Wilbert umpired for more than 40 years in all categories in Altona and the surrounding area in the 1970s. He umpired 73 games in the year he turned 73 years old and umpired an estimated 2500 games during his career. Wilbert played fastball as a pitcher for more than 20 years until he lost his right hand in an industrial accident in 1970. Following the accident, umpiring with no right hand became Wilbert’s famous trademark with baseball players and fans. He enjoyed umpiring younger categories, but also coached minor ball for several years. Wilbert also coached and refereed minor hockey for over 30 years and played senior hockey for 20 years. Wilbert was honoured as Altona’s Citizen of the Year in 1998 for his lifelong contribution to sports and quality of life, especially for young people, in the community.
