tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29514404389807516512024-03-13T00:27:54.105-04:00Major League Umpires BlogFor the latest in Major League Umpire news, umpire schools, umpire equipment, umpire biographies and much more. Feel free to blog about any of our topics.Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-74970614053684172582015-01-28T09:03:00.002-05:002015-01-28T09:03:46.943-05:00West Vest Platinum Chest Protector<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It’s the top of the line developed by Major League umpire Joe West, manufactured for maximum protection! It’s simple: The Platinum fits better! It conforms at your shoulders, and enhanced side pads add comfort and protection. Worn by numerous Major League Umpires. One of two protectors endorsed by Major League Baseball for use by its umpires.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> The other is listed above. This protector has the most armor and is the hottest selling protector for both the Minor League umpires and the collegiate ranks.</span> </span><br />
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Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-54392212078841272392013-08-31T18:18:00.000-04:002013-08-31T18:18:01.114-04:00How to Become a Baseball Umpire Guide<br />
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Step-by-step instructions on how to become an umpire in the following leagues:</div>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://www.umpireschoolhq.com/wp-content/themes/focus/images/icon-right.png); background-position: 2px 7px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 5px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">Babe Ruth</li>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://www.umpireschoolhq.com/wp-content/themes/focus/images/icon-right.png); background-position: 2px 7px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 5px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">College</li>
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Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-26317236255455561002013-08-30T12:47:00.000-04:002013-08-30T12:47:03.438-04:00Retired Umpire Frank Victor Pulli Dies at Age 78<br />
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<a href="http://www.majorleagueumpires.com/Frank_Pulli_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="left" border="0" height="200" hspace="20" src="http://www.majorleagueumpires.com/Frank_Pulli_1.jpg" vspace="25" width="152" /></a><span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frank Pulli, known to his peers as "Ish" passed away this morning after a long battle and complications with Parkinson's disease.</span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frank Pulli was a Major League Umpire "and an excellent one" as Hall of Fame Umpire, Doug Harvey (and former partner) would say. A 28 year veteran of the National League, Pulli umpired 3,774 National League games, Four World Series (1978,1983,1990 Crew Chief, and 1995), Six National League Championship Series (1975,1979,1986,1991,1993, and 1997), and Four National League Divisional Series (1981, 1995,1996, and 1998). He worked two All Star games in 1977 and was the Crew Chief in the 1988 Summer Classic.</span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He started his umpiring in Easton, Pennsylvania where he grew up and in 1968 he worked the final championship game of the VFW Teener League National Championship. He later umpired in the National League (6/20/1977)with the catcher on the losing team of that Championship game.</span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At graduation from Umpire's School, he finished high on a list of candidates to be put into the minor leagues and within four years the National League purchased his contract from the International League and Frank Victor Pulli became a full time National League Umpire in the spring of 1972.</span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Major League Baseball started the Umpire Development Program, Frank was asked by Barney Deary (Director of Umpire Development) to be one of the lead instructors.</span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always known for his hustle and great positioning, Frank was an excellent teacher of umpiring. Frank mentored the likes of Jerry Crawford, Ed Montagu</span><span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">e, Stever Palermo, Richie Garcia, Mike Reilly, Eric Gregg, Joe West, Charlie Williams, Steve Rippley, Drew Coble, Tim McClelland, Angel Hernandez, Steve Rippley, Bob Davidson, Ed Rapuano, Larry Poncino, Tom Hallion, and Greg Bonin.</span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of twenty two umpires that were illegally terminated by Major League Baseball in 1999, Frank was awarded his job back with back pay and benefits and even though he never returned to the field he helped numerous umpires in a supervisory capacity with MLB... a compliment to his ability proving that Major League Baseball fired him and the other twenty one to break the union and not because of his or their work.</span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1999 he was the first umpire to look at a replay to try and make sure his decision was correct, in a game between the Marlins and Cardinals. He was criticized by the National League for doing so, but, the very play that he took a look at in 1999 was the first thing Major League Baseball endorsed in their instituting of "Instant Replay."</span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frank is survived by his brother Mickey, his wife Kim, and children Vickie, Michael, Michelle, Frank, Jr., Candace, and Nickie.</span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frank Victor Pulli, a great brother, husband, teacher, partner, and umpire gone at the age of 78.</span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodbye "Ish"</span></div>
