Region 2 |

Ron Behrens has been umpiring Adult Slow Pitch and Junior Olympic Girls Fast Pitch for USA Softball of Ohio in District 7 since 1968. A Lancaster, Ohio resident, Behrens is well-liked by everyone in the area and District Commissioners Mendy and Bill Moore have appreciated his dedication, reliability, and dependability throughout his fifty-three-year career. They are honored to have Behrens as a great friend of USA Softball in Central/Southeast Ohio!

Region 2 |

USA Softball of Ohio’s Jerry Bower started umpiring both fast pitch and slow pitch right out of high school where he continued for 25 years, working the finals of many local tournaments in his area. After taking 20 years off to work basketball, he returned to softball and says he "loves every minute of it." Bower can be spotted on local league fields throughout the week and on tournament fields nearly every weekend interacting with players and coaches and doing what he enjoys.

Region 2 |

Jeff Bowman of USA Softball of Ohio has been umpiring in District 10 for 12 years. His interest in softball began while coaching his daughters in travel ball and high school before he began his umpiring career where he was later joined by one of his daughters. Bowman has umpired five USA Softball National Championships and two Ohio State High School Championships throughout his career, as well as various collegiate games. In addition to his hard work, Bowman credits many officials and instructors who have helped him along the way to help get him to where he is now.

Region 2 |

Ray Isla has been a member of USA Softball of Ohio in District 10 for 10 years after coaching and supporting his daughter throughout her softball career. His quick rise in umpiring led him to work three Ohio State High School Softball Championship games and six USA Softball National Championships, including several National Championship games at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City which was a highlight of his career. Isla gives back to the game by actively working with new umpires and teaching them mechanics, sharing his knowledge of the rules, and giving them the communication and game management tips they need to be successful.

Region 2 |

Chad Leach of USA Softball of Ohio started his umpire career over 20 years ago in local summer leagues. In 2005, Leach joined USA Softball at the urging of the late Sherman Jones who told him he would be a better umpire than a ball player. He later began umpiring high school softball in Ohio before being recommended to advance to the collegiate level. In addition to working in his local area, Leach travels to tournaments on the weekends throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Michigan. He especially enjoys being part of the USA Softball of Ohio group of umpires led by District Umpire-In-Chief Dennis Barney. “USA Softball has given me a lifetime of memories and fellowship in addition to many opportunities to learn and continue to advance my umpire abilities,” said Leach.

Region 4 |

Larry Higgins has been a part of USA Softball of Arkansas for four years. Higgins enjoys working local weekend tournaments and weeknight league games ranging from machine pitch to 18 Open. One of most well-liked umpires in the state, Larry stands out with his colorful collection of hockey-style masks – adding to the list of why USA Softball of Arkansas is proud to have him on the team.

Region 4 |

This group of umpires from USA Softball of Arkansas in District 2 is led by Umpire-In-Chief Jacob Shafer. They have several tournaments each year to promote USA Softball of Arkansas, and this district is one of the fasting growing districts in the state – partly because they bring a lot of young umpires into the program.

Region 6 |

A 25-year veteran of the sport, USA Softball of Illinois umpire Jon Hand has worked the very highest level in USA Softball as well as on the international stage. Hand was recently inducted into the USA Softball of Illinois Hall of Fame where he is pictured accepting his award alongside USA Softball of Illinois Umpire-In-Chief, Paul Tomazzoli. Hand is still extremely active in the game as he continually passes his knowledge and experience on to others.

Region 6 |

Matt Salisbury is a 14-year veteran slow pitch umpire for USA Softball of Michigan. Using his computer skills, Salisbury was especially helpful in conducting virtual clinics. Salisbury most recently umpired at the USA Softball Men’s Class C Slow Pitch National Championship in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Region 6 |

Frank Tew is a 25-year veteran umpire from USA Softball of Michigan who has been very helpful in umpiring all of levels of game from JO Fast Pitch to Adult Slow Pitch. This year, he added to his resume after working a Modified Pitch State Championship. Tew is a great asset to the USA Softball of Michigan umpire program.

Region 10 |

After a two-year hiatus due to the worldwide pandemic, USA Softball of San Francisco hosted the second annual Fleet Week Softball Tournament. Men and women from the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco Sheriff Department, and the Olympic Club gathered for a week full of fun and camaraderie. Pictured here are four USA Softball umpires who worked the games: Dave Mitchell, Anna Louie, Stacy Stobo, and Curtis Yee. 

Region 10 |

USA Softball of Southern California umpire James Guest says there’s no better way to enjoy a beautiful day than by umpiring some games and making memories with his granddaughter. Guest is a fantastic representation for USA Softball and the local SoCal leagues.

Region 10 |

USA Softball of Southern California is proud to congratulate Kreg Harsha for his induction to the NAGAAA Hall of Fame. Harsha is an outstanding umpire and an even better person. His recognition has not been overlooked and USA Softball of Southern California is fortunate to have such a marvelous individual within the umpire program.

Region 10 |

Mario Martinez has had a phenomenal year within USA Softball of Southern California. He was a standout at the State Tournament, the Champions Cup, and at the Alliance Championship. Martinez even found time to join the annual fundraiser, "Day in the Dirt", to work on his umpire mechanics. USA Softball of Southern California is glad to have Martinez in the program and looks forward to seeing him at every event.