2023 Umpire: Bruce Runkle, Sr.

During the past 40 years I have worn several different uniforms starting in 1982 in Yorkville when I was playing in a fast pitch league. I was approached by John “Smiley” Sturgill (IL 2007 Hall of Famer), coach and umpire. He asked me if I would consider playing for his new team “The Boyz” in a USSSA league in Plano. My first reaction was, what the heck is U triple S A? Back then all we knew was ASA around the Aurora area. “The Boyz” went on to win the IL USSSA Class C State Championship in 1986.  

In 1989, my partner and I started Yorkville Glass, and we sponsored a USSSA team for five years. I grew to realize why I favored USSSA. They were a lot more competitive because they had different levels of divisions.  

My love for the sport afforded me the opportunity to play on many different local and national slow pitch as well as fast pitch teams which spanned from 1980-2008, playing fast pitch for the Tiger Club, formerly known as the Sealmasters.   

In addition to working full time, my men’s slow pitch umpiring career started in 1982 working games in Plano, Oswego, Aurora, and tournaments every weekend at Plano, St. Charles, Aurora, Carol Stream, or Joliet. Working over 250 games a season. 

I then had the honor of working all levels of state tournaments in Rockford, both men and women. In 1999, I was honored by receiving the Umpire in Chief Award from Brenda Paulson. 

“Bruce was instrumental during the early years of fast pitch in Rockford. He brought other umpires from his area to Rockford, and they would take care of one of either Forest Hills or Harlem. I’m truly indebted to Bruce and his fellow umpires,” said Paulson. 

In 1995, Brenda introduced girls USSSA fast pitch to Illinois. I was very fortunate to be part of this wonderful, new endeavor. From 1995 to 2004, I acted as an Umpire in Chief for girls’ fast pitch at Forest Hills Diamonds and Harlem’s Sports Complex. 

In 2008 – 2013, I was an assistant Site Director for Joliet USSSA girls’ fast pitch tournaments. I continued to umpire until 2022 when I suffered a second heart attack and required open heart surgery. After this surgery my cardiologist suggested it would not be advisable to take a foul tip off my wired rib cage, so I had to give up my umpiring career.  

My fondest memories come from helping to break in new, young umpires which included my daughter Brandy, son-in-law Rob, and son Bradley. I also had the opportunity to play several seasons with all three of my sons in the infield, Bruce Jr. at 3B, Brett at SS, Brian at 2B and me at 1B.  

I’m grateful for all the memories of friends and people that I met in the USSSA family. 

My philosophy I lived by at every game was If you as an umpire worked a game, hustled and were fair and consistent and left the game without anybody ever knowing you were there, you did your job! 

These days my wife and I spend our winters at our home in Florida where I golf and play softball on a 65 and over men’s slow pitch league and my wife and I enjoy playing pickleball.  

2023 Umpire: Stan Craven

I began my umpiring journey in 2001 in Joliet, IL.   That passion quickly grew into supporting several local leagues in Joliet, Plainfield, Romeoville, and Lockport. 

Prior to umpiring, I enjoyed playing for local teams such as H&H Roofing (Jimmy Hensely) D'arcy Olds (Ray Keto) Local 150 (Tom Gruben) Stone City (Joe Mutz) and a few other teams with the Poplawski. 

It wasn’t long before my love of the game switched over to the other side, maintaining the rules of the sport.  

In my career, I had the opportunity to umpire with the likes of Tommy Seddon “who will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts” Mike Mackey, Adrain Foster, Tim Sewing, Brett Wing and Jeffery Myles to name a few. 

I gave 110 % when I was on the field umpiring. I took great pride in the responsibilities, maintained a professional attitude, and most importantly, always respected the players. 

My umpiring adventures have taken me to local, State and National tournaments throughout Illinois then ultimately to Florida at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports for the Worlds. 

My favorite times were spent umpiring the local city tournament.  Being local gave us an opportunity to make it a family event.  These times I was able to umpire alongside my son Bobby Craven and my Daughter Megan Vuckovich would do the 50/50 raffle. 

I now live in South Carolina with Dr. Victoria St. Germain and enjoy life on the beach and on the lake. I have extremely supportive parents and siblings. Also, I have four grandchildren Adalyn Craven, Victoria Vuckovich, Elliott Craven and Kent Oliver Vuckovich and they're all proud that grandpa is to receive this honor. 

Thank you, it truly is my pleasure to follow other great Joliet Umpires and Players into the Hall of Fame. 

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.