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Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-83246386109008379512013-06-14T17:01:00.001-04:002013-06-14T17:01:55.903-04:00Lawyer Richie Phillips, former head of MLB umpires union for over two decades, dead at 72<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px;"></span><br />
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Richie Phillips, who helped organize NBA referees and headed the union for Major League Baseball umpires for more than two decades died on Friday. He was 72.</div>
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The Philadelphia Inquirer, which first reported his death, said the cause was cardiac arrest.</div>
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Phillips, an attorney from Philadelphia, formed NBA referees into a negotiating group in 1976 and helped them win better pay and working conditions.</div>
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In 1978 he began a run of more than 20 years as executive director of the Major League Umpires Association, where he helped them make gains in wages and benefits several times until a bargaining strategy in 1999 failed and caused membership to flee the union.</div>
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Phillips encouraged umpires to resign in the final month of the 1999 season, but the move backfired when 42 of the 50 umpires who followed his advice had their resignations accepted and were replaced by minor league umps. There were 20 who gained reinstatement but 22 never did and the umpires en masse left Phillips and the MLUA and formed the World Umpires Association.</div>
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Hard-driving negotiating tactics were part and parcel for Phillips-led organizations.</div>
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The NBA referees won their first improvements in 1976 when they threatened a strike before the playoffs. The baseball umpires had several work stoppages including a seven-week strike in 1979 and a walkout at the start of the 1984 postseason.</div>
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Under Phillips, the umpires got pensions and better salaries. The salary of a rookie umpire was $17,500 when he started and at least $95,000 in 2000, after he’d left.</div>
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“We got so much because of Richie – pensions, vacations, better salaries,” former ump Don Denkinger told the Associated Press. “He had his feet on the ground and knew what he wanted. He’d keep talking until 6 a.m. if that’s what it took.”</div>
<br />Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-47119913043109054922012-10-30T20:43:00.001-04:002012-10-30T20:47:02.974-04:00World Series: After Video Review, Umpire Crew Perfect in San Francisco Games<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">What makes a ho-hum MLB World Series?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #373737; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
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Sure, the San Francisco Giants' surge to a two-game advantage over the Tigers as the series turns to Detroit is a contributing factor, though one reason for baseball blandness this late in the 2012 postseason has been repeated by broadcasters Joe Buck and Tim <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">McCarver</span></span> several times, albeit in a very covert way.</div>
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This umpiring crew has been on point.</div>
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As said by Buck during Game 2 on Thursday, the 2012 World Series umpiring crew has called all close plays correctly, securing an accuracy of 100 percent through the championship round's initial set by the Bay.</div>
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Before the World Series began, umpire Brian <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">O'N</span></span><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ora</span></span> told his native <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Austintown</span></span>, Ohio's <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; 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margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">WYTV</span></span> that, "[Officiating is] the only job that you have to get everything right, you have to be perfect and get better."</div>
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<img alt="Hi-res-154682806_crop_exact" src="http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/article/media_slots/photos/000/590/610/hi-res-154682806_crop_exact.jpg?w=340&h=210&q=85" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px 1px 1px; vertical-align: baseline;">The 2012 World Series umpiring crew meet with managers Jim Leyland and Bruce Bochy prior to Game 1.<br />Doug Pensinger/Getty Images</span></div>
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As if putting this theory immediately into practice, <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">O'Nora</span></span>'s crew for this year's Fall Classic has been exactly perfect—yet managed to improve from Game 1 to Game 2.</div>
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Using similar criteria employed by ESPN during their 2010 study, which found that umpires, on average, miss one out of every five non-balls/strikes close calls—a study that similarly found only 1.3 calls per game were, on average, considered "close" enough to merit video review, prompting extrapolation of the data to conclude that, of all calls that come their way, umpires are 99.545 percent accurate—Game 1 of the 2012 World Series contained two close calls, while Game 2 housed four.</div>
