William "Bill" Toles

Year Inducted: 2010

Bill started his organized baseball career at 16 years of age in the American Legion League.

Bill enlisted in the Navy in 1945. While touring the Pacific, he boxed for the United States Navy.

He began his softball career in Port Huron in 1948, playing “AA”, “A” & “C” in the “old” city league. He was a member of several league championship teams.

In 1950, Bill began his umpiring career, a career that spanned 53 years. Some of his career highlights included: 25 ASA State Championship Tournaments, along with several District and Re­gional High School Championships.

Bill also has the distinction of batting against and umpiring the “great” Bonnie Jones and Eddie Fayner (The King and His Court).

Along with Hall of Fame umpires Frank Fitzgerald and Jack Vargo, Bill was instrumental in the organization and development of umpires in Port Huron, helping make Port Huron a “hotbed” of officials.

Upon his retirement in 2003, Bill was asked his secret of longevity? His answer, “I just loved the game”.


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