Des Plaines baseball umpire loved teaching game

Robert Riddel lived in Des Plaines for nearly 55 years, where he built a successful career as an insurance salesman. But families in town knew him in only one role: as a baseball umpire.

Mr. Riddel called balls and strikes in Des Plaines for more than 50 years. He retired only last year at 90.

He passed away on Tuesday in Walworth, Wis, where he and his wife were visiting family. He was 91.

“He was all about the game,” says his son, Don, of Island Lake. “He wanted to teach kids the correct way to play, and how to play with sportsmanship.”

Mr. Riddel was born in Chicago, where he first developed a love of baseball by cheering the Cubs.

During the Depression his parents moved to Fox Lake, where he graduated from Grant Community High School. After World War II, he left the Army and joined New York Life, where he met his wife, Arlene.

The couple initially lived in Chicago, but after having their three children, they headed to Des Plaines.

There, Mr. Riddel became involved with Central Youth Baseball, coaching his two sons. But when he was certified as an umpire, that's where he stayed.

Mr. Riddel was chief umpire for many years. He called games primarily in the majors division, but also was called for playoff games and tournaments.

“He always went by the book,” says his daughter-in-law, Julie Riddel. “He knew the rules inside and out, and he called the game the way he saw it.”

Mr. Riddel's liked being home plate umpire best, but he worked all the bases as needed. He always took time to explain the game and its rules to young players.

“He loved the kids,” his son, Don, adds, “but mostly he loved the game of baseball, and he wanted to keep kids playing.”

Officials with Central Youth Baseball dedicated a field to him — the Robert J. Riddel Field is behind Central School, 1526 Thacker St., where he called games since 1959.

Besides his son, Don, Mr. Riddel is survived by his wife, Arlene, his son James (the late Debbie) Riddel of Barrington, and daughter Patti (Don) Root of Lake Geneva, Wis., plus nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St. in Des Plaines.