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Let's review them.</div>
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<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">World Series Game 1</strong></div>
<ol style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the bottom of the first inning, Giants batter-runner Marco <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Scutaro</span></span> was ruled out at first base, umpire Dan <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Iassogna</span></span> judging that first baseman Prince Fielder caught a throw from teammate Jhonny Peralta scarcely before <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Scutaro</span></span>'s foot touched first base. Replays indicate the call was correct.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the fourth inning, Delmon Young's chopper into the ground at home plate resulted in a double play after home plate umpire Gerry Davis ruled the <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">squibber</span></span>fair as Giants catcher Buster Posey alertly tagged Young and fired to retire baserunner Fielder at second base. Replays—and education regarding what constitutes "fair territory"—indicate the call was correct.</li>
</ol>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">World Series Game 2</strong></span></div>
<ol style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In a game-changing play, a relay from Giants right fielder Gregor <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Blanco</span></span> to <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Scutaro</span></span>to Posey retired baserunner Fielder as he attempted to score from first base on an early double by Young. Replays indicate the call was correct, as did Buck: "Great call by Dan <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Iassogna</span></span>."</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the third inning, <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Scutaro</span></span> grounded out, diving head first into first base as Fielder received a Peralta throw. Though the slide sure complicated matters at the bag,replays indicate the call was correct, with <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">McCarver</span></span> adding: "Excellent call by first base umpire <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fieldin</span></span> <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Culbreth</span></span>."</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">With one on and none out in the seventh inning, Brandon Belt came within inches of hitting into a rally-killing double play with his grounder to first base. Instead, Fielder caught the chopper in foul territory, allowing Belt to walk and baserunner Hunter Pence to advance to second before scoring on a subsequent double play. Replays indicate the umpires' foul ball call was correct.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When Angel Pagan gave America free tacos with his eighth-inning stolen base, umpire Brian <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">O'Nora</span></span> was on top of the call, which, in real time appeared quite close. Replays indicate the call was correct.</li>
</ol>
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Yes, the umpires have been perfect through the first two games of this 2012 World Series; Tigers manager Jim <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Leyland</span></span> even praised <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Iassogna</span></span> for calling his player out at home plate during his Game 2 post-game press conference.</div>
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Yet by the same token, some fans and the media covering baseball have felt a collective knot, a yearning for one more source of controversy.</div>
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<img alt="Hi-res-153463992_crop_exact" height="190" src="http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/article/media_slots/photos/000/590/613/hi-res-153463992_crop_exact.jpg?w=340&h=203&q=85" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="320" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px 1px 1px; vertical-align: baseline;">After Holbrook's correctly invoked infield fly ruling, Braves fans threw debris on the field in protest. Pictured above is right field umpire Rob Drake.<br />Scott Cunningham/Getty Images</span></div>
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When Sam <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Holbrook</span></span> called an infield fly during the inaugural NL Wild Card Game—though the call was correct—the mere possibility that an umpire's gaffe had cost the Atlanta Braves a chance to advance in the postseason quickly became front page fodder for that most familiar of gripes and qualms: expanding instant replay in MLB.</div>
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MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has stated that in 2013 professional baseball will expand instant replay to include traps and fair/foul calls.</div>
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How about machines to determine intent <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">vis</span></span>-à-vis check swings and throwing at batters, too?</div>
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How about a polygraph?</div>