2019 Umpire: Kevin Bethard

Kevin Bethard

Kevin has been walking on to softball fields for 39 years and the last 28 in Red and Black. He has never been prouder to wear a uniform or do a job day-in and day-out. In 1996, Brenda Paulson gave him and Tom Seddon the chance to umpire in the Women’s Major “A” NIT in Rockford. Since that time, he has done many Divisional and National tournaments, upwards of 60 State tournaments and approximately 7,000 league games. Working in the Joliet and Rockford areas has allowed him to umpire with some of the very best around. Kevin went to 10 National Clinics held in Rockford and late began working as a trainer in clinics all over northern Illinois.

The highlight of his career is receiving this honor of being inducted into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame. But the biggest accomplishment for Bethard is to watch umpires he has trained go from nervous rookies and scared of walking on to the field to seasoned veterans who can walk on to the National stage and handle any situation with poise and professionalism.

When asked what it takes to be a successful umpire Kevin responded, “Be a professional. Hold yourself accountable to know the rules, be in a position to make the call and give the rec league team all the effort you give the Majors. You are being paid to do a job. Go out and do it like it is your only job in the world and not just a way to pick up a few extra bucks. Be in control and take pride in what you do.”

Every spring for 39 years, Bethard asked himself one question, “How am I going to improve as an umpire this season?” As a professional, you always need to ask that one question and then go out and answer it on the field of play. Kevin has always walked the walk and for this very reason, he is being honored into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.

2019 Umpire: Doug Livingston

Doug Livingston

USSSA and softball have been a part of my life since the 1970s. I have vivid memories of watching my dad, Holly, playing at the Ace of Diamonds. Ironically, the first league I played in would be 15 years later at the same diamonds with my first team, Cherry Bowl. In the 1980s, I kept score and did maintenance at Sportscore as my first job, while watching some of the best players the Rockford area had ever seen. In the 1990s, I played several league nights a week at Forest Hills, Ace of Diamonds, Searles Park, Marinelli Field, Sportscore and other parks, while playing tournaments around the state and country most weekends.

Some highlights of my playing days include: hitting four home runs in a game, winning five Byronfest tournaments with The Lithuanian Club, winning the C State Championship at Forest Hills in 2000 with The Lithuanian Club, winning the 2006 C State Championship in Joliet with Souse’s and earning MVP, and earning Offensive MVP with Neighbors in the 2009 D State Tournament at Forest Hills (this is special because it was my last year and I played with and for my favorite coach, my brother, Derek). I was fortunate to pitch for some legendary teams.

Umpiring started for me in 2001, and almost 5,000 games later, it has been more rewarding than I could have imagined! Some highlights include: umping two no-hitters in the same week – one was a Tuesday men’s league night at Forest Hills and the other was the next Saturday in Detroit, MI when an A team no-hit Major team. I have also been chosen to umpire over 20 State and National championship games, traveled to Michigan and Florida for 14 World Tournaments, while doing the Championship games for the A and E levels, and in 2017, umpiring the plate for the Majors in the Windy City Championship. 

I have umped with my own motto, “To ump every game like I wanted as a player.” None of this would have been possible without the support of my wife of 25 years, Kim, my kids, Nicole and Nolan, and all the great players and umpires that have taught me so much. Thank you for this honor.

2018 Umpire: Adrain Foster

Adrain Foster

Adrain “Sonny” Foster began his umpiring quest 20 years ago in DeKalb, Illinois under the tutelage of Jeff Myles from the DeKalb Park District. At that time, little did he know that his desire to earn a little extra cash would guide him toward the highest level of softball umpiring.

A relocation to Joliet a few years later provided numerous opportunities for him to learn from veteran umpires that helped him earn Illinois USSSA Umpire of the Year honors in 2005. This honor provided him confidence to conduct umpire clinics for new umpires in the USSSA organization.

Foster’s umpiring expertise allowed him to be assigned to both Men’s and Women’s State and National level tournaments at numerous different locations. In 2007, he reached the umpiring mountain top when he was assigned to officiate in his first World Series in Orlando, Florida. In 2013, he was honored by being assigned the home plate duties in the Women’s Class B Championship game.

Since that time, Foster has become a fixture at World Tournament play in Orlando, and this year at the new 15-field USSSA Space Coast Stadium Complex at Viera, Florida. It seems that he has made more trips to Disney World than Mickey Mouse, as his long journey from Urbana, Arkansas to umpire a sport he knew little about.

