Pete Dawkins began his softball career in 1955, playing at Washington Park, Avelon Park, and Rosenblum Parks. Pete played for eighteen years with such teams as the Huns, Ripplers, Hardaway’s and Royal Sportsmans. Once his playing days were over, Dawkins contributed to softball in 1971 by becoming one of the best umpires of his time. For the past 27 years Pete has been the head umpire at Garfield Park, Washington Park, the Sunday Budweiser League, Foster Park, and the Post Office League. Pete Dawkins has been employed at the Chicago Branch of the United States Post Office. He lives on the Southside with his son, Rodney.