2019 Umpire: Kevin Bethard

Kevin Bethard

Kevin has been walking on to softball fields for 39 years and the last 28 in Red and Black. He has never been prouder to wear a uniform or do a job day-in and day-out. In 1996, Brenda Paulson gave him and Tom Seddon the chance to umpire in the Women’s Major “A” NIT in Rockford. Since that time, he has done many Divisional and National tournaments, upwards of 60 State tournaments and approximately 7,000 league games. Working in the Joliet and Rockford areas has allowed him to umpire with some of the very best around. Kevin went to 10 National Clinics held in Rockford and late began working as a trainer in clinics all over northern Illinois.

The highlight of his career is receiving this honor of being inducted into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame. But the biggest accomplishment for Bethard is to watch umpires he has trained go from nervous rookies and scared of walking on to the field to seasoned veterans who can walk on to the National stage and handle any situation with poise and professionalism.

When asked what it takes to be a successful umpire Kevin responded, “Be a professional. Hold yourself accountable to know the rules, be in a position to make the call and give the rec league team all the effort you give the Majors. You are being paid to do a job. Go out and do it like it is your only job in the world and not just a way to pick up a few extra bucks. Be in control and take pride in what you do.”

Every spring for 39 years, Bethard asked himself one question, “How am I going to improve as an umpire this season?” As a professional, you always need to ask that one question and then go out and answer it on the field of play. Kevin has always walked the walk and for this very reason, he is being honored into the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.

2019 Umpire: Doug Livingston

Doug Livingston

USSSA and softball have been a part of my life since the 1970s. I have vivid memories of watching my dad, Holly, playing at the Ace of Diamonds. Ironically, the first league I played in would be 15 years later at the same diamonds with my first team, Cherry Bowl. In the 1980s, I kept score and did maintenance at Sportscore as my first job, while watching some of the best players the Rockford area had ever seen. In the 1990s, I played several league nights a week at Forest Hills, Ace of Diamonds, Searles Park, Marinelli Field, Sportscore and other parks, while playing tournaments around the state and country most weekends.

Some highlights of my playing days include: hitting four home runs in a game, winning five Byronfest tournaments with The Lithuanian Club, winning the C State Championship at Forest Hills in 2000 with The Lithuanian Club, winning the 2006 C State Championship in Joliet with Souse’s and earning MVP, and earning Offensive MVP with Neighbors in the 2009 D State Tournament at Forest Hills (this is special because it was my last year and I played with and for my favorite coach, my brother, Derek). I was fortunate to pitch for some legendary teams.

Umpiring started for me in 2001, and almost 5,000 games later, it has been more rewarding than I could have imagined! Some highlights include: umping two no-hitters in the same week – one was a Tuesday men’s league night at Forest Hills and the other was the next Saturday in Detroit, MI when an A team no-hit Major team. I have also been chosen to umpire over 20 State and National championship games, traveled to Michigan and Florida for 14 World Tournaments, while doing the Championship games for the A and E levels, and in 2017, umpiring the plate for the Majors in the Windy City Championship. 

I have umped with my own motto, “To ump every game like I wanted as a player.” None of this would have been possible without the support of my wife of 25 years, Kim, my kids, Nicole and Nolan, and all the great players and umpires that have taught me so much. Thank you for this honor.