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Seizing on a trend, all umpire calls during the 2012 postseason have grown subject to enhanced scrutiny—a benign incorrect call by Jim Joyce quickly generated syndicated headlines, while Joe Girardi's ejection following an incorrect call at second base led to a rash of new articles with very familiar motifs, as did a tag attempt during the St. Louis Cardinals-Giants <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">NLCS</span></span>.</div>
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So during Game 2 of the World Series, when Buck praised the umpires for a job well done, ESPN editor/writer and former Baseball Prospectus editor Christina <span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="spellcheck" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kahrl</span></span>couldn't help but respond: "It's like they're just daring Cowboy Joe West to get involved somehow, no?"</div>
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Well, no.</div>
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In 2007, the <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hardball Times</em> comprehensively reviewed MLB umpire strike zones, with author Jonathan Hale concluding that, of all umpires, Country Joe "had the fewest number of extra balls and strikes, which is a sign of consistency." For that reason, West received Hale's "top vote."</div>
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Evidently, given his 2012 World Series assignment, West also received MLB's "top vote."</div>
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Dating back to 2006—and again in 2011—West has found himself on <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">both</em> sides of a players' poll, having been voted one of the best umpires in baseball while simultaneously being named one of the worst in both years' surveys. Sounds like a Joe West strike zone is needed to establish some semblance of consistency.</div>
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<img alt="Hi-res-143019711_crop_exact" src="http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/article/media_slots/photos/000/590/614/hi-res-143019711_crop_exact.jpg?w=340&h=185&q=85" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px 1px 1px; vertical-align: baseline;">Umpire Joe West has paradoxically been ranked as one of the best—and one of the worst—umpires in Major League Baseball.<br />Doug Pensinger/Getty Images</span></div>
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As subjective as they may be, however, the polls' paradoxical dichotomy establishes the grand conflict of sports officiating: "All fans complain about officials. All fans believe the officials hate their team and have it out for them. This despite zero evidence supporting that belief."</div>
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So, for the time being, praise them. Offer up your respect while you still can.</div>
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Because that extremely misleading one-in-five close call statistic will come into play soon enough—the umpires are on a six-close call correctness streak.</div>
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They're overdue.</div>
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And after all, isn't that what we all want: more justification for an expanded instant replay system we have absolutely no idea how to logistically and fairly implement?</div>
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Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-42403293904854162652012-10-24T20:16:00.000-04:002012-10-24T20:16:17.960-04:002012 World Series MLB Umpires<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Heading the crew of umpires for the 2012 World Series Umpires is 29 year veteran <b><span style="color: #004080; font-size: x-small;">Gerry Davis</span></b>. This will be Davis' fifth World Series and when he works the first game behind the plate he will break the all time record for most postseason games worked by a major league umpire when he passes Jerry Crawford and Bruce Froemming. Davis will be joined by first time World Series Umpires <span style="color: #004080; font-size: x-small;"><b>Brian O'Nora</b></span> (16 year veteran) and <span style="color: #004080; font-size: x-small;"><b>Dan Iassogna</b></span> (11 year veteran). Also selected to work his second World Series was <span style="color: #004080; font-size: x-small;"><b>Fieldin Culbreth</b></span> (16 year veteran) and old guard crew chiefs <span style="color: #004080; font-size: x-small;"><b>Brian Gorman</b></span> (21 year veteran working his third World Series) and <span style="color: #004080; font-size: x-small;"><b>Joe West </b></span>(35 year veteran working his fifth World Series).</span></div>
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Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-815390532790944672012-08-16T00:10:00.000-04:002012-08-16T00:11:07.266-04:00Angel Behind the Plate<br />
