Long-time local softball umpire Leo Mareschal is the 2023 recipient of the Darren Lipinski Memorial Award.
The honour was established in 1975 by Peter and Ellen Lipinski to be awarded 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…..
Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association’s Darren Lipinski Memorial Award
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. This 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. This is one of the longest lasting awards presentations in amateur sport in Saskatoon. Past recipients of the award serve on the selection committee to choose the succeeding winners.
Leo Mareschal History
For this year’s Darren Lipinski award nominee, “NO” was never part of his vocabulary when it came to Minor softball. He was always available and willing to help.
He served as the Umpire In Chief for Saskatoon Minor Softball for over 20 years.
He was registered since 1988 (36 years) as an umpire with both adult and minor umpire associations as either President, Director or Minor UIC. He umpired minor ball since 1975.
Leo served as the first President of River City Umpires Association. He was the leader in the formation of that association.
He led a committee to revise and produce an instructor manual for teaching all minor umpires.
Leo also formed a committee for training and recruiting of new umpires and led it for many years.
He was involved in mentoring, coaching, and teaching minor umpires for his entire career.
He Organized, coordinated, and taught winter clinics at Caroline Robins school one night per week.
Produced a Calendar of Events and information for SBCSU members for several years.
Umpired in 1994 Western Canadian Bantam Championships in Winkler, MB.
He was involved as a driver, umpire committee volunteer or coordinator for many Westerns, Canadians or World championships.
Was honored with numerous awards by Saskatoon Bridge City Softball Umpires, however he cherished the “Players Choice” Award from SASA the most.
After umpiring a minor tournament in 1990 he was interviewed by a SP reporter about pitcher Gene McWillie. His response was: “I swear the ball changes direction two or three times before it reaches the plate.”
