Rock Valley College Athletics

Larry Young played middle linebacker on the 1972 and 1973 RVC football teams and was the third leading tackler and an All-Conference selection from RVC’s undefeated 1973 team. After leaving RVC, Young earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1976 and that same year entered Baseball Umpire School. He umpired in Minor League Baseball from 1978 to 1985 before earning a promotion to Major League Baseball.
 
As an MLB umpire and crew chief from 1985 to 2007, Larry had the privilege of umpiring in two MLB All-Star games, six Division Series, three League Championship Series, and two World Series. In 2008, he became an Umpire Supervisor for MLB and has since taught at clinics in 13 countries.  In 1989, Larrywas named the Florida Diamond Club's Umpire of the Year. The Diamond Club recognizes outstanding people from the professional baseball world (major and minor league); umpires, executives, players, and other personnel.
 
As impressive as his career successes have been since leaving Rock Valley College, Larry’s work in the community has been even more inspiring. He was integral in helping establish Village of Progress, a private not for profit corporation that was founded in 1969 to meet the training needs of adults with disabilities. He still serves on the Village of Progress Foundation Board.
 
Larry also established his own charitable organization, Larry Young and Friends Charities. The group is a thoughtful collection of people from the business and sporting worlds - including officials and coaches - who come together for the sole purpose of charitable work. Since the 1990’s, he has hosted the Larry Young and Friends Charity Golf Outing, which raises money for Special Olympics, Hospice, the American Heart Association, and Village of Progress.
 
In 1994, Larry was named the Volunteer of the Year by Special Olympics of Illinois. He also was the recipient of the JC Penney Golden Rule Award for outstanding community volunteerism, and the Goodwill Abilities Center Distinguished Service Award. In 2002, he received the Golden Whistle Award from the National Association of Sports Officials in recognition of his community involvement, integrity, and ethics.
 
More recently, Larry helped develop UMPS CARE Charities, which provides financial, in-kind and emotional support for America’s youth and families in need. Through its youth-based programs, professional baseball umpires enrich the lives of at-risk youth and children coping with serious illness by providing memorable baseball experiences, supporting pediatric medical care, and raising awareness for foster care children waiting to be adopted.
 
In 2001, Larry was inducted into Rock Valley College’s Alumni Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class. He has also been a long time contributor and supporter of the RVC Athletics Booster Club.