Recognition Official has gone from Saint John church leagues to softball federation’s international director
SCOTT BRIGGS
TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL
FREDERICTON – Bob Stanton has never been one to seek recognition or rewards.
Stephen MacGillivray/Canadaeast news service
Saint John native Bob Stanton, who now lives in Fredericton, recently became the international director of umpires for the International Softball Federation.
But whether he likes it or not, he’s in for some accolades.
The Saint John native and Fredericton resident was recently named the international director of umpires of the International Softball Federation, which includes 137 countries. He’ll be honoured for that achievement during a tribute at the St. Mary’s Entertainment Centre on May 9 at 1 p.m. There will also be a dinner at 1:45 p.m., followed by presentations and speeches.
“I’ve known Bob for over 30 years,” said Wayne Brown, the former umpire-in-chief for Canada and the ex-North American umpire-in-chief for the ISF. “Bob never wants any credit for himself.
“I’m tired of him helping everybody else and not expecting anything in return. He’s the type of guy who does more than anybody expects. It’s just the way he is.”
Brown gained an appreciation for Stanton’s officiating skills during the 1985 Canada Games in Saint John.
“I can remember back in ’85, he was one of the better on-field umpires,” Brown said. “I know that Bob had never set his goal to be where he is today, but as he went along, he gained more and more credibility. The International Softball Federation is lucky to have a man of Bob’s stature and credibility.”
Stanton’s love affair with softball started as a youth in East Saint John.
“When I played, I was mostly a survivalist,” the 59-year-old said. “We used to hang around the old East Saint John ball diamond.
“We used to play a lot of sandlot ball. There were three or four of us that used to be field rats.”
Stanton started umpiring on ball diamonds that wouldn’t exactly be considered fields of dreams, calling balls and strikes in local church league games.
“They were the games the experienced umpires didn’t want to do,” he said. “I just wanted to do a bit of umpiring and I wanted to stay in the game. It just kind of grew.
“I think it’s something you usually take to right away. If you don’t take to it after your first two years into it, chances are you’ll get out of it.”
But Stanton kept doing the games no one wanted and he eventually got the games everyone wanted. The Canada Games came calling, and that led to more national and eventually, international assignments.
Today, Stanton’s focus is educating young umpires and helping them reach their potential.
He’ll be at the world men’s fastpitch championship this summer in Saskatoon, Sask. His influence begins with some team-building exercises that include e-mails before the tournament.
After arriving in Saskatoon, Stanton and the umpires meet with coaches and managers to review rules.
From there, Stanton leads the umpires in a pre-tournament clinic, and then it’s time to dole out assignments for the first two days of the tourney.
Once the on-field action starts, Stanton evaluates the umpires and handles protests if they arise. Stanton likes to see each umpire at least twice at each position – home plate, first base, second base and third base.
After the third or fourth day of competition, it’s time to choose umpires for medal games. After the tournament, Stanton does a written evaluation of each umpire.
Stanton was involved in similar capacities during last summer’s softball tournament at the Beijing Olympics.
“We were really pleased with the crew,” he said. “We didn’t have any controversy on the field and the games were all under two hours.
“The country I’ve probably been to the most over the last two years is China. I find they have a real burning passion for softball, both playing and umpiring. They always want to learn more.”
Stanton said the toughest place to adapt to is North Korea, where facilities are few and a field is often a bare patch of ground between a couple of apartment buildings.
He remembers one occasion when officials wouldn’t let him enter the country with his computer. There have been adventures in Asia.
“The electricity would be on for three or four hours, then it would go off,” Stanton recalls about one nightmarish visit. “Here, we’re so used to throwing up a PowerPoint presentation.
“You have to be aware that what you use here, you can’t always use in other countries. It’s about remembering what you’re doing and who your audience is.”
If anyone can handle the curves that come with travel, it’s Stanton. He’s known for being a good listener, approachable and patient. Those qualities go a long way toward connecting with folks in a foreign land.
“I really do enjoy the travel. I always look forward to meeting new people. I don’t mind flying and I don’t mind airports and I don’t mind all the little hassles that you sometimes find at smaller airports.”
