Tue. August 6, 2019
Robert F. "Bobby" Nicholson, who had a near-40-year history in Chicago gay sports, particularly softball, died expectedly Friday, August 2. He was 69.
Nicholson is a member of the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA) Hall of Fame and the NAGAAA Hall of Fame from the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, which runs the annual Gay Softball World Series.
"One of the great treats for generations of gay softball players and fans in Chicago and across the country was knowing Bobby Nicholson," said Sidetrack co-owner Art Johnston. "As a player, sponsor (and) manager of 16-inch and then 12-inch (gay) softball, Bobby was dedicated, reliable and, best of all, the funniest person on and off the field.
"In later years he brought the same joyous love of the game as (an) umpire."
Players and umpires in CMSA's Open Sunday Softball League on August 4 wore ribbons on their uniforms to honor Nicholson.
"Bobby was (a) happy and lucky man, but anyone who knew him, (they) were the lucky ones," said Marcela Haber-Bishop. "We got to hear the history (from Nicholson) that made CMSA what is so great for all of us today. I will miss his quick remarks on the fields, his soft laughter, and looking at the joy he had working hard every Sunday and at tournaments."
"CMSA has lost one of (its) bests," CMSA Hall of Fame member Marcia Hill said of Nicholson. Nicholson had ties to the local gay sports leagues dating back to the early-1980s – as a player, coach, manager, sponsor and umpire.
From 1983-1999, he was the co-owner of The North End in Boystown, and he financially sponsored softball, bowling, volleyball and flag football teams.
"His impact will be felt for years to come on the softball field through the umpires he mentored," said CMSA president Matthew Herek. "His death will be felt both locally and nationally. On behalf of all of our members, I express my condolences to his close family and friends."
Nicholson's longtime partner, David Liechty shared the news, saying: "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I write to you (that) our dear friend Bobby Nicholson passed away today. According to his wishes, there will not be a public service. Instead, we ask that you pause and reflect on those special memories you shared with him, remembering the laughs and smiles you brought to each other's day. He truly enjoyed time spent with friends and family.
"Tonight, before you fall asleep, as a tribute to Bobby, whisper 'Good Night Irene' to wish him well on his journey. Thanks for being a part of his life!"
Nicholson's passions included music, theater, travel, softball and everything Chicago Cubs and Bears.
Nicholson, with Gary Vien, Peter Meyer and Doug Malm, started the Senior Cup softball tournament for 40-and-older players, held in Chicago and a first-of-its-kind in the LGBT community. Nicholson also was a key contributor to the master's division for the Gay Softball World Series – and a Chicago team was the first winner, in 2011.
"Bob (had) a very electric personality," Meyer said when inducting Nicholson into the CMSA Hall of Fame. "He has made many friends over the years of his sports involvement in CMSA. You yourself have probably been party to one of his flirtatious teases, or of his loving disagreements. It is easy to hold a warm spot in your heart for Bob.
"I myself consider it a privilege to call Bob a friend. Whether an opponent on the diamond, or a teammate, Bob (was) always ready to contribute in any way possible to help his team and friends succeed. I really think that what (drove) Bob (was) his passion for the sport, his honor of the game and its rules, his respect for the competition and the encouragement to himself and his teammates to have fun."
Jonathon Shaw said his most memorable moment with Nicholson was the day they met – as argumentative as it was.
"I was pitching on a Thursday Night Softball League team several years ago and I barked at [umpire] Bobby pretty good when he wasn't giving me what I thought was a fair strike zone," Shaw said. "He easily could have tossed me from the game and sent me home, but Bobby calmly stepped away from behind the plate and told me, 'That's enough.'
"After the next batter I took myself out of the game and sat on the bench to cool down and think about how poorly I handled the situation. About a year later I started umpiring and worked with Bobby, and reminded him of that ugly night. He shook it off like it was nothing and encouraged me to keep cool and relaxed as I go through my time as an umpire.
"I'd like to think that Bobby set the tone for how I manage games [as an umpire] through my interaction with players and coaches. He was a great man and I'm a better umpire to have known him."
Haber-Bishop met Nicholson through softball in 2003, and their friendship blossomed off the fields, too, as they played cards for years – and he even attended her wedding shower, and more.
"He was always there with a smile, happy to see (everyone) and thankful for the invitation to socialize," Haber-Bishop said. "He would talk about his work and his memories of when he was younger and (played various sports).
"One of the stories that stuck with me to this day was about how lucky he was to still be alive and enjoying being part of softball as an umpire since his playing days were long gone. He was a big mentor to me as an umpire when I had questions on game scenarios [and more]. He helped make me a better manager of my teams, (improve) my respect for umpires and what they do."
Haber-Bishop added, "(Bobby) told us about when he used to play (and) even brought a picture of his team to share with us what it was back in the day when CMSA came about."
And those early years in gay sport leagues for Nicholson and others weren't always glamourous as the LGBT community endured the HIV epidemic – and it impacted every sport, every team.
"Bobby [lost many] teammates when the HIV/AIDS epidemic hit our community," Haber-Bishop said. "He was one of the lucky survivors, which goes back to why he was so happy, lucky to be alive – (because) he (saw) so many of his friends and teammates die.
"Another lesson Bobby taught me was the importance of (being) a good manager and player with all of my teammates. I have been lucky to have met many great friends because of teammates."
CMSA will pay tribute to Nicholson during the Open Sunday Softball League's end-of-season get-together on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Jackhammer. Additional information on the tribute are forthcoming.
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