Just because he wanted to earn a few extra bucks, Foster has found something worth a whole lot more in friendships, enjoyment and success.

We add recognition to his resume as he enters the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame for a job well done.

1996 Umpire: Chuck Tarlton

Chuck Tarlton

The first USSSA Northern Umpire-In-Chief, Chuck Tarlton developed the umpire instructional clinic as it is operated today, and brought many of today’s top USSSA umpires to the program.

1996 Umpire: Vic DiGiovanni

Vic DiGiovanni

With over a 23-year umpiring career, Vic DiGiovanni established a reputation for hustle and loud, decisive calls. He was the first Illinois umpire to work the plate at a USSSA Men’s Major World in 1985.

1998 Umpire: L.N. "Milt" Morse

L.N. “Milt” Morse

A 23-year veteran of USSSA umpiring who has found the time to give back to the game of softball, L.N. “Milt” Morse would umpire wherever softball was being played in the summer and traveled the state of Illinois during the 80s teaching umpire clinics each spring. He always had a friendly smile and took the time to say hello not only to his fellow umpires, but to the players and their children too. He knew that the game of softball, which provided him with some extra income, would not exist without the players and fans of the game.

He attended USSSA National Umpiring Clinics in Nashville, Tennessee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chicago and Rockford. He was selected to work in 17 consecutive USSSA Women’s National Invitational Tournaments held annually in Rockford.

Morse was also selected to work the USSSA Men’s Class B World Tournament in St. Louis, Missouri in 1979. This gave him the opportunity to see how umpires from other areas around the Midwest worked the game of softball. If Rockford was the host site for a USSSA tournament over Labor Day weekend, you could be sure Morse would be selected to umpire the prestigious event.

Sportsmanship has always been the number one item on his agenda as an umpire. He demanded the rules be observed and fair play was given to both teams. Sportsmanship would be required from not only both teams, but from himself at all times.

Morse’s love of the game of softball has kept him near the game he wants to be associated with. He has found that the Illinois USSSA tries to run all their events at a top-notch level. He feels that the Illinois USSSA takes the time and gives the effort to teach and train their umpires so quality remains each and every year, even after some of the top umpires have decided to step down from umpiring.

2000 Umpire: Bob Parvin

Bob Parvin

In his nearly 20 years of service to the USSSA, Bob Parvin umpired all over the country in NITs and World Tournaments and in every Illinois State Tournament. He averaged some 250 games a season and one year logged 523 games. On one occasion, Parvin umpired a dozen games in a row.

Recognized by umpires, players, managers and complex owners alike as the best umpire in the state, he was a commanding presence on the field. That last five years of his career, Parvin served as Illinois USSSA Umpire-in-Chief, supervising countless umpire clinics. Most of today’s top USSSA umpires were developed under his tutelage.

“You have to love the game and like people, in my opinion,” Parvin said. “I was around friends, people with the same interests as me, and around a sport I grew up with and loved.”

Parvin is quick to acknowledge two people in particular as helpful in his career.

“Ken Franzen was most instrumental in my career,” he said. “If my son could grow up to be like Ken, I’d be pleased.”

Parvin went on to thank Ken Paulson as well.

“He [Ken Paulson] knows the rules as well as anyone I’ve ever met,” he said.

In 1995, Parvin underwent multiple bypass surgery and retired from umpiring. He now owns and runs BJs, a Rockford sports bar, and stays connected to softball as a multi-team sponsor.

2001 Umpire: Joe Latin

Joe Latin

Umpire Joe Latin is no average Joe. Not physically, athletically or temperamentally.

In his 75 years on earth, many of the people who have been lucky enough to know Latin have been as deeply impressed with the strength of his character as with the strength of his body. For those blessed with raw physical power and superior athletic talent, he valued the power of his personality more. Always a gentleman, Latin was an even-tempered role model for all of those around him, both as a player and umpire.

Latin was a fast pitch player in his younger days, equally well known for being a hard throwing pitcher and a tremendously powerful hitter. Raised on a farm near Prescott, Arkansas, Latin learned early to tackle hard work head on.  It’s a lesson he’s never forgotten, and it is evident in everything he does on the softball field.

In his mid-40s, Latin still compared favorably to world heavyweight boxing champ Joe Frazier, with tremendous forearms and an almost identical build.

As his playing career started winding down in the mid-60s, Latin took to umpiring as a way of staying connected to the game. He preceded everyone in the present USSSA program, including longtime park supervisor, Bob Papich. Starting out as an ASA umpire, he moved to the USSSA in the early-70s and has been a fixture on the scene ever since.

