Steve Raasch

Steve Raasch – Joliet, IL

Steve began his 18-year umpiring career in 1995. He was still a softball player and won a bet with Tim Johnson (former State UIC & WCSU scheduler) about a ruling made that night on the field. Tim suggested that he become an umpire. Steve continued as a player and umpire until 1997, when he focused solely on umpiring. He stepped away from umpiring in 2013, as his regular job required traveling.

"During my career, I had the pleasure of working with several great mentors: Tom Seddon HOF 2009, Tim Johnson, and Jerry Henry HOF 2018." What started out as seeking a way to earn some extra cash grew into meeting and working with some great umpires, lasting friendships, and a lot of fun. The main group of friends that traveled together for tournaments included Hall of Fame Umpires Tom Seddon 2009, Mike Mackey 2011, Adrain Foster 2018, Tim Sewing 2023, and Stan Craven 2023.

"I prided myself on knowing the rules every year. Some of my friends referred to me as the walking rule book," Steve said.

Some highlights of Steve's career include being awarded the 2007 Illinois Umpire in Chief Award and being invited to work State, National and World Tournaments. Steve was also a member of the original Joliet "World Umpire Crew" who worked the Men's and Women's World Tournaments at Disney Wide World of Sports every September with Tommy Seddon, Mike Mackey and Tim Sewing from 2004-2009.

"I am honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with so many great umpires who have paved the way before me," he said.