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: black;">We tend to forget that coaches and players are people, too. We forget that they are capable of mistakes, have families and a life outside of their sport. What about the officials? We forget they’re human, too, which means they won’t get every call right. Furthermore, we forget they are also capable of greatness in their own way.</span></span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: black;">MLB umpire has been called one of the worst by various people throughout baseball. Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington said “Angel is just bad,” reported by NBC Sports. Washington Nationals’ rookie sensation Bryce Harper got into a full-blown argument with him during a game. But what each of these Angel bashings failed to mention was Hernandez’s incredible charity work in south Florida.</span></span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: black;">Hernandez is the Chairman of the Board of the West Pembroke Pines Miracle League. The Miracle League was formed in 1998 to enable disabled children to participate in little league baseball. The Miracle League is a nationwide group started by the Rockdale Youth Baseball Association in Rockdale, Ga. The slogan of the league is “Because every child deserves to play baseball.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: black;">“I am blessed with the opportunity of seeing children who normally wouldn’t have the chance to play baseball do just that,” Hernandez wrote on the Angel Miracle League website. “[This is] a cause very dear to my heart.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: black;">Remember Dick Bavetta? Of course you don’t. Like most officials he is not known—until he really messes up. Let me jog your memory with the 2007 NBA All-Star weekend in Las Vegas. The race against Charles Barkley on TNT was a pretty interesting event. Ah, now you remember. Well that little race against the Round Mound of Rebound raised $75,000 for the Las Vegas Boys & Girls Clubs.</span></span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: black;">Despite grumblings Bavetta is a bad referee, he is 72 and has been an official for 37 years without missing a game. In addition to being the ironman of officiating, Bavetta established and finances the Lady Bavetta Scholarships for minority students, which he started in 1986. He has also volunteered with the Double-H Hole in the Woods Ranch which helps with childhood cancer and HIV.</span></span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: black;">It’s a shame that these are the conditions it had to come under, but Shannon Eastin is breaking history. If we can recognize in the great acts officials have done off the field, we should also recognize refs need to be taken care of financially and the NFL refs are on strike because they’re not satisfied with the money they’re receiving from the NFL.</span></span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: black;">Although the gloomy business side of the game has led to replacement referees, it has opened the door for Shannon Eastin to become the first woman referee. Thursday during the San Diego Chargers and Green Bay Packers preseason game she made her debut on the NFL level. Eastin, an official in lower level college football for years, is one of the many replacement refs under scrutiny during the 2012 preseason.</span></span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: black;">With the news that the replacement refs may continue into the regular season many fans and players are less than thrilled, but it is nice to see these refs, like Eastin make their personal dreams come true by refereeing at the highest level.</span></span></div>
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<span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: black;">I know it’s tough for us to remember, but the officials you want to call “idiot” “blind” or other derogatory terms are people, as well. They can achieve great accomplishments and are susceptible to downfalls, too. As much as we don’t care about refs and their personal lives, it’s nice to the human side besides the “stripes” and the good side behind “blue".</span></span></div>
Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-58412852308940106782012-07-06T17:49:00.000-04:002012-07-06T17:49:01.346-04:002012 MLB All-Star Game Umpire Roster in Kansas City<br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><b>HP Gerry Davis (Crew Chief)</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12.0px;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">has worked in the National League from 1982 to 1999 and became a member of the unified umpiring staff for Major League Baseball in 2000. He has been a crew chief since 1999. He has worn uniform number 12 throughout his career. Davis began umpiring in the minor leagues in 1976, working his way up to the American Association before being promoted to the majors in 1982. He has officiated in 17 postseasons, including the World Series in 1996, 1999, 2004 and 2009. Davis was the second base umpire for the perfect game pitched by Randy Johnson on May 18, 2004. He worked over 3800 games, 10 Divisional Series, 8 League Championship Series, 4 World Series and this will be his 4th All-Star Game ( previous years include 1989, 1997 and 2002, calling balls and strikes for the last game. He is the owner operator of "Gerry Davis Sports" an officials supply company that carries all the umpiring equipment an umpire would ever have to use.</span><br />
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1B Jim Joyce</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12.0px;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">has worked in the American League (AL) from 1987 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues since 2000. He wears uniform number 66. His strike call is extremely loud and enthusiastic. He worked over 2750 games, 8 Divisional Series, 4 League Championship Series, 2 World Series and this will be his 3rd All-Star Game. One of the most popular umpires in MLB....was voted the best umpire in baseball in a poll by the players in 2010, In 2012, Joyce was promoted to interim crew chief replacing injured umpire John Hirschbeck</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><br />