“I love Joe Latin,” USSSA State Director Brenda Paulson said. “He’s a gentleman and one of the most consistent and even-tempered people I know. I could assign Joe to any game, any classification, anywhere and I knew he’d handle it.”

Bob Papich saw Latin umpire countless games and is equally complimentary.

“He’s the best, not only from the standpoint of longevity, but in his attitude towards the game and the players. He handles difficult situations extremely well and his ability to make the correct call is outstanding.”

Paying Latin perhaps the highest compliment and umpire can receive, Papich added, “He never cost anyone a ball game.”

The record reflects the USSSA’s faith in Joe Latin’s work ethic. He has umpired some 30 State Tournaments at every level, as well as 20 Worlds and NITs. Latin routinely traveled the state, covering tournaments wherever needed. Always showing up as scheduled, and always early so he’d be behind the plate when game time rolled around.

“From 8 a.m. to the last game if needed,” Papich said.

“He’s just a super person,” Forest Hill Diamond’s Director Ken Franzen said.

Along with Latin’s peaceful temperament, the longtime Rockford resident projected a sheer physical presence like few others.

“You didn’t argue with Joe,” Franzen said. “And all the players knew that.”

Franzen recalls the time an overwrought centerfielder took in on himself to rush in from centerfield to protest a call Latin had made at second base. As the young man approached, Latin calmly turned and asked him if he had a position to play in the game.

“Well, yes,” the man replied uncertainly.

“Fine,” Latin said. “I’m going to turn around and if you’re not standing there when I turn back around, you’re gone.”

The young many quickly retreated to his outfield post.

For all the people willing to sing Latin’s praises, Latin himself is not one of them. To him, doing a job well is simply part of accepting responsibility for that job.

“Anything I commit myself to, I do it,” Latin said matter-of-factly. “And I have fun doing it.”

2003 (Fall) Umpire: Jerry Henry

Jerry Henry

Jerry Henry started umpiring in 1980 after playing softball for 14 years at the Class B and C levels, and the USSSA has been all the better for it. He did not get into umpiring initially to help the USSSA, but to make extra cash in 1980. Joliet, where he started umping, had just joined the USSSA and that’s the same time Henry donned the red and black.

In 1984, Irv Porter, whom Henry already knew from playing softball together, thought he saw potential in the young ump and introduced him to the man who proved to be his mentor, Bob Parvin. Parvin had Henry umpire in a Class B tournament in Downers Grove with him. He liked his abilities and told Henry he could umpire for him any time he wanted. Parvin also said that if Henry ever wanted to umpire in the State finals, to give him a call.

Henry has done that and more in his USSSA career, logging 23 State, eight Divisional, 19 NIT and four World or National Tournaments.

“I always looked up to Bob, and judged my abilities according to his,” Henry said. “I think he was the greatest umpire that I have ever seen or been associated with.”

After all these years and all those tournaments, Henry still likes the pay and the working conditions.

“It’s an easy way to make money,” Henry said. “I mean, where can you work a part time job and make $16 an hour, be the boss and work out in the fresh air? Not bad.”

Of course, Henry still enjoys umping because he’s never lost his love of the game of softball.

“I felt that I had quit [playing] a little prematurely, but by umpiring, I am still close to the game and have never looked back on my decision to umpire,” Henry said.

Henry is humble when reflecting on his time as an umpire. “I guess people think that I am deserving because I have umpired in three World Series and several National and State tournaments,” he said.

For all his accomplishments, Henry said he’s never claimed to be a great umpire.

“I just always said that I would try to get in position and know the rules,” Henry said. “And that’s exactly what I try to teach the umpires in clinics in the state of Illinois. I have always looked at umpiring as a job and a way to have a little fun in the process.”

Besides Bob Parvin and Irv Porter, one other person th9ings Henry has indeed managed to “get in position and know the rules” pretty well – Illinois USSSA State Director Brenda Paulson.

“Jerry’s been one of our best umpires for years now,” Paulson said, adding that his contributions go beyond umping. “He’s been one of our best directors since 1988. Even though we tend to disagree sometimes, we still manage to work it out. He’s been instrumental to the growth and success of the USSSA program.

It’s now time for Jerry to step up to the podium and thank Bob Parvin and all those who influenced him as we officially welcome him into the ranks of the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.

