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American Federation
of Umpires
Professionalism Beyond "The Call"
78 Cypress Ave. Oceanside,
NY 11572
Phone 1-516-594-9354
E-Mail info@americanfederationofumpires.com
AFU Annual Awards
The James Haran Memorial
Umpire of the Year Award
Jim Haran joined AFU in January 2000. He attended Rookie School for twelve weeks, graduated and was certified in March 2000. He worked 91 assignments in his rookie year and was named The American Federation Of Umpires 2000 Rookie Of The Year in January 2001. Jim went on to work 77 more assignments in the 2001 season working levels up to 17-18 year old Big League. He was looking forward to working a full Fall season before his life was taken on September 11, 2001.
The following excerpt about Jim's life was written by his sister Mary Hamilton.
A Broker Who Loved Playing With His Kids
When James Haran moved his family to Malverne, his hometown, he raved to his sister Mary Hamilton, about his new pool and big backyard."When I first heard him describe it, I didn't know a house came with it,- all you heard about was the backyard," she said. It was there that Haran did what he loved most,- spending time with friends and family,- whether it was playing in the pool with his four children or throwing an impromptu barbecue with a dozen family members.Haran 41, had worked for years in the World Trade Center, first with Eurobrokers, during which the 1993 bombing of the complex occurred, and then more recently for Cantor Fitzgerald. He worked on the 104th floor of Tower One as a bond broker." He got to the office at the crack of dawn, but wasn't one of these guys living for the job" said Hamilton. " He didn't talk about work". He was best friends with Carol, his wife of nearly 20 years. Hamilton said, and crazy about his kids,- 19 year old Brian, 15 year old Katie, 13 year old Kelly and 3 year old Jimmy. An animal lover, Haran took his children to the Bronx Zoo several times a year and in the summer he regularly relaxed with them and a flock of family members on the beach. Every night he took Jimmy and his Labrador retriever, Rudy, on a walk to 7-Eleven. "My nephew was pretty much addicted to Slurpees," said Hamilton, who lives in Massapequa. After graduating from Valley Stream North High School, Haran headed to St. John's University, getting a degree in history before setting out on a financial career. One summer in the Hamptons, Haran became reacquainted with Carol, a friend of a cousin he played with as a kid on the beaches of Point Lookout. They were married in 1982. Hamilton said her older brother would "do anything for you. No matter how busy he was if you needed a favor, he helped." Haran drove his mother Mary Haran, from her home in Malverne to church most Sundays, he helped relatives build decks and move. " When it came to family, he would drop everything," Hamilton said.
Past Winners of the The James Haran Memorial Umpire of the Year Award
John Pandolfi - 2007 AFU Umpire of the Year Award
Christopher Pettaway - 2006 AFU Umpire of the Year Award
Al Mayo - 2005 AFU Umpire of the Year Award
Dave Shnayer - 2004 AFU Umpire of the Year
Anthony Angotta - 2003 AFU Umpire of the Year
George Hayden - 2002 AFU Umpire of the Year
Bill Diaz - 2001 AFU Umpire of the Year
The Robert D. Halfmann Memorial
Rookie of the Year Award
Robert Halfmann had to fight three different types of cancer during his short life of 20 years. He was diagnosed as having Hodgkin's disease at age 12. He later contracted Ewings Sarcoma and then MDS, a form of leukemia. He endured two bone marrow transplants along with many treatments of chemotherapy and radiation. During his long battle he never let his illness overpower his zest for life. You would have never known there was anything wrong. He was always up and never gave up. Robert had a love to help others. His goal was to become a high school guidance counselor. Even while in the hospital for treatments Robert would find the strength to talk to other patients to give them encouragement "He was a great teacher of adversity and fought so valiantly" ,his pastor said.
Robert loved baseball. He played little league right on up to college ball for Albright College. He umpired first for Half Hollow Hills Little League. As soon as he was old enough he applied to work for AFU. Robert knew baseball better than most. He thrived on those unusual calls and always seemed to make the right call. Many times Robert's immune system was very low but he still asked to be assigned games. After Robert's death, the AFU recognized his tenacity by awarding him the "100 Percent Effort" award and renaming the federation's Rookie of the year award in his honor.
Past Winners of the The Robert D. Halfmann Memorial Rookie of the Year Award
Sal Trubiano - 2007 AFU Rookie of the Year Award
Allen Rohl and Anthony Angotta Jr. - 2006 AFU Rookie of the Year Award
Ryan Hayden - 2005 AFU Rookie of the Year Award
John Pandolfi - 2004 AFU Rookie of the Year
Jared Barry and Tom Leyendecker - 2003 AFU Rookies of the Year
Humberto Freda - 2002 AFU Rookie of the Year
Tim Comer - 2001 AFU Rookie of the Year
Jim Haran - 2000 AFU Rookie of the Year
Dave Fuchs - 1999 AFU Rookie of the Year
Larry Sells - 1998 AFU Rookie of the Year
Kevin MacPherson and John LaBarbera - 1997 AFU Rookies of the Year
Don Scala - 1996 AFU Rookie of the Year
The AFU Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award was created by our Board of Directors in 2004, to recognize umpires of AFU who have been unselfish in their dedication and generous support of their fellow umpires both on and off the field. The umpires recognized for this award are the unsung heroes of our association who, year in and year, out carry out their professional umpiring responsibilities at the highest levels of performance.
Past Winners of the The AFU Lifetime Achievement Award
Ken Hettler- 2007 AFU Achievement Award
Lenny Robinson- 2006 AFU Achievement Award
Roger Rebando - 2005 AFU Achievement Award
Wesley Carlton - 2004 AFU Achievement Award
Frank Schwolow - 2003 AFU Achievement Award
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