Announcement
Hello League,
Sadly, Stan Hay, who played in our league and was a well-known figure in Alberta softball, passed away Saturday night at age 83 after suddenly experiencing heart problems. Below is the obituary published by Softball Alberta on their website:
“Stan Hay’s love of the game began as he grew up playing baseball in Swalwell, Alberta – a small hamlet outside of Calgary. After moving to Calgary, he continued to play baseball for a number of years before making the switch to fastball, which he played throughout his 20s and early 30s and also coached.
A friend noticed that Stan was no longer playing or coaching, so suggested that he try umpiring. Stan was quickly recognized as an outstanding umpire and received the Rookie Umpire of the Year Award in his first year of umpiring from the Calgary Softball Umpires Association in 1974. He was continually noted as an excellent umpire who was well known for his clear, crisp calls.
For 26 years, Stan officiated and acted as Umpire in Chief at numerous high level fastball tournaments across Canada. Further, Stan served as President of the Calgary Softball Umpires Association from 1980-84 and served on the association’s Executive for a total of 10 years. From 1980-85 he served as Vice-President of the Alberta Softball Umpires Association and from 1986-1991 he served on Softball Canada’s Officiating Development Committee.
Following an excellent 26 year career, Stan retired as an active umpire in 1999 and in 2000 he received the annual ‘Legends Award’ from the Calgary Softball Umpires Association – recognizing him for his long service and giving back to the program.
Inducted as an Official in 2010."
And here is the obituary published by Softball Canada on their website:
“Softball Canada is saddened to learn of the passing of Stan Hay, who was inducted to the Softball Canada Hall of Fame as an Official in 2012, at the age of 83.
Robert Stanley (Stan) Hay (Official, Alberta), born on December 11th, 1936, was widely respected by all umpires, players, coaches and administrators who had the pleasure to know him. He was an umpire who always went above the call of duty and contributed as much as he possibly could to the sport of softball.
After umpiring in three Canadian Championships (Senior Women’s in 1975, and Senior Men’s in 1980 and 1982), Stan began a stretch of nine years in which he supervised an astounding 13 Canadian Championships, including two per year from 1986 to 1989. He was one of the first umpires to receive his Level V Fastpitch designation in1980, and was later grandfathered in with the equivalency of Level V in Slo-Pitch due to his great knowledge of both disciplines.
In addition to his tremendous involvement on the field, Stan also contributed to the national umpiring program as a member of the Officiating Development Committee from 1986 to 1991. He was also a member of the executive of the Calgary Umpire’s Association from 1980 to 1990, and also a member of the executive of the Alberta Umpire’s Association from 1981 to 1987. In addition, he has attended most Softball Canada Blue Conventions.
Softball Canada and the Canadian softball community wish Stan Hay’s family and friends our most sincere condolences."
The Calgary Senior Men’s Slo-pitch League echos these sentiments. Stan played in our league from 2000-2015, most recently with the AA Orioles in 2015. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Stan’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In living memory of Stan Hay, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.
You can monitor the McInnis and Holloway website for any announcements on services.
Best regards,
Gary Paukert
CSMSL Communications