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2B Brian Runge</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12.0px;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">has worked in the National League in 1999 and throughout both major leagues since 2000. He wears uniform number 18. He worked over 1500 games, 3 Divisional Series, and this will be his 3rd All-Star Game. Third generation of the Runge family to work an All Star Game</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><br />
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3B Tony Randazz</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12.0px;">o<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> worked in the National League in 1999 and has umpired in both Major Leagues since 2000. Randazzo has officiated in the 2001 Major League Baseball All-Star Game so this will be his 2nd. He has worked over 1500 games and has also umpired in the 2010 American League Championship Series and the Division Series in 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2011</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><br />
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LF Lance Barksdale</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12.0px;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">umpired in the minor leagues from 1993 to 2006 in the Appalachian League, the South Atlantic League, the Florida State League, the Florida Instructional League, the Southern League, the Pacific Coast League, the Arizona Fall League and the International League. He also umpired in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He worked over 1550 games and this will be his 1st All-Star Game</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><br />
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RF Brian Knight</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> has umpired in the Major Leagues since 2001, although he was not officially promoted to the Major League staff until 2011. Knight had previously umpired in the Minor Leagues, working in the Pioneer, Midwest, Florida State, Southern, and Pacific Coast leagues before reaching the Majors. Knight umpired the Tokyo round of the 2006 World Baseball Classic, and was the home plate umpire for Jon Lester's no-hitter in 2008. Knight has worked over 850 games and this will be his first All Star assignment.</span></span></span></span>
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</b></span><br />Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-51514271434497365272012-02-20T23:11:00.003-05:002012-02-20T23:16:26.274-05:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyi4gbF3MuY/T0MaLIYilaI/AAAAAAAAALo/KbOV38wYH6Y/s1600/incredible_med.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 315px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyi4gbF3MuY/T0MaLIYilaI/AAAAAAAAALo/KbOV38wYH6Y/s320/incredible_med.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711437530967217570" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Currently the premier line of Tehama sportswear founded by Clint Eastwood and Nancy Haley is on sale! 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We invite you to start "livin' life" with the new hot brand that Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood and designer Nancy Haley started. </span></span></span><a href="http://www.majorleagueumpires.com/umpire_accesories.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Click here to see a wide variety of umpire shirts.</span></span></span></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family:Arial, Arial, Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Arial, Arial, Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "></p>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-86286323584834909062012-02-05T01:32:00.000-05:002012-02-05T01:33:04.244-05:00Longtime Baseball Umpire and Supervisor Marty Springstead dies at age 74<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><p class="style26" style="text-align: left; font-family: 'Copperplate Gothic Bold'; font-size: small; color: rgb(0, 97, 155); "><nyt_headline type=" " version="1.0"><strong><span class="style32" style="font-size: x-small; "><br /></span></strong><span class="style35" style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0); "><span class="style33" style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><strong>All Major League Umpires will be wearing a patch in memory of Marty Springstead this season</strong></span></span></nyt_headline></p><p class="style25" style="text-align: left; font-size: 12px; "><span class="style23" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><strong><img alt="" src="http://www.majorleagueumpires.com/ddfdd.png" width="108" height="129" class="style31" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 9px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 9px; float: left; " />Martin John Springstead</strong></span><span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "> (July 9, 1937 – January 17, 2012) was a former umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1966 to 1985 and had since worked as an umpire supervisor. He was the youngest umpire ever to serve as crew chief in the World Series, heading the staff for the 1973 Series at the age of 36 years and 3 months.<img alt="" src="http://www.majorleagueumpires.com/marty.jpg" width="200" height="253" class="style30" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 11px; float: right; " /><br /><br />Springstead was born in Nyack, New York. Springstead graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy in the Bronx, where he played basketball and ran track as well as playing baseball. He then attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey, majoring in a</span></span><span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">dvertising. After a brief playing career as a catcher for American Legion and semi-pro teams, he attended the Al Somers umpiring school and began his career in the Class "C" Northern League in 1960. In 1961-1962 he served in the Army's 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, where he continued to play in and officiate baseball games. He then worked in the Southern League (1963-65) before joining the AL staff in 1966. Throughout his career he lived in the communities of Garnerville and Suffern, both near his birthplace.