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.
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
Anthony Falco and Dominick Giammarusco - 2011
Richard Grebinger - 2010
Jose Crespo - 2009
Mike Drennen - 2008
John Pandolfi - 2007
Christopher Pettaway - 2006
Al Mayo - 2005
Dave Shnayer - 2004
Anthony Angotta - 2003
George Hayden - 2002
Bill Diaz - 2001
