Umpires in Pink – Calling Cancer "Out"

Adam Ripley - Umpires in Pink

Adam Ripley - Umpires in Pink - Photo by Ian Kennedy

This summer at baseball fields across Chatham, you might see a slightly strange sight – umpires dressed in pink uniforms. These umpires aren’t simply making a fashion statement; rather, they’re looking to fight breast cancer.

The idea of Chatham umpire Adam Ripley, “Umpires in Pink,” a campaign launched here in Chatham-Kent, will donate all game fees for games umpired on Sunday’s from June until September, including tournament games, to cancer research. The idea, which Ripley said spawned from NCAA and MLB umpires wearing pink on Sunday’s this summer, isn’t just a fundraiser, it’s a cause that hits close to home for Ripley,

“My inspiration for starting this campaign is for my sister-in-law. Last summer she was diagnosed and is currently battling breast cancer.”

Originally, Ripley thought he’d be wearing pink alone, however several of his Chatham colleagues have jumped on board and will also be donating their Sunday game fees this summer to cancer research. Along with Ripley’s game fees, other umpires have offered to make donations, and money will be collected at games in Chatham this summer,

“With the game fee donations from myself, participating umpires, and money collected from coin boxes and pledge sheets,” explained Chatham “Umpires in Pink” founder Adam Ripley, “I am looking to raise as much money as possible. At the end of the baseball season, I will present a cheque to the Canadian Cancer Society with all funds raised in honour of my sister-in-law.”

Ripley, similar to many people in Chatham-Kent, has been directly impacted by cancer in multiple family members. Although his “Umpires in Pink” campaign is directly targeted at raising money and awareness for breast cancer, Ripley said he is thinking of ways to raise more money in the future in support of cancer research,

“I have lost my grandmother and grandfather to cancer, which is part of my inspiration. But my “Umpires in Pink” campaign is for Breast Cancer. I may decide to start another campaign for Cancer in the future.”

In the hot summer months, calling strikes and plays at the plate, Adam Ripley has a bigger agenda than simply umpiring baseball games in Chatham-Kent. Ripley is an official educating young athletes with every pitch that crosses the plate, and raising money for families and individuals battling cancer each time he steps onto the field.

Hopefully for Ripley and other Chatham-Kent families, the money he raises will lend a hand in calling cancer “out,” once and for all.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the “Umpires in Pink” campaign can do so at any venue Ripley is umpiring during Sunday games this summer, or at the Canadian Cancer Society – Chatham-Kent Unit, located at 746 Richmond St. Units A + B. For more information or if you would like to help, Ripley can be contacted at 519-351-3309.

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  • comment-avatar
    Theresa Roth 13 years

    Hey Adam. Way to go!!

    • comment-avatar
      Lisa 13 years

      Looking great, Adam! Good luck with your campaign and we will support you as much as we can.