Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Popular umpire dies at tournament

Popular umpire dies at tournament

Aug 12, 2008 - 04:06:16 CDT

By JENNY MICHAEL
Bismarck Tribune

The star of a Saturday softball game wasn't holding a bat, a ball or a glove. The fan favorite of the noon game was the man behind the plate.

Richard Green joked around with the players as they came up to bat and with the crowd in the bleachers during the game. He told the crowd, after several good defensive plays, the arms of the players on Jamestown's Hofmann Trucking team reminded him of orangutans, and he struck body builder poses after a player on Bismarck's City Air Mechanical team dribbled a soft ground ball up the line for a single.

The game was one of the last for Green, who collapsed on the field before the start of a game later Saturday afternoon at the Men's Rec III west state tournament. He died at age 58.

Mike Wolf, state umpire-in-chief, said Green's performance Saturday was typical of the popular Minot umpire. Wolf, who had known the umpire for many years, said Green combined good umping skills with a likeable personality.

"He was a perfect example of how umpires can have fun," Wolf said.

Bismarck Police Sgt. Dwight Offerman said officers, along with the fire department and Metro Ambulance, were called to Cottonwood Park field five at 4:54 p.m. Saturday for a medical emergency. Green had collapsed while waiting for a game to start. He died despite attempts at CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, Offerman said.

Offerman also had known Green since 1991, when they met at an M.C. Hammer concert. Offerman, who was on duty at the concert, struck up a conversation with Green, who had brought his children down for the hip-hop event. The officer said he made a point of going to see Green, whom he described as "funnier than a rubber crutch," as he umped at the McQuade's tournament each year.

"He was a very pleasant man to talk to,"Offerman said.

Green grew up in the Baltimore area and came to Minot while in the Air Force, Wolf said. After he retired, he stuck around.

Wolf said Green had worked games at McQuade's for more than 20 years. Green and his friend, Carlos Wick, also of Minot, would come to most Bismarck tournaments, as well as other tournaments around the state when they were available, Wolf said. He said Green probably was more well-known for his umping in Bismarck than in Minot, because he worked so often in Bismarck.

People around the state would ask whether Green and Wick were coming to a tournament, and tournament directors request their services, Wolf said. The pair never asked for gas or expense money - they showed up for love of the game, not money, he said.

Wolf recalled when his daughter, now 18, first met Green. He said she was 2 or 3 years old at the time and thought Green, who was black, was Minnesota Twins' star Kirby Puckett. She began calling him Kirby then, and he wanted her to call him that from then on. Wolf said his daughter saw Green Saturday morning and met "Kirby" with a big hug.

"It goes beyond the ball field," Wolf said of Green's affable personality.

Green told players Saturday that he was hanging up his blue uniform.

"This was pretty much his last year of umping,"Wolf said.

Green planned to ump at the United Tribes John Thunderhawk Memorial Softball Tournament in September, then retire at McQuade's next year, he said.

Wolf said Green taught many people about being a successful official by the way he umped games. Green was a good ump first, and he hustled and made sure to have fun with the players and spectators. He said people were unlikely to "get all over him" for a bad call, because they gave him the benefit of the doubt that he got most calls right.

"That's what made people want him to come back,"Wolf said.

Green is survived by his wife, Judy, two sons and a daughter. A funeral is planned for noon Friday at the Minot Auditorium.

(Reach reporter Jenny Michael at 250-8225 or jenny.michael@bismarcktribune.com.)

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Comments

JG wrote on Aug 16, 2008 12:02 PM:

" I did not know Rich personally; however, I remember him from many years of umping our games at McQuades and State. He was such a joy...one of the very few umps who could make the TOUGH calls or make a bad call and not result in a yelling match between him and the players. What a great example he set for all the umps and players. Softball is JUST a game and Rich showed many to enjoy it and have fun. I remember his jokes between sucks of a sucker. He was truly a kid at heart. SUPER, SUPER man!! He will be greatly missed!! "

Teresa wrote on Aug 14, 2008 6:48 PM:

" I used to work with Rich @ Phase2 & he was just a great hut through & through always there to great you with a welcoming smile & a friendly hello, even a shoulder to cry on if needed. I never say him ump or nething but he will be missed greatly. I only wish I could be there for the funeral but I' in T.X. now, but I wish all the best for his family "

Missin u Darlin wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:50 PM:

" I didnt get to know rich as an ump, I got to know him at work. you would walk in on the way down to your desk, and he would come walking by a big smile on his face and say "How are you Darlin'?". And when those bad calls came up and you just had to go outside and calm your nerves Rich was out there. He had the most uplifting spirit I have ever known. Every where you would go Rich was defaintly the life of the party no matter where he was! So my prayers go out ot his lovely family!! AND We are all gonna MISS YOU DARLIN!!!!

