Region 1 |

Katie Rufo, USA Softball of Massachusetts, has spent a considerable amount of her life on a softball field, not only as an umpire but as a stellar softball player and coach as well. She achieved multiple top ten records as a player before becoming a coach for a local Junior Varsity team. Rufo began her umpiring career in USA Softball recreation leagues and was awarded the Thomas Carmody Award for Character, Spirit, and Community Service in 2018. She was recently named the assistant coach for Wellesley College Softball and will continue to umpire local USA Softball events.

Greg Merkle, USA Softball of New York, began his USA Softball umpiring career in 1981 alongside his father, David Merkle, in the Buffalo Umpire Association under the leadership of George Smith. Both Smith and his father taught Greg discipline and how to wear the uniform proudly; something he has never forgotten.

He is entering his 39^th year of umpiring and continues to enjoy it just as much as he did when he first started. Greg has umpired many of the top local tournaments and looks forward to many more years of being called “Blue”!

Eric Keller, USA Softball of New York, has been a USA Softball umpire for seven years and has had the opportunity to work two USA Softball National Championship events. At the 2019 14U “B” Eastern National Championship, Eric and his partner had the opportunity to help a young lady who had been very ill reunite with her teammates and “participate” in the plate meeting with her coaches. What a great example of sportsmanship by coaches, young softball players and USA Softball umpires!

Kevin Quinn, USA Softball of New York, has been a USA Softball umpire for 15 years and has worked two USA Softball National Championship events.

Kevin partnered with Eric Keller at the 2019 14U "B" Eastern National Championship. In providing a memorable experience for a young lady who had previously been very ill, Kevin gave the young lady the opportunity to “make the call” during the coin toss. As a result, the beginning of this softball game became an inspiring example of sportsmanship by the coaches, young softball players and USA Softball umpires!

Tim Hamilton is a 14-year USA Softball of New York umpire who also serves as a Deputy Umpire-In-Chief (UIC). Tim has attended two National Umpire Schools as well as the Advanced Slow & Fast Pitch Camps. He has had the opportunity to work several USA Softball National Championships including the 2019 Canadian Men’s National Slow Pitch Championship in New Brunswick. Tim is also working well over 200 local softball games in the Western New York area.

Bill Welch, USA Softball of New Hampshire, is a true role model for all New Hampshire umpires. He is always prepared for every assignment by studying the rules, dressing professionally on the field, and working well with his partners. New Hampshire admires Bill’s willingness to give back to their program as he is always available to help with clinics and partner with newer umpires.

Jordan Koskamp is a USA Softball of Florida Umpire who has also umpired in Iowa, Texas, and currently in Florida.  Jordan grew up loving every sport he played; however, he had limitations from an early age that many others do not experience.

Jordan grew up with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis from early infancy.  Doctors and Rheumatologists suggested that Jordan stick to sports that are easier on the joints, such as water activities that do not apply pressure and contact.  But Jordan couldn’t be led away from what he loves to do in life, which include coaching basketball and umpiring softball.

Jordan loves USA softball because it gives him the opportunity to partake in an important role in competitive athletics. Above all, Jordan enjoys the competition and how meaningful each and every game is to him. He knows that he won’t always be able to umpire the game, so he enjoys the moments he has now while he can. Sports truly are an integral part of life for so many people, and for Jordan, being able to play a crucial part in that journey for young athletes is more than worth it. 

John Royster and Gayle Goodman, both from USA Softball of Texas, are seen here claiming their Local Association Award for Umpire of the Year in Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch. They are both outstanding umpires as well as instructors, Umpires-In-Command, and mentors for their umpire association and also work to give back to their communities in every way possible.

John is a Marine Veteran and Gayle is a Chaplin of the Sunrise Optima Club.

Son Gabriel Frias and father George Frias, USA Softball of KC Metro umpires, officiated together at the Heartland World Series in Kansas City, Kan.

USA Softball of KC Metro umpires Greg Escobar, Jr. from Kansas City, Mo. and Greg Escobar, Sr. from Topeka, Kan. took the field together at the Heartland World Series.

Pete Jackson and his two sons Garren and Grayden Jackson, USA Softball of KC Metro umpires, officiated together at the Heartland World Series Warmup.

Left to Right: Trinity (Daughter), Mike (Dad), Miranda (Daughter), Annette (Mom), Cody (Son)

The Burgoon Family, a USA Softball of KC Metro umpire family of five, umpired together at the Heartland World Series.