Hirschbeck, YSU remember Bell

February 2, 2014 at 12:06a.m.

By JOE CATULLO JR.

NILES

Speaking in front of nearly 500 people Saturday morning, Youngstown State baseball coach Steve Gillispie headed back toward the podium after he gave his speech.

Gillispie stressed the importance of family and community at McMenamy’s Restaurant and Banquet Center. With that, he asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of former Major League umpire Wally Bell, who died in October from a heart attack.

Sitting far right of Gillispie was MLB umpire and Mahoning Valley native John Hirschbeck, waiting for his opportunity to talk about his longtime friend during the YSU First Pitch Breakfast.

“People that know us know how close we were,” Hirschbeck said. “We were like brothers, best friends and a father-son relationship. Those are big shoes to fill, but I know that this was important to Wally and, of course, to Youngstown State.”

Hirschbeck talked about the first time he met Bell and the experiences the two shared, including how he had “Baby Got Back” as Bell’s ringtone every time he called.

Bell, another Mahoning Valley native, attended last year’s event along with Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle. Saturday’s guest speakers were Hirschbeck, Cleveland Indians President Mark Shapiro and seven-time MLB All Star Al Oliver. YSU President Randy Dunn joined them as well.

“Actually, I came from Florida. That’s how important it is,” Hirschbeck said. “Ron Strollo approached me a couple of months ago and asked. I literally jumped at the chance.”

Hirschbeck, entering his 32nd season as a MLB umpire, was the crew chief for the 2013 World Series. He also umpired in three All-Star games, nine Division Series, four American League Championship Series and four World Series.

Hirschbeck isn’t the only one with a soft spot for baseball in northeastern Ohio.

“I have great respect for coach Gillispie and what he’s trying to build here,” Shapiro said. “I’m supportive of anyone, especially amateur baseball in northeast Ohio. I know how tough it is. Anything I can do here to help out is a pleasure to me.”

Shapiro has been with the Indians since 1991. He became the general manager in 2001 when John Hart left. He has been the president since the end of the 2010 campaign. Shapiro headed back to Cleveland shortly after and will head to Arizona for Spring Training on Feb. 23.

Oliver attended the event for the same purpose.

“Being from Ohio, I’m pretty familiar with Youngstown itself, but not necessarily the program,” he said. “I did hear that the program is on the rise. Once I got the opportunity to come speak to enhance the program, I jumped on it.”

Oliver played for the Pirates from 1968-1977, including the 1971 World Series team. After spending four seasons with the Texas Rangers, Oliver was an NL batting champion and RBI leader in his first year with the Montreal Expos in 1982. He spent the last two seasons of his career with the San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.

“I had dinner with our speakers last night,” Gillispie said. “They’re just quality guys. I had a great time with them. I wish everybody could’ve enjoyed that evening like that, but they’re going to get some great stories from what I understand. Everybody should have a good time, and that’s ultimately what we want to happen.”