P.S. Also gonna Miss his Singing!!! "

Ball Player wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:09 AM:

" RIP Blue,,,, "

Just a Spectator wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:15 PM:

" Although my playing days were over long before moving to Bismarck, i thoughtoghly enjoyed the tournaments,expecially McQuade and UTTC, in no w\\small part due to Mr. Green. He was a joy to watch work, and his interraction with the players and fans so much added enjoyment to the games. He was universally respected and universally loved. He will be sorely missed. RIP my friend. "

Michael Stacey Dylan Robinson wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:08 PM:

" Even though we did not personally know Richard we want the family to know that we are here for you during this difficult time. We will continue to pray for your family! "

Rapid City South Dakota wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:51 PM:

" My wife Jackie and I are former Bismarck residents and played softball in Bismarck for years. My wife loved Rich as an umpire. He was fair, firm and funny! It was nice to see him at McQuade's this year, as it was in Minot just a few weeks ago during the State Fair. We we shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his untimely death. Jackie still has her picture she took with Rich after last year's McQuade tournament and will cherish it even more now. Our thoughts and prayers go our to Rich's family. He was a great man and will be missed! "

Missing Rich wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:38 PM:

" I can't say enough good things about this man, he made life at work so much better, always a "how are you darlin" ,to everyone, seemed to brighten so many gloomy days. I thank god that I was fortunate enough to meet Rich. As I read all the comments on line it shows just how many lives he touched with his smile, his jokes and more than anything his compassion for other people, don't get me wrong Rich told it like it was, and was so respected for that and loved. Work is just not fun anymore, We miss you buddy. "

TJ wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:27 AM:

" I was on the field that fateful afternoon.......I never knew Mr. Green but from watching him umpire the game right before us I was excited to have such a fun loving guy call our soon to be played game. And after reading all of these posts I know Mr. Green was a "good egg" and the family will have many, many happy thoughts of their father/husband. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family...God Bless. "

Shell wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:18 AM:

" I've known Rich for nearly half my life. I served with him in the Communications Squadron at Minot AFB, and worked with him again at Choice Hotels. I can honestly say that he was one of the greatest men I ever knew. He made the world a better place just by being here. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to both his family and everyone who knew this fun loving soul. "

cj wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:43 AM:

" I didn't know Mr Greene, but have witnessed the congeniality between himself, the players and fans. It is obvious from the comments that he was greatly loved.
I think the Tribune would do a truly wonderful thing if they copied all these comments and sent them to Mr. Greene's family. I realize there is a guest book, but often few people sign it other than close friends and family.I forsee people saying why wouldn't the Tribune do this for others-but i hardly think those who are commenting would object. It would be a great memorial. "

LDH wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:28 PM:

" My first year playing softball, I missed a really easy catch in outfield, it smacked me in the chest and knocked me off my feet. Needless to say, the batter wasn't out. When it was time to change up, I walked past Rich and he told me "You should catch with your hands next time. It works better." I will never forget those words, or him! He was so much fun. He will be missed on the diamonds. "

ABGN wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:04 PM:

" I never knew Rich as un ump, I had the privlage of working with Rich and I will never forget him. He was the kind of person that could always make you smile no matter how bad things were. He was a great friend and will be missed by everyone that ever knew him. I know that he is in a better place now and that he is watching over everyone. To the Green family you are in my thoughts and prayers and if there is anything that you need dont hesitate to ask, everyone is here for you during this difficult time. "

A great wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:30 PM:

" I have never witnessed Rich as an Ump... However I have worked with him Rich for several years... He was one of the Greatest Guys I have ever Met.. He was like THE BIG DADDY for everyone. He was a great listener a an Awesome Friend he will be MISSED "

friend of the family wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:17 PM:

" Rich was one of the nicest guys I have every had the chance to know. I have been good friends with his wonderful daughter for about 18 years and got to know him during that time. He will be very missed but never forgotten! "

Wilma daughter wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:25 PM:

" Is it really possible to describe in words what Rich aka "Daddy" meant to everyone? I'm not really sure...hmmm maybe I should write a book? Ok I'm just kidding. The man I called Daddy for the past 4+ years, was exactly that! A dad. The best dad I ever knew quite frankly. He will be truely missed by everyone he has touched...RIP Daddy! Love you always... "

Whitney Kalliokoski wrote on Aug 12, 2008 5:49 PM:

" Where do I begin. I haven't known Rich for very long, but in the short time I did know him, I grew to love and respect that man so very much. He talked about his family every chance he had while we drank cocktails at every kareoke opportunity in Minot. He also was a great Ump. One of the last times I saw Rich was at the State Fair Tournaments in Minot, of course he was Umping, I was playing, he just gave me a great big hug and wished me the best of luck. He knew that the game meant a lot to me too. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family..And Rich..you will be truely missed...Love you bunches Big Green!!

Whitney "

Mark Sondag wrote on Aug 12, 2008 5:38 PM:

" Hello All, Rich was a fellow umpire friend of mine. I have spent many years umpiring and sharing time and stories with Rich. Rich will be missed, and the tournaments won't be the same. Rich will be in my mind and heart everytime I step on the feild. Rich was a great and funny man, and an awesome umpire. "

Kent wrote on Aug 12, 2008 5:24 PM:

" Just wanted to say that my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. I know this is a major loss for them. "

Geoff wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:34 PM:

" I never met the man, but i wish I could have. Wouldn't it be comforting if every one of us suspected that such awesome words would be said about us in this situation? I know it makes me think... "

BMDL Softball Team wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:55 PM:

" Our teams thoughts and prayers go out to the family. He will be greatly missed. He was great ump and an even better man. A few of our players remember him umping in the past and they noted how much he loved the game and how much fun he had during the games. God Bless. "

Aunt far away wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:19 PM:

" Wish we could be there with you and family. Our love is there though. "

RlC wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:12 PM:

" I played many years in the McQuade Softball Tourney and of course during State Tourney's. I loved it when Mr. Green was our umpire. Not only was he fair, he was entertaining. I used to sit around and watch games he was umping, not because I knew the teams, but because I enjoyed watching him! He's going to be missed by many many people. He put a smile on everyone's face, and I'm sure he's up in Heaven now singing and dancing! "

Sofballgrl wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:11 PM:

" Rich and Carlos were the best umpires ever, we met them awhile back and they're so so nice. Rich will be greatly missed at United Tribes this year, I't won't be same without him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. "

Ground Round Team in Bismarck wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:13 PM:

" Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rich's wife, kids, family & friends. Words can not say how much he will be missed. He was a outstanding ump and fun loving man. The softball fields and tournaments will not be the same. We will always cherish the fun times and singing we always had with Rich & Carlos. Rich was one-of-a-kind and will always be loved and missed. We will all feel his presence at all Tournaments to come. God bless you Rich and your family. "

Lynette Nettie Lovejoy wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:51 PM:

" Man this was a shocker toall of us!! Richard was a very cool person aside from being a excellent ump, he would make your day with his smiles and his teasing, especially when you make a good play..or a home run...you will be missed very much on the field and off...God bless you and your family... "

Anonymous wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:33 PM:

" I had rich for an umpire in games before. The comments so fit to what his character on and off the field were. He was a jokester and always had fun with the players and the game he loved so much. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this great man. "

Marita aunt wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:15 PM:

" Judi and family, Umpire, great Dad, fun guy, well traveled.....loving husband, crowd pleaser but Rich we hardly knew ya. Living so far away all these years made miles seem far, but not to your players and fans. What a great group of compliments and well deserved thanks. "

Minot Softball Team wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:01 PM:

" Rich was a really good friend of mine and our softball team. He was also a coworker of mine. Rich really was one of the "good ones" and I mean that all around more than just softball. He loved his family, softball, fishing, the Skyrockets, and his Jack. I spent Friday night with Rich in Bismarck and we shared some cocktails and had some real nice conversations. He also went out of his way to come out on Thursdays and help the eTelecare softball team be better players. You will see us there Friday Rich, In our jerseys supporting you and your family!! We will also be wearing memorial "RG" armbands at the State Rec 4 Softball tournament this weekend. We love you Rich from both of our teams the Sidekicks team and the Original/eTelecare Team. "

Al Staggs wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:36 AM:

" I can see that Rich was loved by everyone in the softball community but I can verify that he was loved by everyone in his workplace as well as the karoake seen in Minot. I knew him best by his voice on the phones while I listened to him help cusotmers and his soulful singing voice when he would sing songs such as, "Lean on me". He truely was the man to lean on when you needed it. My heart goes out to his family for losing such a wonderful and caring man. "

Jennifer Thom wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:13 AM:

" Rich was an awesome friend, singer, and all around good guy. He was a very good friend to me and many others. He will be missed deeply. I will never hear the song, "Lean on Me" the same way again! We love you Rich!

