In Memory of Al Alford The namesake of Al Alford Field, Home of the McKinney Lions, passed away Feb. 3 at the age of 79. The founder of Alford Insurance Agency in McKinney and a veteran of the Korean War, for which he received the Purple Heart, Alford worked as a college baseball umpire for 37 years. His career behind the plate included officiating for the 1974 College World Series, four UIL state baseball tournaments, and the Connie Mack World Series. Al Alford is in the Amateur Baseball Umpires Association Hall of Fame.Alford was an active member of the community, serving as a member of city council and on the McKinney Parks and Recreation Board. He also founded the McKinney Mavericks Summer Baseball Organization. Al passed away from lung cancer.