<br /><br />Springstead officiated in the All-Star Game in 1969, 1975, and 1982. In addition to the 1973 World Series, he also worked the 1978 and 1983 Series, again serving as crew chief in 1983. Springstead, who became an AL crew chief in 1974, also officiated four American League Championship Series in 1970 (Games 2-3), 1974, 1977 and 1981. He also officiated in five no-hitters, including being the home plate umpire for two: Clyde Wright's on July 3, 1970 and Mike Warren's on September 29, 1983. Springstead wore uniform number 4 starting in 1980, when the AL adopted numbers. Upon his retirement, the number was assigned to Tim Tschida, who continues to wear No. 4 as a crew chief on MLB's combined umpiring staff.<br /><br />Springstead retired from field duties after the 1985 season and became the AL's fourth Executive Director of Umpires on January 1, 1986, succeeding Dick Butler. In 2000, when the umpiring staffs of the American and National Leagues were combined, he became a special assistant to Major League Baseball's vice president for umpiring.</span></span></p><p class="style25" style="text-align: left; font-size: 12px; "><span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">He was a popular guest speaker and conducted umpiring clinics for the Japanese Professional Umpires of the Pacific League; in addition, he taught umpiring in Canada and f</span></span><span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">or the United States Air Force in Spain, Holland and Germany. Springstead died of a heart attack on January 17, 2012 while swimming near his home in Sarasota, Florida. He was 74.</span></span></p><p class="style25" style="text-align: left; font-size: 12px; "><span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Marty's picture is displayed in famous restaurants around the country. At one New York establishment, executive director of Major League Baseball, Sandy Alderson (now with the New York Mets) remarked after seeing Marty's picture, "Maybe someday I'll have my picture on the wall here." Marty snapped, "Not in your lifetime."</span></span></p><p class="style25" style="text-align: left; font-size: 12px; "><span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Marty was loved by hundreds of people. It was not uncommon for people that were sent to restaurants around the country by Marty to have their meal served "on the house"... Many times the establishments wouldn't even let them leave a tip. All they wanted was for them to "tell Marty we said, 'Hello.' ''</span></span></p><p class="style25" style="text-align: left; font-size: 12px; "><span class="style22" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="HTML_TXT" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Respected by management, players, and umpires, when news of his death reached the major league umpires at their union meeting, the umpires abruptly called off their meeting in respect of him. Over 50 umpires came to pay their respects at his funeral in Siesta Key, Florida. Sandy Alderson was there, too.</span></span></p></span>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-50266714204038828722011-10-01T16:19:00.008-04:002011-10-07T11:07:27.485-04:002011 Division Series MLB Umpires<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JK793gY8DqI/Tod2Q53ch3I/AAAAAAAAAKM/6DzhS0XI9HY/s1600/Po_roster2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JK793gY8DqI/Tod2Q53ch3I/AAAAAAAAAKM/6DzhS0XI9HY/s400/Po_roster2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658621489597679474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, 'Sans Serif';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">Click on picture to view larger image</span></u></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, 'Sans Serif';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span></span></div>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-17494043191292668542011-08-29T22:16:00.001-04:002011-08-29T22:20:40.435-04:00MLB to hold Umpire Camp for members of the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy at Petco Park<!--StartFragment--><span style="color:#595959;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0px;">As a part of the ongoing spirit of partnership with the United States military, Major League Baseball, in conjunction with the San Diego Padres and the San Diego Sports Commission, will host a free, one-day Umpire Camp for members of the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy. The event, which is the latest in a series of events that have been tailored for U.S. servicemen and servicewomen, will be held at San Diego's PETCO Park on Friday, August 26 from 9:30 a.m-3:00 p.m.</span></span></span><div><span style="color:#595959;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0px;">
<br />Members of the MLB Umpiring Department who will be in attendance will include Umpiring Director Rich Rieker; Umpiring Director Randy Marsh (U.S. Army Reserve, 1968-1974); Supervisors Cris Jones, Chuck Meriwether, Ed Montague (U.S. Navy, 1969-1973), Steve Palermo, Charlie Reliford, and Larry Young; Director of Umpire Administration Tom Lepperd; Special Assistant for Umpiring Bruce Froemming; and Director of Umpire Medical Services Mark Letendre.
