Long-time Saskatoon softball umpire and umpire administrator Bob Draeger is the 2021 recipient of the Darren Lipinski Memorial Award.

Established in 1975, the award is presented annually by the Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association to an individual for outstanding contribution to the sport of softball in Saskatoon. Following is the news release from the S-A-S-A…..

2021 DARREN LIPINSKI MEMORIAL AWARD
WINNER – Bob Draeger

The Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association has a long and proud tradition in softball.  Thus, it is important to acknowledge those who have contributed greatly to creating that tradition. The Darren Lipinski Memorial Award, was established in 1975 by Peter and Ellen Lipinski to be awarded annually by the Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association to an individual(s) for outstanding contribution to softball in Saskatoon. Past recipients of the award serve on the selection committee to choose the succeeding winners. Past recipients include International Softball Federation Hall of Famers, Softball Canada Hall of Famers as well members of the Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame.

HISTORY AS A BUILDER/OFFICIAL:

• Umpired minor ball from 1983 -2005
• Served as UIC of SMSL from 1988 -2005
• Was the UIC, assignor, coordinator for the SMSL President’s tourney for 12 years
• Was very instrumental in the founding of the River City Umpires Association and served on their executive for 4 years.
• Recruited, trained and mentored many new umpires for minor ball and many continued on to the adult levels.
• Was a member of Saskatoon Bridge City Umpires (SBCSU) for 21 years (1987-2007)
• Served on the executive of SBCSU for a number of years as Director, Pres., Past-Pres. and UIC
• Spent countless hours in the meetings, reorganization, rewriting of the constitution of the new association.
• Worked on the umpire host committee for a number of national and western championships.
• He instructed fundamental and advanced umpire clinics all over the province for 5 years. (N.B., Wynyard, Regina, Saskatoon, Unity were some)
• Was very instrumental in the development of a minor clinic format and manual which was utilized throughout the province, later to be adopted by S.C. for grass-root/ beginning umpires.
• Was the UIC for Zone 6 for 4 years.
• Assigned umpires for provincial playoffs in Zone 6 as well as some to zones 5 & 7 for those 4 years. A very difficult task!
• Served as DUIC for two Western Canadian championships
• Umpired at the Western Canadian Intermediate A Sr. Championships at Kamloops in 1994 and worked in the final.
• His report from that championship recommended that there be a DUIC at every tournament, a practice that was adopted and is still in effect to this day.

Bob worked tirelessly for the game of softball and trying to improve the caliber of umpires. He was always there to do whatever was required to promote the game of softball, primarily as an organizer. HIs ability to communicate with everyone earned him tremendous respect with all those involved in the game. He is sorely missed to this day.