried to be respectful to the players while performing and looking professional. The mentoring I received from Jerry Henry (2003 Hall of Famer) and Tim Johnson; Joliet Area Umpire assignor helped me become a better umpire.

I would like to thank my wife, Patty, my son Jeffery and my daughters, Emily and Karolyn. Without their support, I would never have received this humbling honor.