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 Joe Latin have been as deeply impressed with the strength of his character as with the strength of his body.  For though 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 Prescot, Ark., Latin learned early to tackle hard work head on. It's a lesson he's never forgotten, and it's evident in everything he does on the softball field.  

In his mid-1940s, 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-1960s, 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 ump, he moved to the USSSA in the early 1970s, and has been a fixture on the scene every since.  

"I love Joe Latin," says USSSA State director Brenda Paulson.  "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 ump countless games, and is equally complimentary.  "He's the best, not only from the stand point 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 said, "He never cost anyone a ballgame."  

The record reflects the USSSA's faith in 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, always early, so he'd be behind the plate when game time rolled around.  

As Papich puts it, "From 8 a.m. to the last game, if needed."  

"He's just a super person," offers Ken Franzen, formerly of Forest Hills Diamonds.  

Not that Latin was a pushover.  Along with his peaceful temperament, the long time Rockford resident projected a sheer physical presence like few others.  

"You don't argue with Joe," says Franzen, "and all the players knew that."  Franzen recalls the time an overwrought center fielder took it on himself to rush in from center field to protest a call Latin 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," said Latin.  "I'm going to turn around, and if you're not standing there when I turn back around, you're gone."  

The young man quickly retreated to his outfield spot.  

For all the people willing to sing Joe Latin's praises, Latin himself isn't 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," says Latin.  "And I have fun doing it."  

"Few people doubted Joe would be in the USSSA Hall of Fame," Bob Papich said.