By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough- It was a dream come true – the culmination of many years as an umpire for Marlborough and area sports leagues when Bob Gregoire was asked to be an umpire at the Cooperstown Field of Dreams in Cooperstown, N.Y., last summer. He represented the TriValley Hitmen from Milford.
“If an umpire has a bucket list then this is at the top of the list,” he said. “I umpired at least three games a day from Sunday through Wednesday and umpired two games in the playoffs on Thursday. It was a great experience being able to work with great umpires from all over the country and to be a part of a game where we were able to meet coaches and young athletes from all over this great country. The experience was unforgettable.”
Gregoire began his career as a referee and coach when he coached soccer for his daughter Danielle’s youth league team for 10 years He eventually became a referee for teams of all age levels, including middle school, high school, men’s and women’s leagues. He became a baseball umpire in 1999 which led to “working games” in the Babe Ruth League in Marlborough for over 12 years. He is currently working with three groups, the Central Mass Baseball Umpires Association, the Central Mass. Volleyball Association, and the Nobscot Valley Softball Association.
Gregoire thanked his wife, Joan, and Danielle (who is now a state representative) for their support of the extra time his being involved with sports has taken.
“My Dad and I used to have so much fun with both soccer and baseball, both of which we eventually coached and refereed – sometimes together,” said his proud daughter. ”He instilled in me a passion for athletics, teamwork, competitive and community involvement, principles that have stayed with me over the years. He has thoroughly enjoyed helping generations of young athletes mold their craft and become sports enthusiasts. I am proud of my Dad.”
Gregoire plans to continue to umpire baseball and softball in the spring and summer.
“In the fall I will referee high school and college volleyball,” he said. “I will continue to be involved in these sports for as long as I am physically able.”