A local umpire who has dedicated the last two-and-a-half decades giving back to the sport has been recognized for his contributions, on and off the field. Brian Deck from Kindersley was recently named Softball Saskatchewan’s Umpire of the Week and says it’s an honour to be recognized.

Before taking his place behind home plate, Deck spent 20 plus years playing the sport himself and it was because of the people who helped him in his earlier years that made him want to start umpiring.

“It feels good just to give back and to be able to do for the kids now, what people did for me back when I was playing.”

The announcement first appeared on Facebook, which Deck does not use, so the good news was first delivered by his daughter, he said he was very surprised to hear the news but said it is nice to be recognized.

“It was quite awesome, it was a thrill to have people see what we are doing. We are the guys behind the scenes so it was nice to get that recognition.”

Among the comments under the Facebook announcement congratulating Deck and sharing personal stories of how he has added to the sport, there was a comment stating Deck always, without fail, has butterscotch candies to give out.

Deck candidly shared the story behind the butterscotch candies.

What started as four candies in his pocket has become a part of what Deck is known for. The candies are not just any candies either, Deck gets them shipped in from Georgia and since last fall he has ordered four, 60 pound boxes, to give out wherever he goes.

Deck also is a referee for hockey in the winter months and joked that the butterscotch candies are a great way to get refs to stop talking, “They can’t talk if they have candies in their mouth,” he laughed.

This year, Deck will be one of the umpires at the Western Canadian Championships, being held in Biggar this August. He shared this will be his fifth time at the championships and perhaps his last.