2005 Umpire: Irv Porter

Irv Porter

During the past 40 years, Irv Porter has worn many different uniforms, starting as a player for 18 years on teams that won four State Titles and played in nine World Tournaments. Porter has also been an Area Director and the first Northern Illinois Regional Director for the Illinois USSSA, along with his current position as umpire.

This year, Porter completed his 20th year of umpiring, which has included calling games at seven different World Tournaments. He has also attended numerous USSSA National Umpire Clinics and has also taught at these clinics for over ten years.

“As an umpire, Irv approaches the game the way he did as a player, with hustle, dedication and determination,” Bob Papich, a 2002 Hall of Fame inductee, said. “It made little difference to him if it were [sic] co-rec or a women’s game, the hustle was and is always there.”

Porter has co-authored two USSSA rule changes with Illinois USSSA State Director Brenda Paulson that were passed and became USSSA National rules. The first, which allows a team to start and finish a game with a minimum of nine players and the home run penalties used in the Men’s programs.

“Many of the Hall of Fame athletes have had Irv as an umpire. You may not have always agreed with his calls, but you cannot second guess effort to give you the best game he could give you at that time.”

— Bob Papich

“Irv has added more to the Illinois By-Laws and Playing Rules than any other Director,” Paulson said. “Irv has always tried to change the game for the betterment of its participants. Irv’s enthusiasm has always been contagious.”

The Illinois Softball Report that Porter started in the spring of 1997 has since been converted to a web-based publication as of the fall of 2002. The Internet has allowed I.S.R. to bring the softball player tournament results, including tournament recaps, game photos and upcoming tournament brackets, in a faster manner.

From Major to the Class E level, Irv is always prepared to do his job, willing to go anywhere at any time to umpire. This also helped him be inducted into another association’s 16-inch Illinois Hall of Fame.

“Many of the Hall of Fame athletes have had Irv as an umpire,” Papich said. “You may not have always agreed with his calls, but you cannot second guess effort to give you the best game he could give you at that time.”

Irv Porter’s induction into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame as an umpire is well-deserved due to his dedication to the game of softball.

2007 Umpire: Marc Musser

Marc Musser

Anyone who has ever officiated a sporting event at any level will tell you it is not as easy as it looks and you can never make everybody happy all the time.

For 17 years, Joliet’s Marc “Muss” Musser umpired USSSA softball and he made his job look like a walk in the park, even though he may not have pleased all the player and coaches along the way. He started umpiring in 1984 and attended the USSSA National Umpire Clinics from 1984 through 1990. In 1985, he joined the Joliet Park District, which later became USSSA affiliated. He retired in 2001.

Marc umpired many State Tournaments over his career, which included Classes A through E in the Men’s program and Classes B, C and D in the Women’s program in Joliet, Downers Grove and Rockford. He also did USSSA Divisional Tournaments and a Class A Women’s NIT in Rockford.

Marc listed a title game in the late 1980s or early 19902 between two rival teams from Joliet and Rockford as a memorable game he umpired. As the home plate umpire, this game may have been one of the shortest in which he was involved.

“One the first pitch of the game, a Joliet player hit a grounder back at the pitcher and was out,” recalled Musser. “The player returned to the dugout and threw his bat against the fence and was ejected. With no one to take his place, the game ended in a forfeit with only one pitch being thrown. Needless to say, I heard about this situation in Joliet for years to come.”

Over the years, Musser felt the USSSA did things the right way.

“I was always impressed with the way the USSSA (namely in Rockford) ran the program in Illinois, especially Brenda Paulson,” Musser said. “I played softball in the early 70s in another association and was very disappointed in their tournaments. Always enjoyed coming to Rockford to umpire.”

Along the way, Musser got to work with and learn from other umpires who have found their way into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.

“I very much enjoyed umpiring with fellow inductee (2006) Irv Porter,” Musser said. “He taught me a lot about the game. I remember he and I would sometimes call eight to ten games in a row at tournaments on a weekend.”

In 1991, he was awarded the highest honor for a season when he received the Illinois USSSA Umpire-in-Chief Award.

We honor an umpire who truly gave more to the game of softball than he received. Marc Musser will now have a special place in the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.

2009 Umpire: Mark Shields

Mark Shields

Mark Shields from Chester, Illinois will be the first one to tell anyone that when he began umpiring nearly 30 years ago, he was in it for the long haul.

His dedication to the game from behind the plate still continues, as he is still actively umpiring, while serving as Umpire-in-Chief in Southern Illinois.

With 21 active seasons of USSSA umpiring experience he said, “I have been very fortunate to umpire for the great leagues in Red Bud, Chester, and Evansville.”

