Will Goldbeck, the familiar local icon hailed for his prowess as announcer, statistician, and official for several sports, has made public his retirement.
Goldbeck, also a former journalist for the Selma Enterprise and Kingsburg Recorder, witnessed Selma’s growth and development, along with the usual social, political and economic changes throughout the years. Rich in history, California’s Central Valley holds true to its hometown heroes.
Goldbeck, 69, is a 2009 Selma Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. He’s been known to record stats, write sports stories, take photos, alongside his usual announcing. He has many fond memories from his decades of announcing for numerous Selma High School sports, Selma Little League, where the ballpark is named Will Goldbeck Field, and Reedley College.
“I coached for a week, the Minor League Rangers (Selma Little League), under a past president,” replied Goldbeck.
Goldbeck began recording stats as an eighth grader and has accumulated many memories. On a whim, he can cite numerous stats from his years of service and has several cherished snippets.
“I announced at the girls’ basketball sectional finals game at the Selland Arena (Fresno) this year,” he said, highlighting the moment as a fond recollection of his long running career.
“The Selma High softball game finals at the Fresno State diamond was another good memory.”
Goldbeck’s participation in the community does not fall short of astounding. He has been involved in many facets of Fresno County and beyond, forming connections with many in the sporting clique.
Randy Esraelian, Selma High School’s athletic director, comments on Goldbeck’s remarkable personality.
“Will Goldbeck’s voice, play-by-play and lineups have been one of the most unique in the entire Central Valley,” Mr. Esraelian commented. “He is known for his style, charisma and his knowledge of being a public addressor. Many in the Valley respect his various hours that he’s spent at the many high schools.”
Will Goldbeck has dabbled in a variety of sporting events for many years. This has permitted many lighthearted instances to arise over the span of his career as well, as adds of his earlier days working as an umpire.
“I did a little basketball back then. I also umpired for 25 years, but I quit because I was too much of a show. The way I umpired, I showed off, so I gave it up,” he mentioned.
Some athletes at Selma High recognize Goldbeck, from baseball to football, he has become a cornerstone of the school’s spirit. However, his influence doesn’t stop at the high school, as many who participate in the community’s youth programs are aware.
Goldbeck was an umpire for the Selma Little League Baseball program and its subsequent Babe Ruth teams. Also noteworthy, he has announced for Selma’s junior varsity football team and kept stats on the athletes.
Goldbeck is a Selma High alumnus as well, graduating 51 years ago in 1972. He’s been present to witness the changes and challenges brought to the community over the past years. He attended Reedley College before returning to Selma.
Of all the multifarious sports Goldbeck has had the honor of announcing and keeping stats for, he recollects which he found most pleasurable.
“Actually, basketball and baseball,” he commented.
Goldbeck, aside from the aforementioned, was the sports editor at the Selma Enterprise, the Parlier Post, the Kingsburg Recorder, and the Fowler Ensign. In the articles he’s written, he demonstrates his literary expertise and depth of knowledge regarding sporting events, citing them as one of his favorite pastimes, which he has been a part of since November of 1977.
Goldbeck, after announcing for 54 years since 1969 and serving as a dedicated sports journalist for 46 years, has announced his retirement from mainstream events, but will continue occasional gigs in his free time. The community is sure to lose a certain aspect of itself, which will be noticeable to many athletes who had grown accustomed to his usual presence. However, while Selma grows and develops, as Goldbeck recalls, it will continue to thrive.
