Brown started umpiring fast pitch in 1962. Starting in the mid seventies Brown took his keen eye and command of the game's rules to a the slow pitch sport that was fast gaining popularity. He was, says his son, "quick to embrace it."

"He especially liked slow pitch," said Jeff, "because it gave every player a chance to be involved and have fun."

Approaching his 65th birthday and still active after a quarter century in USSSA softball, Brown has umpired nearly every state tournament played in Rockford and the surrounding area in that time. By Jeff's rough estimate, Brown has umpired some 7,000 games.

A former State Umpire-in Chief, Brown has also conducted numerous umpire clinics over the same period.

"I can only say it's a real honor," says Brown. Not that he got into the game for any honors. "I didn't then and I don't now do it for any honors. I got into it because I love doing it- the games and the
people."

"This is just a bonus. I appreciate it, but it isn't going to change my way of doing things." Jeffrey tells an anecdote that reflects both his father's dedication and his toughness.

"One Saturday he was behind the plate and a player swung a 2-piece bat. It separated and hit my dad. He was knocked out cold and taken to the hospital," Jeffrey recalls. "On Sunday he was behind the plate for the championship game."

Says his son, "I think his great success as an umpire is greatly due to the fact that he knows the game is fundamentally about players enjoying competition, and he has always prided himself on just trying to enhance that enjoyment. The deep respect he has for players, coaches and fellow umpires always shows."

"His reward has always come from doing the job well and seeing people enjoy the game."

The Illinois USSSA is pleased to return a measure of that respect to Paul as he becomes the very first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.