Mark has earned the respect of many players from not only those Southern Illinois communities, but from those that have provided his professional approach to each contest at the nearly 30 state tournaments he has worked from Rockford to Peoria to Red Bud. While working these state tournaments, he recalls that they provided one of his most thrilling experiences, as he did the plate for the 1996 40 & Over Master’s State Championship game.

“Softball is a sport that cannot have a value placed on its reputation. Only for the love of the game can softball be proclaimed priceless.”

— Mark Shields

Mark’s most amusing situation while umpiring occurred when he was calling the plate for a team that had a 6’10” pitcher that consistently questioned his calls. With Mark measuring only 5’7”, the lanky pitcher approached Mark between innings, put his arm around him and asked, “Are you sure about those calls, little buddy?” No one really knows if Mark ever game him an answer.

His passion for his profession is evident as he states, “Softball is a sport that cannot have a value placed on its reputation. Only for the love of the game can softball be proclaimed priceless.” He also praises the USSSA program for its growth and dedication, while providing opportunities that he has enjoyed for many years.

We hope that his induction into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame makes him feel a little taller, as he stands above many in providing fairness, equality and integrity to the game.

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.

2013 Umpire: Dan Maloney

Dan Maloney

Dan began umpiring in 1965 and with the USSSA in the 1970s. Working mainly in the Joliet area, he umpired at all tournament and league levels of play while also doing many National Invitational Tournaments and State Tournaments. He also umpired at a USSSA 16-inch World Tournament held in Joliet.

According to fellow umpire Tim Johnson, “You could always depend on Dan to do his job and do it well.” He said, “I could always count on him because he knew the game. We called him Trigger because he was always in control of the game.”

Dan attended several state and national umpiring clinics to improve his umpiring talents and considers being able to umpire with his son Michael the highlight of his career.

He retired from umpiring in 2008.

2010 Umpire: Vernon Kueker

Vernon Kueker

Vernon began his umpiring career as an IHSA baseball official in the mid-1950s after playing both baseball and fastpitch softball at many Southern Illinois communities. Vernon recalls that his umpiring opportunities increased significantly after USSSA Director, Orvel Cox asked him to not only umpire, but to be the umpire-in-chief of the USSSA sanctioned slowpitch softball league in Red Bud. This not only jump started his umpiring career as one of the finest officials in Southern Illinois, but one of the most respected.

Vernon spent 15 years as a USSSA umpire, officiating numerous state level tournaments, which provided him his biggest umpiring honor as he umpired a National Tournament in Bridgeton, MO. At the tournament, Vernon recalls when the very first batter in the first game swung at the ball and his back swing struck the catcher in the back of the head. it made him realize that he needed to keep his distance as well.

Vernon also was involved in an incident during his umpiring career during a tournament at Red Bud, when a player slid into home plate and swallowed his tongue. With some medical knowledge and a quick response, Vernon suppressed the tongue enough with his indicator to open the player's airway, allowing emergency workers to get the player to the hospital. Later, Vernon learned that the player had returned to the ball diamond after his release to thank him for his quick actions, even though he had already departed.

Tonight, the Illinois USSSA thanks Vernon for his many years of umpiring excellence and in making the USSSA a leader of fair play.

2011 Umpire: Michael J. Mackey

Michael J. Mackey

Most everyone has heard the phrase, "I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." It must have been referring to Mike's umpire abilities, when asked if he had ever made a bad call, his response was, "No, never!"

Learning to be an excellent umpire in the Joliet area under the guidance of fellow umpires Mark Hall, Tim Johnson, Jerry Henry and Tom Seddon, led Mike to being chosen to umpire many state and national events at Rockford and Joliet during his 16-year career. His abilities later provided opportunities to umpire at World Series events at Fort Knox, Kentucky and Orlando, Florida.

Mike's strangest situation while umpiring occurred during the Women's Class B World Series, when a batter hit a basses loaded line drive up the middle to short centerfield. The fielder dove for the ball, but the attempt was ruled a trap by Mike's partner, who instantly signaled safe. The runners, however, held on all bases, resulting in the ball being thrown to third, second and first for a triple play!

When asked who some of the best players he had umpired were, he said, "Brian Schultz, Jim Cushing, Al Van Gampler and Dan Prater top his list."

Mike also acknowledges that his involvement with the USSSA has allowed him to travel around the country, have a lot of fun and meet many new friends. Tonight, it has allowed him to enter the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame as one of its finest umpires.