Dave Drescher, center, is shown with his son, Steve, left, during his NH Cal Ripken Baseball Hall of Fame induction. Drescher passed away late Sunday. (Courtesy photo)

NASHUA – The local youth sports community is in mourning after the passing late Sunday of longtime Nashua Cal Ripken coaching legend Dave Drescher.

Drescher, who was inducted into the New Hampshire Cal Ripken Baseball Hall of Fame about eight years ago, had spent nearly six decades in local youth sports. He was also known as a high school basketball “super scout” and/or assistant coach over the years at local high schools.

He has a field named after him in the city on Shady Lane, David Drescher Field.

“Dave was a legend in Nashua baseball,” Nashua Cal Ripken League president Ken Kozyra said. “This is a truly sad day.”

Drescher began coaching youth baseball in 1960 as an assistant coach in the Nashua South Youth Baseball minor league organization.

He later coached at the majors level, and over the years managed, coached, worked on field maintenance, concession stand operation, etc.

He also served as vice president, umpire coordinator, major league director and rules interpreter for the Cal Ripken program.

“Dave’s biggest contribution to the children was not just about baseball; he taught them life’s lessons,” a statement from Cal Ripken baseball upon his induction said. “He always stressed that school comes first along with respect for their parents.”

Drescher, the statement said, was also known for “the instilling in the youngsters lessons needed to succeed not only in sports but in life.”

Kozyra sent a message to the local Cal Ripken community.

“I first met David in 2004 when I joined the Cal Ripken Board of Directors,” he said. “Both of my sons played for him and tell me they are some of their best memories of playing Cal Ripken Baseball.

“I was honored to coach with him several times. He will be missed and Nashua will not be the same.”

Drescher’s son Steve is also a longtime Cal Ripken coach and local umpire.

Drescher will be missed in the local high school basketball community as well. Until the last few years, he was a fixture in the stands scouting games.

“Coach Drescher was legendary as the best basketball scout in NH,” longtime Nashua High School South boys basketball coach Nate Mazerolle said in an email. “I was so fortunate to have him send me reports over the years.

“What an incredible basketball mind. His reports were as detailed as I’ve ever seen. We were always supremely prepared for our next opponent whenever we had a Dave Drescher scouting report. It was amazing – it seemed he was at every gym watching a game at all times.”

Drescher’s qualities as a person is what many will miss most.

“Much more importantly, he was the epitome of class and what a kind gentleman,” Mazerolle said. “I was able to speak with him and listen to his stories many times over the past 20-plus years.

“It was always a pleasure to simply sit and listen to Coach Drescher. Sports history lessons and more. And always humble and self-effacing. Just kind, soft-spoken, and a pleasure to talk to.

“He will certainly be missed.”

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