Harvey Hildebrandt

Athlete (1997)

Softball

A softball player with championship credentials for many years, Harvey Hildebrandt's enjoyment of sports took him into later success as an umpire in softball and supervisor of officials in hockey.

Harvey was born in Hague and played softball, hockey and competed in the 100 yards and broad jump at high school level.

After moving to Saskatoon, he played Commercial League softball with Soberg Brothers and senior men's softball with the Royals, Osler Monarchs, K&K Olson and College Lads. He played on nine Saskatoon championship teams and played on Saskatchewan champions in 1955, 1963, 1965, 1965 and 1967, each year advancing into the Western Canada playoffs. He was a second baseman and .300-plus hitter.

Harvey went into umpiring almost immediately after retirement as a player, earned a Level 5 rating from the Canadian Amateur Softball Association and worked Canadian, world and international tournaments.

After officiating in Saskatoon minor hockey, Harvey became a linesman in the Western league, then a supervisor in both the Saskatchewan and Western leagues and held the WHL post for 12 years. At least six current NHL referees started under Harvey's wing in the WHL.