McCammon full of passion for game

OTAGO softball has lost one of its most passionate figures.

Des McCammon died on Monday aged 75.

A life member of both the Ellis Park club and the Otago Softball Association, he had a huge involvement in the game.

A minute’s silence will be held in his honour before tomorrow’s club games.

Ellis Park stalwart and fellow Otago Softball life member Kath McGilbert said he was an everpresent figure.

‘‘He was passionate about the game; he had a heap of knowledge.

‘‘As long as I can remember he’s always been involved in softball, he’s always helpful, always loyal.

‘‘He would give up his time to coach, put his hand up to help out with functions and sitting on committees and being part of organising tournaments, always being active.’’

Beginning as a player with Ellis Park, he branched out into coaching, administration and officiating roles.

He held various roles on the OSA executive, and coached both club and representative teams.

On the national level, he helped form the junior advisory board for Softball New Zealand, which looked after junior softball.

He was a key figure in introducing Teeball to New Zealand, as well writing

a rule to the The

Little Red Softball Book, book distributed country’s schools.

Alongside that, he umpired locally and earned his New Zealand umpires badge.

McGilbert said his loss would be noticed and he remained visible in the sport right until the end.

‘‘It’s definitely a big loss within the softball family.

‘‘He was a life member of the Ellis Park Softball Club and Otago Softball.

‘‘He’s always out supporting softball on Saturdays, even after giving up his coaching and umpiring, he was always on the sideline supporting his club.

‘‘He’s always been with Ellis Park, a true loyal softball man.

‘‘I have no doubt that this season he would have been on the sideline watching the games.

‘‘He’d always know when Ellis Park was playing and when the players were playing and he’d enjoy the game.’’