Somers Says Goodbye to Joe Hickey - An Irreplaceable Friend

Please scroll to the end of article of Bada Bloom, Oscars II, Radding and Prime Pub Photos

I’ve been playing Men’s Softball at Reis Park since 1987, and a lot of people have come and gone. Teammates, players and fans, the camaraderie and competition has always crossed over. Of course, the latter got first focus when we honed in on that night’s umpire. All doing a great job, the sight of Joe Hickey was just another level. We all knew the umpire would not play a part in the outcome of the game, but Joe’s proficiency behind the plate wasn’t the only reason we welcomed his appearance.

Beginning out of the box, his unassuming smile and soft spoken hello set a baseline for the night. Winning is nice but friendship is better, and with Joe’s passing on August 25, that’s what every single Somers softball player has lost.

Glen Bernardi agrees in a manner that was more in keeping with Joe’s ability to say much with few words. “He was a true gentleman,” said the owner of Bobo’s in Somers, New York.

In the league since the early 90s, Bernardi always appreciated how the Mahopac resident managed the emotions of the game. Especially when moments got heated, Joe’s calm demeanor never failed to bring the temperature down on all sides.

But the demise of any controversy also hinged on Hickey’s professionalism. “He gave respect, and he was given respect,” assured Bernardi.

Knowing every single player’s name went a long way to achieving those aims and so did the way he got to know each of us personally. Steve D'Ambrosio could definitely attest. “He was very understanding of my emotions if I got mad,” said the long time pitcher. “He explained what he saw, and I respected that.”

Either way, Joe’s call couldn’t help sow doubt when D’Ambrosio was caught in the middle. “Yeah, I’m probably wrong,” he could easily reflect.

Now, contributing to the umpire duties in Somers, D’Ambrosio is with the lesson plan too. “The main thing I learned from Joe was to follow his calm demeanor,” he revealed.

Jim Magrone was in full agreement with the sentiment. “He never had a short fuse and kept things under control,” said fellow Somers ump and the commissioner of the league.

Games were far from a lockdown, though. “Joe was probably the most liked umpire I have ever worked with,” he said.

The ump was also in rhythm with the game. If the ball got away from the catcher, he'd sling a perfect underhand fast pitch back to the mound and never failed to recognize what the players did on the field.

So for me, if I heard the words, “That was a great play Hammer,” my pride soared.

The best of the best was acknowledging me and his fellow ump put the care in a package. “He made it fun for the players,” said Joe Mancini.

Of course, each season came to an end, and most times in sports, a loss casts heartbreak. Even so, we all had to put the disappointment aside and complete the season with one final act. You shook Joe’s hand and thanked him for his fairness, diligence and friendship.

Better than any trophy out there, all we can do now is remember and be grateful for what we had. “He was a great man,” Bernardi concluded.

A&S

Spartans

Click Image for Bada Bloom Photos

Click Image for Oscars II Photos

Click Image for Radding and Prime Pub Photos

If you're looking for a sports photographer, I can be reached at 914 318 0997 or at [email protected]

Thank you