Putnam County is where veteran MSHSAA softball umpire Roger Casady calls home.  But where he REALLY feels at home is behind the plate at a softball game.  But Tuesday night was the final regular season game for Roger to be at his "home" behind the plate.  Casady wrapped up 35 years of umpiring by calling the balls and strikes as the Putnam County Lady Midgets hosted the Princeton Lady Tigers in the regular season finale. 

Joining Casady on his crew were long-time friends Phil Carnes and Joel Shipman.  Both men will tell you immediately that Casady has been both a mentor and role model for them in both working the diamond as well as in personal life.  Many will tell you Casady is one of the best.  Many more will tell you he IS the best.  

In addition to his umpire crew, there were other dignitaries on hand for the event.  Specifically, the man who the field is named after, Max Mothersbaugh, and the man who the entire softball complex is named for, Mike Schmidli.  And oh, by the way, Schmidli is also the head coach for the visiting Princeton Lady Tigers.  Both men had many congratulatory words for Casady pre-game and post-game.

Following player introductions, Casady was joined at home plate by his family and honored with a plaque and a verbal tribute.  Listen below to hear the tribute in its entire, unedited form.

 

On-field tribute honoring Roger Casady

(as aired live on 100.5 KMEM)

 

Click HERE to listen to the entire game broadcast