LUBBOCK, Texas – Dale Williams, winner of the 2013 National Collegiate Umpire Award and National College Baseball Hall of Famer, died on Sept. 18 following a long battle with a respiratory illness.

“Everyone involved with the National College Baseball Hall of Fame is saddened by Dale’s passing,” said Mike Gustafson, Hall of Fame president and CEO. “We send our deepest sympathies to all of Dale’s family and friends. Many of us were fortunate enough to get to know Dale over the years, and most especially when he was in Lubbock. We’re glad to share a piece of his memory and that we were able to honor his contributions to the game we all love.”

Williams spent 32 years as a collegiate umpire. In that time, he worked eight NCAA Division I College World Series, the 1984 Olympic Games and many games in the regional rounds at all levels within the game. He also served in a variety of leadership roles within collegiate umpiring including time as coordinator of umpires for the Big West Conference, the Western Athletic Conference and the Pac-10 Southern Division.

In addition to his baseball work, Williams was a head linesman in the National Football League for 23 years, working two Super Bowls.

For more on Williams’ contributions to college baseball, click here.