'We're out here to have fun'

SANDPOINT — As the softball coordinator for Sandpoint City Rec, the President of the Coeur d’Alene Umpires Association and a long-time umpire to boot, Sandpoint’s David Broughton has a front row seat for hundreds upon hundreds of games each year.

Behind the plate he bears witness to the good, the bad and the ugly on the diamond, and like any official, is bound to hear something from one side whenever there is a close play — which is often.

Between the men’s, women’s and coed leagues, Broughton will oversee more than 100 softball players on a nightly basis in the summer leagues at Travers Park, and through the years he’s gained quite an appreciation for how the players in Sandpoint conduct themselves.

“The guys in Sandpoint deserve kudos; they don’t make a big deal out of it and just have fun,” said Broughton, who has been umpiring since 1994. “You go down to Coeur d’Alene and it’s a nightmare, they fuss and whine about everything.”

Dan Elliott, an umpire from Priest River who also officiates high school football and softball, seconds Broughton’s sentiment, also preferring to work in Sandpoint whenever possible.

“In Coeur d’Alene every game is major. We always laugh and say ‘the ESPN cameras aren’t even here yet,” joked Elliott, adding he’s got the best seat in the house. “Slow pitch is laid back and people are away from their jobs and having fun. You get to see people in town and it gives you that community spirit.”

Sandpoint’s Rebecca Roberts plays for Spade Construction in the coed league along with her dad Ray Spade, who’s still out there competing at 64 years-old. Roberts gave a simple answer when asked what she loved about softball, which was also very indicative of the Sandpoint league in general.

“We’re out here to have fun; don’t care if we win or lose,” she explained with a smile. “We like to come out and play. That’s it.”

Sandpoint’s Russell Lacy, whom Broughton calls one of the best mechanics in town, has literally called thousands of games as an umpire. He’s been a member of the Amateur Softball Association for 30 years, and also umpires high school fast-pitch games. He does it as a way to both stay in the game, and give back to the community.

While the men in blue are quick to praise the play in Sandpoint, it’s hard to deny their role in making the game flow smoothly — the hallmark of any great umpire.

Anyone interested in becoming an umpire can call Broughton at 290-6577.