Dick Kratz

 

Elected : USSSA New York Hall Of Fame in 2012
Inducted : March 2013 , Rochester, NY 

Dick, a native of Central New York, has been both a player and umpire for over 50 years.  During his playing days as a “fast  pitch pitcher” he was always in demand and actively played for almost 33 years.

He played for many local taverns, a local flower shop and with the Syracuse Seniors, where he played in two World Series.  As a member of the United States Air Forces “Boys from Syracuse” he toured throughout Europe as the teams pitcher.

Dick began umpiring in 1963 and although retired is still active in the Association today. His dedication to the game he loves often found him arriving early at tournament sites to help prepare the fields or man the hotdog stand. One season, he asked to fill in for the Umpire-in-Chief due to illness, a role he really enjoyed.

Recently, Dick was suddenly told he needed triple by-pass heart surgery. He was asked to rest quietly until the surgery could be scheduled in just a few days.  What did he do? Upon leaving the doctor’s office he raced home and changed clothes and umpired a double header that evening. Yet another sure sign of his dedication to both the Association and the sport.

Today, Dick remains active in the active in Association and is honor to be recognized for his achievements. He would like to thank the USSSA and the Central New York umpires for their years of support.