Fade to Black
Salem’s John Black is done with officiating after 51 years
Sitting amidst a crowd of fellow baseball umpires in a skybox at Keizer’s Volcanoes Stadium, John Black looks decidedly relaxed.
That is probably because the 71-year-old Black has decided to give up officiating Oregon prep sports after a career covering parts of six decades.
Black began his career as an official in 1971, and divided his time between football, basketball and baseball. The money wasn’t a lot, but it did make life a little easier for an elementary school teacher trying to make ends meet. But while it began as way to supplement Black’s income, officiating soon developed into a passion that took him across the country over the years.
John and his brother Mike worked together and separately for many years, especially on the basketball court. John enjoyed all three of his sports choices, but indicated that baseball brought him the most joy overall.
His last event was an Oregon 4A baseball playoff game on May 27th at North Marion High School in Aurora, just about 25 minutes north of Salem. Since then, he has been content to be a spectator, as he was for the 4A and 6A title games held at Volcanoes Stadium on June 7th.
Black is at peace with his decision to retire his umpiring gear, but admits it was easier to make the decision because the game of baseball is being played differently these days.
“Baseball is now more about big hitting, not the basics,” lamented Black.
“There is less emphasis on bunting, base running, and finding different ways to score.”
Black also is concerned about the reduced level of camaraderie amongst officials due in part to the scramble to find new people to fill the jobs.
“We used to travel together and talk about how to officiate, and it was great way to learn.”
Still, he has plenty of fond memories. About eight to ten state championship games over his career. American Legion National baseball tournaments in Oregon, Washington and North Carolina in front of huge crowds. And friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
Black’s last baseball game at North Marion High School was one he personally requested.
Why? That’s easy.
“It is the best baseball field in Oregon,” said Black without hesitation.
“It is immaculate—major league maintained.”
Will Black miss being on the field? Yes, he will. But he says there are more important things than being an umpire.
“I need to spend time with my nine grandkids,” he announced matter-of-factly.
John is the third official I personally know who has retired in the past three or four years. The sudden departure of Randall Goree (33 years) as an official earlier this year caught me off guard. There is still another who has indicated his intention to quit. These men—along with the legendary Millard Bates—who died this spring at age 91—mark the end of an era.
The Oregon School Activities Association and Oregon Athletic Officials Association are still scouring the landscape, looking for young people willing to replace these legends to retain prep sports in the state.
If you are one of those young people willing to travel and make a few bucks to keep the games alive, click on the provided link. It will take a measure of dedication, but you, too, can become another John Black. And for the sake of our teens, I hope it happens.
Interested in becoming an official? Click on this link from the Oregon Athletic Officials Association: https://www.osaa.org/new-officials/index.html
Good story. Mike black was my teammate at McNary and John worked a few games I played in, maybe when I was at Pacific, too?