Southington Honors Longtime Youth Baseball Umpire

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Let's face it, umpires are not usually beloved figures in the sporting scene and are, often, only known when a controversial call impacts a game.

Not so for long-time umpire Art Secondo of Southington, who was recently honored by the Southington Town Council for decades of service to his community.

On Oct. 11, the council unanimously approved a proclamation honoring Secondo for his work, which dates back to the mid-1960s.

Essentially, since Richard Nixon was president of the U.S., if a game played in Southington involved local youths, a bat and a ball, Secundo was there to umpire it.

But, according to the council proclamation, Secundo's impact went all the way back to 1965, when he helped to form the Southington Softball League.

Then, in 1969, town officials said he formed a group to install lights for night softball in town, lights that were finally illuminated in 1971.

By the 1980s, league softball in town had men and women playing in four different fields in Southington.

As for being a youth baseball/softball ump, Secondo would often oversee three games a night over the course of 50 years in town.

The proclamation said Secundo "inspired a great love for the game with fellow umpires, all from Southington."

In fact, town officials estimate Secundo has officiated close to 4,000 games during the course of his service "and has never missed a scheduled assigned game."

Secundo also has served on the town's parks and recreation board, supporting good field maintenance and continued replacement of lights, according to the proclamation.

Plus, he was always willing to give a helping hand to youngsters learning the national pastime.

"Art always encouraged players to stay in Southington to play summer ball, and always took the time to give batting or fielding tips to rookie players," read the town proclamation. "Because of Art's dedication and service over the many years, he has helped many young lives achieve their potential."

For the minutes of the Oct. 11 Southington Town Council meeting and the full proclamation, click on this link.