Lloyd Culy – Builder

Umpires usually don’t get a lot of respect, but when you put in 50 years calling games then it is expected. Lloyd Culy is a respected umpire.

Born in Imperial, Saskatchewan, in 1918, Lloyd was in Grade 11 when he called his first game. He went to watch a high school ball game and when there were no umpires, he volunteered. The rest, as they say, is history.

It would be a few years later before he returned behind the plate, however. While teaching in Mirror Lake he entered a team in the Mildred Sports Day. When his team was eliminated he was asked if he would umpire games on another diamond and from that point on he was hooked. Lloyd always said his motto was, “Be fair and square leaving no room for complaint.”

Lloyd umpired games all over the northern half of the province and was a member of the Prince Albert Umpire’s Association from 1954-1988. He certainly wasn’t perfect and had some instances when fans and players disagreed with his calls, but more times than not he would have players come up to him and say, “Good work.” He even had the experience of having one player throw dirt in his face and then 15 years later work with that same person on an umpiring crew.

In addition to umpiring baseball and fastball, Lloyd was involved in a number of other activities. He formed a senior men’s softball team outside of Canwood known as the Dry Creek Penguins and more than 50 years later that team still exists. Lloyd coached soccer and baseball while working at the Student Residence in the 1950s and on several occasions his teams won city championships. Lloyd also coached a women’s softball team in the mid-1950s and in the 1960s he officiated at high school and minor football games.

Lloyd was a dedicated umpire and it is because of this dedication the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame is thrilled to welcome Lloyd Culy into the builder category.

Inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.