Scott Creelman, former CEO of Spalding Sports Worldwide, died on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011 after a five-year battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.
Creelman had a 35 year career with Spalding Sports Worldwide. He
started as business manager of the tennis group, but worked his way
through the ranks quickly. Throughout his career he held various
positions including managing director, International; vice-president,
international; vice-president golf products worldwide and executive vice-president, Spalding division and eventually president and CEO.
He travelled all over the world growing the various divisions of
Spalding and even resided in Cambridge, England from 1979 – 1983. Spalding's OBIT stated, “His
incredible management style was known throughout the industry and
working for Scott was considered the gold standard. He finally retired,
for a second time, in 2008 after leaving an unforgettable mark on the
brand that he had dedicated his life to.”
Creelman was born January 11, 1943 in Melrose, MA to Wallace R. Creelman and Hilda S. Creelman. He graduated from Melrose High School (Melrose, MA) in 1960 where he was a three sport star and was inducted into the Melrose High School Hall of Fame. Creelman attended Dartmouth College (Hanover NH) where he also received many accolades lettering in both football and baseball, most notably the Bob Blackman Trophy, All-Ivy honors, and records in single season strikeouts and career shutouts. He received his BA in sociology in 1964 and then attended Columbia University where he received his MBA in 1966.
Throughout his career, Creelman served on many boards throughout the years including: Historic Deerfield, The Sara's Wish Foundation, The Bement School, Alliance Corporation, Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, and the Western Massachusetts Food Bank. Creelman served as the Honorary Chairman of the Volleyball Hall of Fame and won the Henry Butova Award, which honors a football player or individual from the region who is devoted to the game and has distinguished himself after his playing days. Creelman was also a member of The Kittansett Club (Marion, MA), New Bedford Yacht (New Bedford, MA), and a former member of Crumpin Fox (Bernardston, MA).
Creelman is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Joanna of Deerfield, MA. Father of Craig Creelman of Hanover, NH, Elizabeth Creelman of New York, NY and William Creelman and his wife, Harley of Charlestown, MA. Sister of Christine A. Creelman of Winchester, MA and Carol C. Moriarty and her husband John of Winchester, MA. Grandfather of Edward H. Creelman and Charles B. Creelman of Hanover, NH and Tanner W. Creelman, Addison R. Creelman and James Creelman of Charlestown, MA. A memorial service was held Saturday, September 24, 2011. Gifts in his memory may be made to Sara's Wish Foundation, 23 Ash Lane, Amherst, MA 01002 or The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, PO Box 160, Hatfield, MA 01038.
