Robert Henning Inducted to 2026 Hall of Fame - Officials Category

Hall of Fame Biography: Bob Henning

Bob Henning (Surrey, BC) stands as a towering figure in the world of softball officiating, revered for his unwavering passion, instructional excellence, and global impact on the sport. Widely recognized as one of the finest softball umpires in the world, Bob's career has spanned decades, continents, and countless championships, leaving an indelible mark on the game.

Bob's officiating journey began in 1967 with Little League baseball, quickly progressing to elite-level men’s Fastpitch by 1969. In 1973, he joined Softball BC, setting the stage for a distinguished career that would see him earn his Softball Canada Level V certification in 1988 and his International Softball Federation (ISF) certification in 1989.

Throughout his career, Bob officiated at an extraordinary array of prestigious events, including:
- 7 Canadian National Championships
- 4 ISC World Championships
- 15 Canada Cup International Women’s Championships
- 2 NAIA National Championships
- The 1994 World Masters Games
- 2 International Challenge Cups
- The 2000 International Softball Cup at Olympic Stadium in Blacktown, Australia
- Over 25 international tournaments outside North America
- The 1993 ISF Junior Men’s World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand
- The 2009 ISF Men’s World Championship in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Bob's influence extended far beyond the field. He umpired in 7 countries and was a sought-after instructor, leading seminars and clinics in Mexico, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and China. His teaching contributions included:
- Multiple Blue Conventions
- Softball Canada National Umpire School
- Two ISF clinics in China, including officiating at the Chinese National Championships

As a leader, Bob served as Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) for numerous Provincial and Western Canadian Championships, the BC Summer Games, and the Vancouver Challenge. He also held UIC or Deputy UIC roles at six Canadian National Championships.

From 2009 to 2012, Bob served as the Umpire-in-Chief for British Columbia, following service as both a District UIC as well a member of the Softball Canada National Umpire Staff under NDU Wayne Brown. In 2003, he was appointed Deputy UIC and contributed to the Softball Canada Officiating Development Committee (ODC), helping shape the future of officiating in Canada.

Bob’s legacy is defined not only by his technical excellence and global reach but by his dedication to mentoring the next generation of officials. His passion, integrity, and commitment to the sport continue to inspire umpires across Canada and around the world. Bob Henning is a true ambassador of softball officiating and a most deserving inductee into the Hall of Fame.