Goodrich – Jim Sanford Sr., of Goodrich was a gentle guy who knew the rules of the game. The world of Genesee softball will no longer hear the fair calls of Jim, whose reputation for good umpiring since 1973 is legendary. Sanford, 57, died March 29.
‘Jim did an awful lot for softball, he always wanted the game to be played the right way,? said Jerry Birchmeier, co-umpire and long time friend.
Birchmeier and Sanford worked together at Buick City for many years. Birchmeier said after years of hearing Sanford talking about his love of umping, he joined his co-worker’s entheusiasm and ended up co-umping with Sanford for more than 12 years.
‘Working with Jim was so easy, if there were ever any disagreements or discrepancies he always found a way to handle it,? said Birchmeier.
Sanford taught umpires for the MHSAA as well as called local league and tournaments for more than 25 years. As well as umping for the MHSAA, Sanford was a long standing member of NSA, MASA, the Flint Umpires Association, and the Genesee County Coaches and Officials Association.
‘His death was a shock,? said Birchmeier. ‘He was a gentle guy who knew the rules of the game.?