Bob Woolmer, visionary, pioneer
Sunday, March 18th, 2007
I was out last night when Michelle McDonald sent through the post-match comments from Bob Woolmer and Inzamam Ul-Haq following the shock loss to Ireland. This morning, as I was about to post the story, I caught a glimpse of the breaking news that Woolmer was discovered unconscious, in a pool of vomit. I decided against posting the story, which included an apology from Woolmer for the way Pakistan played. Michelle’s report included a photo (above) of Bob Woolmer, on his worst day at the office.
Then, the unimaginable. Bob Woolmer confirmed dead. Sad, terrible, depressing news for cricket fans everywhere. My heart aches for his family who are now struggling to comprehend this tragedy.
Bob Woolmer was a pioneer. An old-school throwback who embraced the modern way of coaching and communicating. He was among the first to tote a laptop to the ground, adding the computer to the tools of the trade. He blogged. He answered e-mails from fans. He owned his own Web site.
More than that, he was a lifer. A man who lived and breathed this game, showing respect for “minnows” and understanding the value of expanding the game to strange corners of the globe.
RIP coach. And thanks for everything.
The West Indies Cricket Blog is a fan site devoted to covering the game of cricket in the West Indies.