Court reporter Lynn Woods hugs Criminal Court bailiff Bob Ball during his surprise retirement party.To those walking into Hamilton County Criminal Court for the first time, Bob Ball’s lumbering frame and gruff voice could intimidate.
Each day, as Judge Don Poole worked through the day’s docket, talking with lawyers and defendants, Ball kept notes on cases while simultaneously hushing the crowd and looking for those who broke the rules and tried to sneak a peek at their cellphones during court proceedings.
Defendants or family members who showed up late to court and crept meekly to ask Ball about their case got a quick response. “Go out to the hallway,” he’d grumble.
But as soon as the judge took a break and left the bench, Ball was quick to tell the crowd, “Now you can talk all you want to.”
Over his 32-year career as bailiff, his stern bearing served to keep order in the court and help the confused while his jokes brought laughter to lawyers and court staff.