Howie Birnie has been an ambassador for youth baseball in Leaside, Toronto, and Ontario for more than 60 years. As a coach he has led his teams to seven City Championships, one Provincial Championship, and one National Championship.
Birnie, however, may best known as one of the country’s most respected and longest serving umpires. During his 34 years of calling balls and strikes, he has worked six national championships between 1979 and 1989.
Over the years, Birnie has assumed countless leadership roles, including serving as president of the Toronto Baseball Association from 1978 to 1985 and the president of the Ontario Baseball Association in 1991 and 1992.
He has also been president of the Leaside Baseball Association since 1973.
Player, Coach, Umpire, Groundskeeper, President, Snack Bar Attendant are among the many roles that Birnie has assumed in his tenure with the LBA. In 2012, Birnie was celebrated for 50 years of community service and received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee award.
