Bill Russell

A showman behind the plate and one of Brampton’s greatest baseball boosters, Bill Russell in 1993 celebrated 51 years as one of the most experienced and respected umpires in the Province of Ontario. Bill began his career at the age of 15 umpiring softball games in the Ontario Amateur Softball Association at Rosalea Park, Brampton. Along with his umpiring duties, Bill found time to play softball during his teen years with the CopelandChatterson entry in the Brampton Industrial League. In addition, Bill played lacrosse in the Juvenile and Junior Ontario Lacrosse Association League and was an outstanding goalie for the Cheltenham entry in the Intermediate Lacrosse League. For 12 years (19751987) Bill was President of the American Motors Hockey Association, Brampton Industrial Hockey League comprised of 8 teams. Bill has seen every pitch imaginable; has been hit by a few pitches; been spat upon; had dirt kicked at him; has shrugged off his critics and has loved every minute of his sporting career. After crouching behind home plate for 51 years, Bill Russell is a respected survivor and a Brampton Legend.