The international softball community is mourning the loss of Andrew Rindfleish, former international umpire and Softball Australia Hall of Fame member. Rindfleish called balls and strikes in four WBSC Softball World Cups, the 1996 and 2000 Men's Softball World Championships; and the 1991 and 2001 Junior Men's World Championships. He also served as Australia's National Umpire in Chief between 2004 and 2009.
Rindfleish‘s contribution to the sport of softball over many years is immeasurable. As an umpire, administrator, and mentor, he dedicated over 35 years to the development of the game of softball in Australia and his words: “Never give up, do your absolute best” will forever encapsulate the legacy that he left on the game in the country.
The New South Wales native officiated at more than 50 National Championships for over 25 years. Internationally, he was umpire #516 officiating at international events, including four World Championships, between 1988 – 2010.
As National Umpiring Chief from 2004 – 2009, Rindfleish dedicated his time to mentor and develop Australian umpires and to advance the game of softball across the country.
Rindfleish was recognised for his contribution to softball when inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in 2013. He was awarded the Order of Australia medal in 2020 alongside his life partner, Sue for services to softball in 2020.
His two sons also represented Australia on the international stage. Scott, who passed away in 2022, was a WBSC Softball umpire in four World Cups; while Adam, was assistant coach of Australia’s men’s junior national team in the 2016 and 2018, helping the team win the world title in Canada; and leading the U-18 national squad to a silver medal in the World Cup 2020 in Palmerston North, New Zealand; and a fifth place in Hermosillo, Mexico, in 2023.
