Ray Schoenrock has been involved in softball and baseball for the majority of his life. But this umpire is not an ordinary Iowa Games volunteer.

“When I was 18 years old, I lost my left arm in a car wreck,” Schoenrock, now 69, said.

“It happened in 1953 when I was sideswiped by a truck.”

The Ames native and retired Iowa Department of Transportation worker said he played baseball for two years in high school. After high school, Schoenrock found a similar but new sport to be involved with.

“I started playing softball after I lost my arm,” he said.

“Softball is my passion; it’s fun to watch. I just love being around it.”

Even with only one arm, Schoenrock kept busy playing the game of softball.

“I used to play fastball softball for the Ames Boosters,” Schoenrock said.

“I pitched for 44 years. There were times when we won some district tournaments.”

He said that his teams have had success in past Iowa Games, but now he enjoys umpiring for the event.

“I played on a men’s softball team that got second place and the silver medal during the early 1990s,” Schoenrock said. “I have been umpiring for the Iowa Games since 1987.

“I also umpire local high school baseball and softball. Being an umpire is now my position.”

Schoenrock said that having only one arm certainty does not hold him back. He even got rave reviews from some in the stands.

“He did really well,” fan Brenda Leonard said.

“He threw the ball back to the pitcher great.

“This was my first time at these games and he helped make it a better time.”