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, while umpiring numerous tournaments to include; Women’s Class “A” NIT tournaments in Rockford for many years,  Men’s NIT’s in Joliet, Men’s IL State tournaments, Women’s Class “A”  World Series in Kentucky, the Women’s Class B & Class D Worlds and the Championship game of the Women’s Class C World Tournament at Disney in Orlando, FL in 2009, and the Men’s “Class B, Class C & Class D” World Tournaments in Orlando the past 4 years.

Tom still umpires 3 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 Hall Of Fame.