South Jersey Umpire Bruce Lazaruk Honored for 50 Years in Medford

This week in Medford, New Jersey, the South Jersey Umpires Association celebrated Bruce Lazaruk for completing 50 years as a baseball umpire. The event took place just before a high school game between Burlington City High School and Burlington County Institute of Technology. The event celebrated the start of the season and honored Lazaruk for his many years of dedication to baseball in the South Jersey area.

Lazaruk began umpiring after he was unable to find a coaching position at Pemberton High School. He had come to the school to teach and coach both football and baseball. However, since there was no opening for a baseball coach, he decided to start umpiring instead. That decision led to a career that has lasted more than five decades.

Over the years, Lazaruk has umpired thousands of games. While many have been in high school games, his experience goes beyond that level. He has also officiated state championship games, junior college games, semi-professional games, American Legion games, Babe Ruth League games, and little league games. His involvement has covered nearly every level of amateur baseball in South Jersey.

One of the many players he remembers seeing is Sean Doolittle. Doolittle, who later became a pitcher for the Washington Nationals and won the 2019 World Series, played high school baseball at Shawnee High School in Tabernacle.

Lazaruk also recalls seeing Doolittle’s younger brother, who played at Seneca High School and was also a standout player. It just goes to show how long Lazaruk has been around and how many talented players he has seen over the years.

After the ceremony, Lazaruk continued doing what he always does—umpiring the game between Burlington City and BCIT. He enjoys being close to the game and watching players develop, and he says he will keep going as long as he can.

Others in the umpiring community appreciate his dedication. Tom Wajda, another umpire, says Lazaruk works hard not to improve himself but to help other umpires get better. Gerry Malamisura, the president of the South Jersey Umpires Association, says Lazaruk has been a part of the group for a long time. According to him, it was important to take time to recognize someone who has made such a substantial influence.

Lazaruk’s goal is to continue umpiring past this 50-year mark. He plans to return for a 51st season and says he would like to go even further, to a 52nd and 53rd season, if possible. As he puts it, he’ll keep going until he no longer can.