Recognized Umpires

Metro Detroit ASA Recognized Umpires

Al Hortop 2009 Region 8 Award of Excellence

Al Hortop has been a registered ASA umpire for thirty-five years.  He served on the Metro Detroit umpire staff from 1979 to 1989 and is a member of the Detroit ASA Hall of Fame. During his tenure, he represented Detroit at five National UIC Clinics and was the UIC for numerous Metro Detroit and Regional Tournaments He served as Umpire Coordinator for the 1992 Men’s 35& Over Slow Pitch Nationals and the 1998 Girl’s 16 & Under JO Fast Pitch Nationals.    

Al was an outstanding umpire during his career and worked in leagues that included some of the best teams in the country. His ability, as an umpire, earned him several invitations to umpire in ASA national tournaments.  Although a medical condition prevented him from realizing that dream he has maintained his allegiance to the ASA.    

   
Al has been the softball league director and supervisor of umpires for the Rochester/Avon Recreation Department for over twenty years. The umpires under his direction are always well trained, properly attired and professional.  He is considered an expert of the rules and a master of the umpire manual.  His expertise as an instructor and clinician has been instrumental in the development of the Metro Detroit Umpire Educational Program.

Al has mentored many of Metro Detroit’s finest umpires.  His reputation, as a softball administrator, has gained him the respect of players and other league directors throughout the Detroit area.
It is truly an honor for us to present the Region Eight Award of Excellence to one of the best umpires in the history of Metro Detroit, Al Hortop. See Pictures from the Presentation>>>