Leah Beausoleil presented the 2023 Marilyn O'Driscoll Junior Umpire of the Year Award by Softball Saskatchewan's Umpire in Chief Bob Clothier. (Submitted photos/Leah Beausoleil)

By Martin Martinson

Softball Saskatchewan

Battlefords local receives inaugural Marilyn O’Driscoll Jr. Umpire of the Year Award

Nov 10, 2023 | 6:00 AM

Battlefords local Leah Beausoleil has been recognized as the first-ever recipient of the Marilyn O’Driscoll Junior Umpire of the Year Award.

Presented to the ump ‘who displays the most commitment, willingness to learn, and enjoyment of the game,’ the award was newly established by Softball Saskatchewan, in memory of Marilyn who dedicated much of her life to softball in the Battlefords and area, prior to her passing in late August.

“It was an honour to receive the award, and I’m very, very grateful I was able to be mentored by Marilyn and learn from her before her passing,” Beausoleil said. “I feel so honoured to be able to receive that award and I know she meant a great deal to the Battlefords and to Battlefords Minor Softball Association.”

Among the highlights from Beausoleils’ first year behind the plate was being asked by O’Driscoll to umpire at the U11 provincial tournament held in North Battleford. She was also selected to work the gold medal game, with a guiding hand available when needed.

“Marilyn was always there to guide me through what I was needing to do on the field and give me some tips to make sure I was umping to the best of my ability,” Beausoleil said.

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Much like the woman who helped her hone her craft at the umpire position, Beausoleil said she was drawn to become an umpire to help give the next generation a chance to play and grow their love for the game.

“I just wanted to give back to the community that raised me,” Beausoleil said. “I’ve been playing softball in our association since I was eight or nine, so it’s been quite a while, and I wanted to be able to help other kids be able to play games. As umpires in Saskatchewan, our numbers are declining, so I wanted to be able to give back to the association and the sport that I love so much.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1