At Leslie the Golds were royalty and the Blues, well, scrappy. In basketball, I was a JV Gold bench-rider for two years and then relegated to the Blues 9th grade year. We had a new coach/teacher named Mr. Bates and only one tall guy. So Milllard created a three-guard offense with Brad Hynds, Shane Pielstick and me. We shot the lights out. He also taught me how to play low post on defense using fierce boxing-out fundamentals to make up my lack of height. I led the team in rebounding. We finished 7-6 and the Golds 5-8, a scandal!
Millard ref’d tons of my basketball games at South and of course ump’d a million of my baseball games. I regret to say that I’m one if a handful of students who DIDN’T take driving lessons from Millard. I flunked the driving test twice. True and painful story …. God bless you Millard!
I considered Millard ( Mr Bates) my officiating mentor. I was introduced to Millard in the summer of 1986 while officiatinig basketball invitational games at South Salem and McNary. He and I were hooked at the whistle for many years for high school league and summer games. He offered effective and productive tips to craft my skills on the court. What was inspiring is how he connected with coaches and former and current players. Always, a true gentleman and advocate for the good, positive and optimisim everyone brought to a great sport and opportunity to achieve personal goas and dreams. The laughter will stick for generations. He was quick with a funny line and remained humble and modest in his game and working with players and coaches. Millard was a stalwart for remaining impartial. Millard always voiced his impartiality in pre game discussions with partners. That was one of the many reasons I connected with him. His focus, mental preparation and approach to competition was a true test to being calling your best and keeping your personals standards of calling a contest consistent. I will remember Millard for his contributions to the Salem officiating community and the Football, Basketball, Baseball and Slow Pitch community in the Willamette Valley. I will miss Millard and his dedication to helping people be their best self.
I have so many great memories with Millard but the Sprague brings back my best memory. My senior year at north he was officiating our game, the was the old, old north gym. He was going backwards calling a foul and he fell backwards sliding right thru the double doors that were at the end of course he kept his hand raised and pointing. He will be sorely missed by all the people he touched.
What great stories Mark. Thank you for the behind the scenes look. You are a very good writer. I enjoyed being on the floor with Millard and using his tips in my own games.
It's a sad day to hear of Millard's passing. He and I did cardiac rehab almost 2 years ago for several months together. We talked, laughed about our tickers and remembered the fun of local basketball and how he officiated it. With gusto indeed! Like any ref, we may not have all agreed with every call he made, but he was right more often than not. He loved teaching the little kids the rules as they played. He was a fun filled, Godly man that I appreciated and loved more as we got to know about each other. No official could "sell" a call like Millard or knew the rules better. His traveling calls were memorable and resembled a 60s dance move with his rolling hands and arms.
I will miss you, my friend. You were one of the best in so many ways. Thanks for blessing us with your years of loving people and officiating. You were a true gem and one of a kind. My deep condolences to your family. Hope that you will whistle me in as I check into a heavenly game.
At Leslie the Golds were royalty and the Blues, well, scrappy. In basketball, I was a JV Gold bench-rider for two years and then relegated to the Blues 9th grade year. We had a new coach/teacher named Mr. Bates and only one tall guy. So Milllard created a three-guard offense with Brad Hynds, Shane Pielstick and me. We shot the lights out. He also taught me how to play low post on defense using fierce boxing-out fundamentals to make up my lack of height. I led the team in rebounding. We finished 7-6 and the Golds 5-8, a scandal!
Millard ref’d tons of my basketball games at South and of course ump’d a million of my baseball games. I regret to say that I’m one if a handful of students who DIDN’T take driving lessons from Millard. I flunked the driving test twice. True and painful story …. God bless you Millard!
I had the good fortune to referee the State Championships at Mac Court in Eugene with Millard. Yes, he was full speed.
Jerry Howard
I considered Millard ( Mr Bates) my officiating mentor. I was introduced to Millard in the summer of 1986 while officiatinig basketball invitational games at South Salem and McNary. He and I were hooked at the whistle for many years for high school league and summer games. He offered effective and productive tips to craft my skills on the court. What was inspiring is how he connected with coaches and former and current players. Always, a true gentleman and advocate for the good, positive and optimisim everyone brought to a great sport and opportunity to achieve personal goas and dreams. The laughter will stick for generations. He was quick with a funny line and remained humble and modest in his game and working with players and coaches. Millard was a stalwart for remaining impartial. Millard always voiced his impartiality in pre game discussions with partners. That was one of the many reasons I connected with him. His focus, mental preparation and approach to competition was a true test to being calling your best and keeping your personals standards of calling a contest consistent. I will remember Millard for his contributions to the Salem officiating community and the Football, Basketball, Baseball and Slow Pitch community in the Willamette Valley. I will miss Millard and his dedication to helping people be their best self.
I have so many great memories with Millard but the Sprague brings back my best memory. My senior year at north he was officiating our game, the was the old, old north gym. He was going backwards calling a foul and he fell backwards sliding right thru the double doors that were at the end of course he kept his hand raised and pointing. He will be sorely missed by all the people he touched.
What great stories Mark. Thank you for the behind the scenes look. You are a very good writer. I enjoyed being on the floor with Millard and using his tips in my own games.
It's a sad day to hear of Millard's passing. He and I did cardiac rehab almost 2 years ago for several months together. We talked, laughed about our tickers and remembered the fun of local basketball and how he officiated it. With gusto indeed! Like any ref, we may not have all agreed with every call he made, but he was right more often than not. He loved teaching the little kids the rules as they played. He was a fun filled, Godly man that I appreciated and loved more as we got to know about each other. No official could "sell" a call like Millard or knew the rules better. His traveling calls were memorable and resembled a 60s dance move with his rolling hands and arms.
I will miss you, my friend. You were one of the best in so many ways. Thanks for blessing us with your years of loving people and officiating. You were a true gem and one of a kind. My deep condolences to your family. Hope that you will whistle me in as I check into a heavenly game.