“It’s definitely not going to be the same without Mr. Renteria, without Bobby” said softball coach Ismael Vasquez.
SAN ANTONIO — We now know the identity of the rideshare driver killed after being caught in the crossfire of a shooting on the north side, after the passenger he picked up was shot at.
The driver has been identified as 61-year-old Bobby Renteria. We are learning this evening that Renteria was a beloved softball umpire.
“People are going to remember him, just for the love that he gave everybody,” said Felicia Harrington, softball coach.
For more than two decades Bobby Renteria has been a staple in the softball community, where he was a beloved umpire.
“He was a good man. He was a good umpire, but you know, he was an even better human being,” said Ismael Vasquez, softball coach.
On Wednesday players, fellow umpires and coaches reacted in shock, disbelief and devastation about his tragic passing.
Early Monday morning, Renteria was shot in the back after picking up his passenger on Anchor Drive, near Lockhill-Selma Road and West Avenue.
“It’s just even harder to stomach and grasp how something like that could happen to such a genuine, and good hearted individual,” said Vasquez.
Renteria is being remembered as more than just a colleague, many say he was a friend.
“He was kind of guy that he would just give you a shirt off his back, if you asked him,” said Ernest Gonzalez, softball umpire.
Coaches we spoke with say many of the players he officiated are also devastated at his passing, saying he loved what he did and was a mentor to many.
“He made a big impact on those girls, and they were always looking for him. Even in the tough situations where he had to make calls that were against kids, he was very supportive of them and told them what they could do the next time,” said Harrington.
Many are going to miss Renteria’s smile, which they say shined like the baseball diamond he officiated over.
“He was a great guy. I mean, he’s going to be sorely missed,” said Gonzalez.
While games won’t be the same without Renteria, Harrington says he will still be there in spirit.
“I just feel like he’s going to be in a better place right now, and he’ll be able to watch every single one of those girls playing games every weekend, and I know he’s going to be happy,” said Harrington.
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