Softball Australia is deeply saddened to inform the softball community of the passing of Softball Australia Hall of Fame inductee, Andrew Rindfleish OAM this morning in Sydney, New South Wales with his family by his side. 

Andrew’s contribution to the sport of softball over many years is immeasurable.  As an umpire, administrator, and mentor, Andrew 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 Andrew leaves on the game. 

However, the true impact he made to the sport cannot be accurately articulated into words, simply – Andrew touched the lives of so many people in the sport of softball, and they were all the better for it. The sport of softball in Australia is better for the contribution and involvement of Andrew Rindfleish OAM.

He was a stalwart at his local association, Sutherland Shire Softball Association for over 35 years and for his beloved NSW Softball at state championship events for 33 years cementing his lasting contribution to each level of the sport. Many umpires have heard the words “respect, strength, hustle and timing” from Andrew over the years and will continue to apply that to their efforts.

Australian umpire #82, Andrew officiated at more than 50 National Championships for over 25 years.  Internationally, Andrew was umpire #516 officiating at international events, including four World Championships, between 1988 – 2010.  Andrew continued in the role of Tournament Chief Umpire for many years after he retired from actively umpiring. 

As National Umpiring Chief from 2004 – 2009, Andrew dedicated his time to mentor and lead the Australian umpires towards becoming the best umpiring program in the world of softball.  His intention was clear, to develop world class umpires and to advance the game of softball.  His involvement at every level of the sport enabled him to achieve what he set out to do.  In his eyes though, he was just ‘servicing the game we love’.

Andrew 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.

Tributes have been sent in from the whole softball community, with a minute silence at the Gilley’s Shield in Canberra this morning a sign of Andrew's impact on the sport.

NSW Umpire and long time friend, Vicki Lansley wrote:

“A true gentleman that is now at peace with his beloved Scott.  Our falling tears represent the love and respect for Andrew and for Sue, Adam, Kelly and Pete.  Devastated but also thankful that I and many people had Andrew in our lives.”

Former National Umpiring Chief and Softball Australia Life Member, Patricia Sibraa wrote:

“It is with sad regret that we have been informed of Andrew Rindfleish OAM passing. Andrew was well respected within the Softball community and has tirelessly devoted his life to the umpiring program of Australia.

Andrew's Softball Australia Level 6 number is 82, gained in 1986 and his ISF (WBSC) certification number is 516 gained in 1990 where we were lucky enough to be able to share this experience together. Andrew attended many international championships as our Australian umpire. Within our Australian Umpiring program, Andrew held positions of National Staff member and National Umpire in Chief. Andrew was a long standing State Director of Umpiring for New South Wales.

Andrew attended his first national championship in 1984 umpiring at the Under 19 Women and the Open Men's. Andrew was appointed to at least two national championships every year until his retirement from on-diamond.

While National Umpire-in Chief, Andrew was instrumental in a number of projects: the implementation of the umpire’s polo shirts, our Australian Level 6 Umpire cap and the current feedback model to name a few. But he will be more remembered for the guidance provided to all aspiring umpires, many of whom have benefited from this direction to achieve their own goals.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Andrew's family and the whole softball community who will miss him. Thank you, Andrew, for the special memories we created during our softball journey. They will be forever treasured.”

Patricia Sibraa and Darren Sibraa

Former NSW Umpire and another long time friend, Sue Itzstein wrote:

“What can you say about Andrew, he was passionate about the game of softball, he was generous with his time and knowledge and a true gentleman of the sport does not seem to even come close.

I served on many committees with Andy as well as umpired many games with him and as he was with many other umpires, he was very giving of his time and knowledge and very supportive of my journey through the umpiring ranks. I remember one time I was tossing up whether to go for my level 6 or wait a year, he told me it would be a waste of year and it is something I will always be grateful for. Andy was always willing to give advice and impart his knowledge and while it could be delivered in a straightforward way you always knew the passion behind it and that he cared about you and the game.

Andy, you taught me so much on game management and how to deliver feedback which I will always thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To all the Rindfleish family you have all been a major part of Softball NSW for many years and the diamonds will certainly be a different place without Andy and Scott.

Andy you have given us all who had the pleasure of working with you on the diamond the best years, you have been a great mentor to me and many other umpires as well. Go be with Scott and start taking those diamonds by storm up there. One of the many quotes from you I have used over the years is that you don’t become a good umpire until you turn 40.

Rest in peace, gone but never forgotten xx”

WBSC Oceania – Umpire Director, Softball Australia Life Member and Friend, Leigh Evans:

“I have a lot to be thankful for, from Andy’s leadership, the no fuss “as it is attitude”, his outlook and unwavering desire to make a difference and never say die attitude to all facets of his life. Andy was always concerned about how each decision and action reflected on the sport as a whole and expressed his opinion to anyone that he thought was necessary and needed to hear it.  His input, guidance, ability to mentor to all levels, and dedication to our sport will be missed but not forgotten.”

Softball Australia extends our deepest sympathies to Andrew’s family, Sue, Adam, Scott (dec), Kelly and Peter and to the entire umpiring fraternity at such a difficult time. 

Vale Andrew