April2012

Ray Judd passes at age 79 in Arizona

April 23, 2012

Peterborough, ON

By DALE CLIFFORD Examiner Sports Writer
Updated 11 days ago
Ray Judd was remembered for his play off the field as well as on.
Judd, who died in Tucson, Ariz. at the age of 79 on Sunday, was known as a kind, caring individual as well as one of the best softball pitchers to ever grace a diamond.
“He was a Morman missionary, a gentleman and a role model,” said local fastball historian Clair Leahy, himself a fine pitcher in his day. “He was the best pitcher I ever saw.”
Judd, who pitched for Lakefield teams for five years in the late 1950s, was known for impeccable control.
He also played basketball and was a referee in football. It was in softball he was best known and achieved success provincially and internationally, also pitching pro for strong entries in the United States.
“He was a great person,” said Don (Red) Wasson, who caught him on several occasions. “He helped other people. He was one of the premier pitchers in Ontario and was easy to catch. He had a tremendous impact on softball in Ontario and I didn’t see a better pitcher in our time.”

 
Ray Judd pitched only five years in Peterborough, but local softball enthusiasts still talk about his greatness 50 years later.
Among the greatest moments in the 90-year history of the Peterborough Men's Softball Association's city league were the crowds which flooded East City Bowl to see Judd between 1955 and 1961.
Judd, who left Peterborough in 1961 and now lives in Tucson, Ariz., will be among those in attendance when the league celebrates its anniversary Thursday.
Festivities start at 6:25 p.m. with a game to follow at 7:10 p.m. between city league all-stars and Cobourg Town League all-stars.
Judd, now 77 and a native of Arizona, came to Peterborough in his early 20s on a two-year mission for the Mormon church. Looking for a team to pitch for, Judd was introduced to Cam Wasson whose last-place Lakefield
OHL:2010 draft picks sign with Peterborough
Charltons were in need of help.
Judd, who was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, turned the team into not only the best team in the league, but also on three occasions, the best intermediate fastball team in the province.
Judd pitched two years then left for two years of service in the U.S. Army before returning to
pitch three more years in Peterborough.
Lakefield's three-game series with the Sudbury Pepsis in 1960 is regarded as the best pitching duel in local, if not Ontario, history. Facing off against Sudbury's Metro Szeryk, each game ended up 1-0 in extra innings including an 11-innning perfect game by Judd in Game 1. The crowds were the largest ever seen at East City Bowl.
From his home in Tucson, Judd said the crowds stick out as his greatest memory of that time period.
"Some of them were on the Quaker Oats building," Judd told The Examinerin late June.
"Some of them were in the trees all along the road. Fans were leaning up against the iron fence and the park was filled right down the left field line."
Judd says he'll never forget the Wasson boys -- Cam, Don and Neil -- who became more than teammates, they became good friends.
"They intrigued me," Judd said.
"They were a tough bunch of customers."
He married Lindsay's Donna Bonisteel.
They were later divorced but not before having two children together: Shona, a real estate agent in Peterborough, and his son Billy Ray, who lives in Arizona. After leaving Peterborough, Judd went on to star in American leagues in Rhode Island and Arizona, playing until
age 59.
He also coached girls'
softball for many years and ran leagues and tournaments in Arizona until six years ago.
Still, he says his fondest memories in the sport, despite great success wherever he play, were in Peterborough.
"I really enjoyed the people in Canada," Judd said.
"It was real easy to get acquainted with people. They were really friendly."
He looks forward to returning for the anniversary and also visiting his daughter and grandchildren.
"I'd like to come back and see all the people," Judd said.
"Last time I was back there was the 40th reunion of our team. I also came back a few years ago for a Hall of Fame induction dinner."
NOTES:According to city league presidentScott Wasson, the league will pay special tribute to a number of alumni includingRay Judd, Dave Ruthowsky, George (Red) Sullivan, Reg Fowler, Neil Thompson, Jack Mackness, Lefty Reid, Charles (Bus) Jensen, Gus Leonard, Ralph Rowe, Gary Holbrook, Don (Red) Wasson, Neil Wasson, Clair Leahy, Brian Condon, Greg Marchenand Doug Gibson.All former players, executives, umpires and sponsors are invited to attend.... Alumnus, Hall of Famer and sports broadcaster Gary Dallidaywill be the master of ceremonies for the pregame ceremonies.

Arizona Softball Foundation - Arizona Softball Foundation Lifetime Members


Rocky LaRose and Ray Judd coached the 1980 softball team that included Nan Barash and Jayne Hancock (pictured middle row, third and fourth from the left).




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