When Alexander Joseph "Bobey" Salerno was born on March 19th. 1931 the Salerno family baseball battery was complete. The catcher, older brother Mike now had his pitcher. Bobey didn't have to pitch into a bucket nailed to a garage wall: he grew up honing his curve and fastball, throwing to Mike. In the late 1940's they teamed up at Proctor High School where Bobey became Proctor's leading hitter and a pro pitching prospect.

The Boston Red Sox noticed his 32 wins 11055 prep and American Legion record and signed him to a professional contract. Bobey pitched 2 seasons in the Sox organization: one in Marion, Ohio and the oilier in Kinston, North Carolina.

He answered his country’s call to duly during the Korean conflict. The right-hander was thrown from a Jeep in Korea and the injury to his right shoulder ended his dream of pitching in the big leagues
Born for baseball, when Bobey couldn't pitch any longer. he answered a newspaper ad for Al Somer's Florida school for Umpires. After finishing at the top of his class, he completed 3 seasons calling plays in the minor leagues, the last season in the triple A Pacific Coast League.

In 1961, Bobey was finally in the major leagues. but as an umpire rather than a player. The highlight of his career came quickly. Salerno was officiating at 3rd base when Roger Maris hit his 61st home run to break Babe Ruth's 34 year old record. Just 3 years later Bobey was part of the crew that called the 1964 Major League AIl Star game: a selection reserved for the games best men in blue. During his 8 year career in the American League, Bobey filled all requests from Utica friends. for tickets and autographs. Bobey never said "no"! Yankee Stadium became the main venue where hometown fans came to watch their friend call tile plays.

'I thought Salerno was a good ump. He never lost control of a game" Jim Honochick, former American league Umpire.

"He was a good ump and I know talent"

Larry Knapp. American League Umpire 'I consider him a pretty good umpire"

AI Lopez, manager. Chicago White Sox "Very Competent"

Eddie Stanky, manager. St. Louis Cards and Chicago White Sox.

Salerno pioneered the formation of the Major League Umpires Union which provides benefits that present day signal callers still enjoy.

Bobey Salerno was one of the best pitchers to come out of the Utica area. He rose from the sandlots of east Utica to the big ball yards in the American League. He never forgot ejecting Mickey Mantle from a game or Roger Maris rounding third, but most of all, his many friends in Utica, New York. Bobey passed away August SUI, 2006. The Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame extends the final tribute.