1936

Hank Soar was born on August 17, 1914 in Alton, Rhode Island. He attended Pawtucket High School and was a star running back at Providence College, garnering Little All American honors.

He left college to play pro football for the Boston Shamrocks in 1936 in the American Football League for $100 a game. He was #1 in passing in the AFL in 1936.

The following season, he joined the New York Giants as a fullback in the rival NFL for $200 a game and a $100 bonus and played with the Giants through 1944 and then in 1946 after World War II. In 1938 he was selected as an NFL All Star. He rushed for 1545 yards in 82 games for the Giants and caught 35 passes for 411 yards, and scored 8 touchdowns in his career.

He served in the Army during in 1945, and his officiating in a baseball game drew the attention of Connie Mack, who recommended him for an umpiring career.

After his pro football career ended in 1946, he coached the  Providence Steamrollers in the  Basketball Association of America (now the NBA). He then became backfield coach for the football team at  Rhode Island State College (also known as the  University of Rhode Island) from 1947 to 1949.

After umpiring in the  New England League from 1947 to 1949 and the  American Association in 1949, Hank became an  American League umpire from 1950 to 1972. He was a league supervisor and continued to work occasional games as a substitute through 1975 and again in 1977 and 1978. He was an assistant supervisor of umpires into the mid-1980's.

Hank Soar died at his home on December 24, 2001, at age 87, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.