Ed’s has passion for softball can easily be measured in years. Born in 1935 he played the game in his younger days, CYO, as an employee in the Post Office league, and high-level softball at Holstein Park. Then a career as an umpire that started in 1970 – 7 decades in total. Clarendon, Athletic Field, Humboldt Park, Portage, Independence, Mather, Riis, Oriole, Horner, Hamlin, and Grant Parks to name a few of his umpire assignments. AD’s would request Ed at their parks nightly. He was usually assigned the “game of the week” nightly that attracted the crowds and the importance of that game always drove him to hustle more…he was known to not stand behind the plate and was accurate. The huge rivalries at local parks were intense to say the least. Weekend tournaments were also his home from start to title games. Ed is now doing the games of the grandchildren of many former players. Even great grandchildren. He also refed 350 basketball games a year. His ability to communicate and relate to people of all ages over the years is amazing. He loves the game.
