Doubledays, New York-Penn League Mourn the Loss of Wride

The Auburn Doubledays are sad to announce the passing of Charles "Charlie" Wride on Thursday afternoon. Wride, a New York-Penn League Hall of Famer (Class of 2014) was also the only league historian, and had been a part of the baseball scene in Auburn since 1964.
Wride, a lifelong resident of Auburn, was also a beloved high school teacher at Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls, NY. He could be seen at Falcon Park-both old and new stadiums-in a variety of roles throughout the years. He served as Director of Auburn Community Baseball for 10 years (1964-1974), then Vice President from 1975-1995. Wride was also the Public Address announcer the final year of the old stadium (1995) until 2005. He helped in various other roles at the ballpark including creating and selling gameday programs, generating media guides for teams and personnel, Auburn Community Baseball historian, official scorekeeper, media coordinator and liaison for umpires.
His extensive experience, knowledge and background in the New York-Penn League eventually turned into a new role when he was appointed league historian in 1998, and he maintained that role even through his most recent struggles with his health. His role as league historian was vital to revising the league's statistics for the annual media guide, as well as compiling a running list of former New York-Penn league players, coaches and umpires to appear in Major League Baseball. That current list is over 3,000 participants. Furthermore, his research was also deemed invaluable in helping to "fill in the blanks" for many records, statistics, rosters and players in league history.
Charlie had a way with people that was endearing to so many that came in contact with him. His sharp wit, great sense of humor and welcoming nature went beyond the ballpark and blossomed into several friendships throughout the baseball world. He would befriend any baseball fan and always gave time to help where needed. Even to the time of his passing, Charlie was still in contact with over 175 current and former umpires, as well as numerous other managers, coaches, coordinators and more.
In 2017, the Doubledays front office announced the creation of the Wride Club, a special VIP experience at Falcon Park, that was dedicated in honor of this great man. The Doubledays have decided to donate proceeds from any individual that purchases a Wride Club membership during the season to the NY-P League Charitable Foundation.
Charlie will be greatly missed by all who knew him.