appearance. Rick has worked tirelessly to ensure that fellow future umpires receive the respect they deserve. He is also unafraid to correct a fellow umpire with constructive criticism, and does not feel the need to cow tow to coaches, players and athletic directors.

Rick has contributed time, money and effort to promote umpiring. He was the Massena rules interpreter from 1990 to 2003, and still helps out the current rules interpreter. He also assigns all regional American Legion and Babe Ruth baseball games throughout the Chapter during the summer. Rick will answer any and all questions regarding rules, and has purchased the rules books of all levels of baseball to help educate himself and those who come to him for advice.

On the state level, Rick has worked the NYS Baseball Championships on four occasions, representing the Massena Chapter. His guidance and professionalism during his games has rubbed off on those who have followed in his footsteps when working the state tournament. He also has worked the Empire State Games on three separate occasions, and this past summer (2006), Rick helped the Massena area land the American Legion Baseball District Tournament by lining up umpires and serving on the protest committee.

Rick also actively recruits new umpires for the chapter, using his influence and extensive oontacts to seek out those who will be a benefit to our local chapter and to the NYSBUA. He officiates four other sports on both the high school and collegiate level.

Rick's leadership has raised the bar in our chapter over his 30 plus years as a member. Whether it be uniform questions, ground rule concerns Our chapter remains strong because of his influence, even if he hasn't held an office (aside from interpreter) in it. His involvement in athletics of all kinds; baseball, softball, soccer, basketball and volleyball both around his hometown of Massena and statewide is well known, and he is universally respected in each and every sport he officiates.

Tony DeVivo Recipients