Jen Jen "

Softball wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:00 AM:

" Rich was the best ump ~ you will be missed dearly, but in our hearts for ever! Thanks for many great games over the years when you were behind the plate. No one will ever come close to you and tournaments in Bismarck will never be the same! My deepest sympathy to this family who was so lucky to have such a great Husband and Dad! "

softball wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:30 AM:

" Rich was an awesome ump. He made watching any game fun. I met him and Carlos when I was playing during Tribes, they both would give out Hi-5's to everyone. Rich you will be missed!!!! "

amy wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:30 AM:

" E- when you read this i want you to know Rob and I are always here for you and if you need anything all you have to do is call... you will always be with us.... we would love to spend sometime with you when we come home to ND... there are somethings in the nail for you guys... we love you amy and rob "

amy wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:27 AM:

" Well Rich we love you ypu were and are Robs best friend. You are a great friend and will be missed dearly. I wish we would have been able to come home and see you. you will be forever in our hearts and prayers. Your baby girl and Family will always be family with us... you are wonderful... We will see you again someday... Love you.... "

Scooter wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:11 AM:

" What a huge loss to North Dakota softball. He will be missed.... We loved to see him & Carlos every year at McQuades. They made the experience more enjoyable! "

DJ wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:05 AM:

" He was a GREAT ump, a sweet, and funny man. One of my highlights of McQuades, Old Pro, and the United Tribes tournament was him and Carlos. I enjoyed spending time with them after the tournaments. I'll miss you Rich!
RIP "

Wow wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:58 AM:

" Great man, great umpire, so-so singer. : ) He made softball so much more enjoyable when he was on the diamonds. He always had a smile and a happy attitude. All of our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children. Thank you for sharing him with us! "

Another player wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:57 AM:

" We always looked forward to having Big Green ump a game. He was a player and fan favorite. He always made the game fun with a joke or comment, especially to those who managed to miss the easy plays. He will be truly missed by ND softball!!! Thanks for all the great games. "

Met him once wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:26 AM:

" It was very unfortunate to hear what had happened to a great man. I happened to be part of a team that played after he had finished umping and his words after the game, "it is just another great day", were ones that I will never forget. It appeared he thoroughly enjoyed what he did. My blessings to Richard and his family!! "

Poppas girl wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:11 AM:

" I have known "Poppa Rich" for 12 years... we always joked about him being my other dad :) I loved him and respected him over all of these years and softball will never be the same without him. Every summer our team looked forward to seeing Poppa and Carlos and we would go out of our way to spend time with them. He will be greatly missed by all. "

Another Player wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:00 AM:

" Rich was the Ron Luciano of softball umpires. Never technically perfect, but his style difused a lot of situations. He made the game fun to play, definitely one of the best! "

This is my Daddy wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:55 AM:

" This is absolutely wonderful, thank you so much. My dad would've LOVED what was said. He loved the game! Always looked forward to softball season every winter. He pretty much refused to call ball here in Minot, but almost jumped at the chance to go down to Bismarck. Thank you so much everyone!! Its truely amazing how many people he touched, and it warms my heart to see all the nice things that have been said. We have all been truely blessed to have him in our lives, and l am missing my daddy very much! "

GREAT UMP wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:34 AM:

" My husband's team had him as an ump this weekend. They described him as "the best ump ever" They recalled the silly jokes he was making, especially during a crazy out at first. He said anyone that can jump like that should be safe, but unfortunetely you are out. My husband is an ump also and admired Mr. Green's skills. "

Big Loss wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:26 AM:

" Green was a great umpire and great person. He will be greatly missed. "

Player wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:45 AM:

" Our team had so much fun over the years with both Richard and Carlos. Richard was a good umpire and we will miss him so much. Thanks buddy!!! "

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