PROFILES PERSONALITIES PLUS Three Generations, Triple the Memories

What began as a father-son outing on Father’s Day five years ago became an even more special family event this year. A third umpiring member of the Simpson family from Washington state came onboard to create a crew of three.

O.J. Simpson and his son, Johnathan, found umpiring a baseball or softball game a great of us work together for at least a game.”

While Kyler is a newcomer, O.J. is a veteran of 32 years. “I have umpired because I enjoy it and started Kitsap Umpires Kamp,” he said. “My bride has put up with it because I didn’t realize I was gone all the time. We had three kids, and I would be at the field from 6 p.m. and get off the field at 11 p.m. and go home.” way to mark the holiday. The duo became a triumvirate when Johnathan’s 14-year-old son, Kyler, joined up this year.

Johnathan tries to work one game during the week but fills his weekends with as many as 12 games. He may have 200 assignments this season. O.J. knows all about busy schedules — he has had years in which he’s worked nearly 500 games.

Kyler hasn’t followed in those footsteps quite yet. In fact, baseball wasn’t his first sport. And his athletic activity isn’t confined to officiating; he is an active player.

The umpiring Simpsons from Washington state (from left), O.J., Kyler and Johnathan, worked a game together on Father’s Day. That kept alive a tradition O.J. and Johnathan began five years ago.

“It feels great that I can umpire with two great umpires in my dad and grandpa,” Kyler told the Bainbridge Island (Wash.) Review.

Kyler’s officiating career is just getting started but he is getting lots of help from his dad and granddad.

“We trained (Kyler) up, and he wanted to work with his dad,” O.J. said. “It is hard to work with his dad because (Kyler) lives in Seattle, and we are (in Silverdale, Wash.).

Kyler can only be with us on Sunday so I’m going to make sure the three

“Kyler started with refereeing football because he can learn how to play football better if he officiates it,” O.J. said. “He will know what to look for as an official, so as a player you know what they are doing.”

You could say Kyler is already paying it forward. Officiating is a worthwhile endeavor because he “enjoys helping the kids learn the game that they love to play. My dad and grandpa have inspired me to umpire. Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved watching them umpire and couldn’t wait to do it myself,” he said.

Johnathan passed up a chance to attend pro umpire school as a teenager, but would like to see Kyler do so after graduating from college. Whether or not that happens, the youngest umpiring Simpson is happy to be added to the Father’s Day tradition.

“I’m excited that I now get the chance to do it with two of the best umpires in the area and learn new things,” Kyler said. *

SOURCE: BAINBRIDGE ISLAND (WASH.) REVIEW

From an Air Force Uniform to an Umpire’s Uniform

Joe Marchino Kansas City, Mo.

When he’s on the diamond, people call him “Colonel Joe,” which is only fitting. Joe Marchino is a retired Air Force colonel who knows the qualities veterans possess make them excellent sports officials.

“Servicemembers and veterans in general have that temperament, they have the discipline, they have the professionalism,” Marchino said. He umpired Little League games in 1981 while on active duty in Oklahoma City but stopped after being stationed in Alaska. After retiring in 2016 and moving to Kansas City, Marchino got the itch to umpire again.

Officiating high school baseball and track and field have kept Marchino busy, helping to fill a void left when he retired from the Air Force.

SOURCE: MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

A Legendary Career Receives Recognition

Steve Hines Hampshire, W.Va.

It was fitting that Steve Hines was honored at an event called the Legends Tournament earlier this spring. It was there he received a plaque recognizing his 40 years as a baseball umpire. He started umpiring in 1974 while living in Utica, N.Y., but moved back to his native West Virginia two years later.

Hines and two compatriots, Moe Kruk and Dick Rotruck, formed the Mountaineer Umpire Association. Hines served as the state rule interpreter and training supervisor for four decades. In 2018, Hines’ status as a legend was sealed when he was inducted into the PenMar-W.Va. Baseball Hall of Fame.

SOURCE: HAMPSHIRE (W.VA.) REVIEW

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