Victoria has bestowed Higgins Street with with the new moniker 'Doug Hudlin Memorial Way' to honour the legendary local little league umpire.

The "gentleman umpire," as Hudlin was known in local baseball circles, passed away in 2014 at age 91.

Hudlin was a pioneering Black Canadian umpire. Beginning his career in Victoria in 1953, he later became the first Canadian to work the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Penn., and the only Black non-American umpire to ever work the series.

B次元官网网址淒oug Hudlin was a trailblazer and a valued member of our community,B次元官网网址� Mayor Marianne Alto said through a news release. B次元官网网址淭his signage serves as a lasting tribute to his remarkable contributions to the city, the sport, and generations of ball players, and ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire.B次元官网网址�

Hudlin is a member of the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame, the B.C. Baseball Umpires Association Hall of Fame, and has been recognized by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. He is also a founding member of the British Columbia Black History Awareness Society.

Higgins Street runs between Hillside and Cook Street alongside the National Little League Park, also known as Jerry Hale Field, where Hudlin began his career and where he worked as an umpire for many years. The Doug Hudlin Memorial signage will be added atop the existing Higgins Street signs.

B次元官网网址淥n behalf of our family, we are thankful for this huge honour,B次元官网网址� HudlinB次元官网网址檚 niece Barbara Hudlin said through the news release. B次元官网网址淒oug was an exceptional umpire, a friend to everyone in the community and he set a standard for his family which we strive to emulate.B次元官网网址