Babe Ruth League President/CEO Steven Tellefsen said, "Bill Axtel has been involved with our program for about 30 years. He is a very dedicated volunteer and plays a major role in the success the organization enjoys today. It is a proud moment to have a person of his caliber inducted into the Hall of Fame."
Axtell served as a Babe Ruth Baseball 16-18 World Series Umpire in 1968 and '69, and was a member of the World Series Task Force from 1983 through, and including, 1987. He was a member of the Babe Ruth League Advisory Committee from 1982 until his death on April 1, 1988. He was one of the prime organizers of the Babe Ruth Baseball National Umpire Association, which now has an excess of 8,000 members. He also served as the National Umpire Consultant of the Association from its inception until his death.
Ex-President, the late Ronald Tellefsen said, "Bill Axtell was invaluable to me as an Advisory Board Member. He was always considered an umpire's umpire. From the moment he walked on the field, he commanded respect." Tellefsen further indicated, "Axtell knew the rules better than anyone I have ever come in contact with."
Dorothy Axtell received a Hall of Fame plaque in honor of her late husband's induction at a ceremony held by Babe Ruth League Officials in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.