Dale Ford, born on July 6, 1942, built an extensive and impressive career as an official across multiple sports, a commitment that led to his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2023. Ford's career as a TSSAA official spanned more than five decades, during which he officiated football, basketball, and baseball games. His dedication to high school sports in Tennessee was unwavering, despite also achieving remarkable success at the professional level.

Ford's journey in officiating was marked by significant achievements, including serving as a Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire for 27 years until his retirement in 2001. During his time in the MLB, he officiated two World Series and two All-Star games, showcasing his skills at the highest level of baseball. However, Ford's heart remained close to community sports, as evidenced by his active roles in the Tri-Cities Baseball and Softball Umpires Associations.

Beyond his officiating duties, Ford contributed to the TSSAA as a camp instructor, mentoring the next generation of officials and imparting his wealth of knowledge and experience. He demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to high school baseball, umpiring in 20 consecutive TSSAA State Baseball Championships and numerous district, region, and sectional games. Remarkably, regardless of his professional commitments each MLB season, Ford always returned to the Tri-Cities to officiate high school football games.

Ford's dual commitment to both professional and high school sports, his significant contributions to officiating in Tennessee, and his role in developing future officials were pivotal factors in his 2023 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. His career stands as a testament to his love for the game, dedication to youth sports, and exceptional service to TSSAA.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2023
Category: Official