Henry D. Pollard
Henry DeRosh Pollard, 84, of Mechanicsville, passed away on October 19, 2024, after a lengthy illness. He was a highly respected slow-pitch softball umpire, serving as the ASA Deputy Director of Umpires since 1989. Pollard was the Umpire in Chief for Metro Richmond and Central Virginia from 1973 to 1989 and was part of the National Umpire Staff from 1977 to 2003. He was ISF certified in 1983, inducted into the Central Virginia ASA Hall of Fame in 1988, and received multiple awards, including the Wilson National Award of Excellence in 1991 and induction into the USA Softball Hall of Fame in 1992.
In addition to his umpiring achievements, Henry joined the City of Richmond Fire Department in 1970, serving for 30 years before retiring as a Master Firefighter.
One of the premier slow pitch umpires in the sport’s history, Pollard has been the ASA deputy director of umpires since 1989. He served as Metro Richmond/Central Virginia UIC from 1973-1989. Was UIC of the Central Atlantic Region from 1977-1989. Has been a member of the National Umpire staff since 1977. He was ISF certified in 1983. In 1986, was selected to the National Indicator Fraternity. In 1988, was inducted into the Central Virginia ASA Hall of Fame. In 1991, received the Wilson National Award of Excellence. That same year also received the Tom Mason Central Atlantic Region Award. In 2004, Pollard was named Central Virginia ASA Commissioner. Henry is known as being an outstanding umpire clinician.
