Softball Hall of Famer Gilbert dies

One of the most visible fixtures in local recreation sports for nearly 60 years, Clarence Gilbert is no longer with us after he died on Tuesday at the age of 87.

Known to nearly everyone by his nickname of “Bones,’’ Gilbert was a life-long Mercer County resident who had a great passion for adult softball and basketball as both an official and player.

As a softball umpire, he worked numerous leagues and tournaments for nearly 50 years. He was the 300-team Trentonian Softball Tournament’s umpire in chief and assigner for 24 years and was a central figure in the local ASA chapter.

Gilbert was also an accomplished softball pitcher. His teams included Trenton Palazzo’s and

Post 458. In addition, he was the player/manager for the ETS teams that enjoyed much success at industrial national tournaments.

In a sport in which things could often get feisty, Gilbert was known as an umpire who kept things on an even keel and was widely respected by teams throughout the area.

As a result of all his contributions to the sport, Gilbert was elected to the Trenton Softball Hall of Fame.

Gilbert also officiated various basketball leagues and remained active as a player for most of his life. He often talked about his passion for the over-70 Three-on-Three National Tournament, which his team was able to win on several occasions.

“Bones was a lifelong friend and a helluva guy,’’ said Trentonian Softball Tournament Director Artie Kearns. “We could never have had that tournament without him.’’