The late Jackson (Jack) Libby of Brewer, frequently tapped to judge fight cards around the state, found it easier to separate and weigh the merits of punches than to keep 14 managers from a Summer of discontent.
Yet Libby's efforts as organizer and president of the Eastern Maine League met with a collective tip of the cap once the campaign ended.
Libby was saluted by reappointment by acclamation.
Presiding over Maine's largest league required the utmost diplomacy.
Longtime
Bangor Daily News sports columnist Owen Osborne said it best:
"Much of the credit is due a big guy with a big grin who not only knows his baseball but knows how a team should be managed and, what's more important, how to handle men.
Not once did things get out of hand during the season, whether it waS a meeting discussion, the problem of umpires or a disputed game.
“Each was ironed out in the best manner possible, and it requires tact to handle 14 managers, to say nothing of appeasing the 20-odd men under them. But we think each manager and every player will agree that the league was handled in the best possible manner.
"Take a bow, Jack Libby.”
Most appreciative of Libby’‘s ideal reinsmanship was Joe Nickless of the Bucksport A. A., whose team won the league championship that fledgling 1950 season.
Libby liked to play baseball, along with other sports, but early saw the need for knowledgeable persons in prominent, neutral roles. He brought a solid frame, a keen mind and ideal personality to the umpiring side of the game.
Libby umpired 18 years, mostly in the Eastern Maine League and in state college ranks.
His word was law, and the manner of delivery made it difficult to argue.
Such recognition and respect made Hall of Fame selection simple.
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