Bill Rudd
2012
Fastpitch Softball
Bill Rudd is well known on local softball fields as a player, coach and umpire throughout Pierce County. From 1968 to 1988, he played for several teams in the Puyallup area and after coaching the slowpitch team at Rogers High School he subsequently started their fastpitch program. Rudd, a graduate of Highline High School ('61) and WSU ('67), has gone to the 2A state tournament four times and worked the state finals twice. He has been the National Federation Umpire-in-Chief for the Western Washington Umpires Association the last five years, where his responsibility is to make sure that school umpires are knowledgeable on the rules and regulations for the junior high/middle school and high school programs. He also observes others during the season to ensure that they are using the proper mechanics. After a successful teaching career in the Puyallup School District, he has devoted many hours to the United States Sports Specialty Association. Despite various knee operations he continues to be one of the best fast-pitch umpires in the local association.