Seneca Sting women's fastpitch softball team manager Chris Aylott (right) enjoys a chuckle with the umpires prior to a home game vs. Cambrian College of Sudbury. Paul Speisman (left), who in the summer serves as Toronto-region umpire-in-chief, has been officiating in Ontario for 22 years.

 

 Sam Lipari (centre) is a remarkable story. Several years ago, he was honoured by Softball Ontario for completing 50 years of umpiring service. There's more. With Seneca's home games just completed, Sam has now logged 55 seasons wearing "the blue". As well, Sam is an original with Ontario Colleges Athletic Association fast-pitch softball. He was there on the job when the league began 25 years ago, back in 1982. Sam is a remarkable person and athlete in his own right, very fit for his age. He would have started umpiring when he was about 20 so it's not difficult to work out his 'young' age! He's friendly and helpful with the student athletes of all the teams, chatting with the batters and engaging in dialogue with the catchers.

 

Part of the job Chris Aylott does as Team Manager is to look after the umpires' needs, such as paying them! Sam and Chris have one more thing in common, both of them tragically lost their wives at the end of the 2006 season. During these tough times they have chatted and agreed that keeping on what they are doing is the right therapy.

 .