John Gianuzzi

 

 

Elected : USSSA New York Hall Of Fame in 2010
Inducted : 2011, Syracuser, NY

 

John began his umpiring career in the mid 1960’s as a member of the Central New York Softball Umpires Association.  When John first starting umpiring, Fast Pitch was still very popular in the City of Syracuse program and he regularly did both Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch.  John’s hustle and control of the game, soon earned him a reputation as one of the better Umpires in the Association and teams looked forward to seeing John officiate their games. During his career he officiated in many League Championships, Local, State and National Tournaments.  John could always be counted on to do the Championship Game.

His leadership was instrumental in his election to the Associations Executive Board soon into his career and he remained a member until his retirement in 1988.  In addition he also served as the Association President and filled in occasionally as the Assignor.  He was looked up to each year by the new officials as someone who was always willing to listen and help them in any way he could.

In 1975 John organized the 1stSchaffer Softball Tournament, which was played at Barry Park. The following year it was moved to MeacheamPark, as more fields were needed.  Over the next 8 years, he was instrumental in this Tournament being recognized as “THE TOURNAMENT” in Central New York. Teams regularly came from Buffalo, Ithaca, Binghamton and Albany to play in the Tournament.  In 1983 the Tournament changed sponsors to Miller and moved to Hopkins Road Park in Liverpool, where it had a successful run until the early 90’s. 

John’s family would like to thank the Directors, Organizers and Selection Committee for his selection and induction into the New York State USSSA Hall of Fame.