For Immediate Release
Spent Four Decades As One of the Region’s Top Umpires, Beloved by All
By John Garner/CCBL
June 29, 2006
HAMPTON, N.H. – Robert “Curly” Clement , a Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Famer and umpiring legend, passed away at 4 a.m. today (June 29) at the Hampton Healthcare Center in Hampton, N.H.
Photo by Sean Walsh
The charismatic Clement was an umpire for four decades and was inducted into the CCBL Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Amateur Baseball Umpires Hall of Fame.
A native of Manchester, N.H., he had a long and interesting career in college baseball, umpiring in 16 NCAA Regionals, 12 ECAC Baseball Tournaments and two NCAA College World Series.
“Curly was truly an ambassador of the Cape League,” said CCBL President Judy Walden Scarafile. “He will be sorely missed by those who knew him, however he will be missed more by those who never had the chance to know him.”
Curly began his umpiring career in the 1950’s and realized a dream in 1979 when he umpired a major league game at Fenway Park during the umpires strike, even ringing up Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski on an attempted steal.
Clement was affectionately known as the Candy Man for settling arguments on the field with a handful of sugar -coated licorice.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, his son Don Clement, his daughter Gail Wiley and their families. Funeral arrangements are being made to be held in Exeter, NH.
Clement is being remembered this 4 th of July weekend with a moment of silence and flag flying at half mast before each game earlier.
John Garner, Jr., Director of Public Relations & Broadcasting
johnwgarner@earthlink.net