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<br />"The events that Major League Baseball has organized for the members of the military have been among the most rewarding experiences we have ever been a part of," Rieker said. "We are looking forward to another great day in San Diego." Marsh added: "The opportunity to work with these men and women is inspiring, and we are honored to give some of our nation's heroes a glimpse of a career on the baseball field."
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<br />The Major League Baseball Umpire Camps train both aspiring umpires and baseball fans alike. Launched in 2006, the MLB Umpire Camps featured on-field training and classroom instruction, as well as lessons on rules enforcement and interpretation, game management, conditioning, nutrition, safety and equipment needs. The MLB Umpire Camp, which is scheduled for November 6-13, 2011, is held annually each November at the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton, California.
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<br />The free one-day Umpire Camp at PETCO Park is the latest in a series of steps that the MLB Umpiring Department has taken as a gesture to honor members of our nation's military. This past May, a free one-day Umpire Camp for Marines was held at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Last August, a free one-day Umpire Camp was held at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. In March 2009, during the World Baseball Classic, MLB and the Department of Military Affairs of the San Diego Padres organized a free one-day Umpire Camp for Marines at San Diego State University's Tony Gwynn Stadium. More than 100 Marines attended each of these special MLB Umpire Camps, receiving instruction from MLB staff on all facets of umpiring.
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<br />In addition, in January 2010, Major League Baseball announced a collaboration with Columbia College (MO), a leader in military-friendly education, on the development of a certificate of professional umpiring. Following the completion of online coursework in subjects relevant to sports officiating, the program incorporates a week-long training program at the MLB Umpire Camp in California.
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<br />For more than 30 years, Columbia College has helped military personnel, their family members and Department of Defense civilians earn college degrees during their service. One out of every four students at Columbia College is in the military or is a military dependent, and 18 of the institution's 35 nationwide campus locations are located on military bases.</span></span></span> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-6386643070121847682011-06-28T19:35:00.004-04:002011-06-28T19:40:33.917-04:00Majestic On-Field MLB Umpire T-Shirt<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRpc7mlkZ-c/TgpmAxfKtTI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/rj4Nvcv_lis/s1600/majestic_med.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRpc7mlkZ-c/TgpmAxfKtTI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/rj4Nvcv_lis/s200/majestic_med.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623419248195581234" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--><span style="color:#434343;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:13.0px;">The one and only 100% heavy weight cotton MLB logo t-shirt. <b>Authentic Collection</b> Majestic Athletic tee shirt with the 3 X 2 inch MLB logo on the front. AC transfer locker tag on the bottom of the shirt. This is the authentic on-field shirt worn by players and umpires. Check out <a href="http://www.majorleagueumpires.com/">majorleagueumpires.com</a> if you are interested in purchasing this hard to find t-shirt. Now only $34.95.</span></span></span> <!--EndFragment--><div><span style="color:#434343;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:13.0px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-63202166541810520072011-06-28T19:28:00.007-04:002011-06-28T19:34:14.621-04:00Umpire Derryl Cousins Biography (Crew Chief)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-04y7Bnkao/TgpkQhsNFCI/AAAAAAAAAJs/9lH__B9yQ8U/s1600/cousins_derryl.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-04y7Bnkao/TgpkQhsNFCI/AAAAAAAAAJs/9lH__B9yQ8U/s200/cousins_derryl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623417319809946658" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(62, 62, 62); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CAREER</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: Joined the Major League staff in 1979...has worked the All-Star Game (1987, 98, 2008), Division Series (1997, 99, 2002, 05, 07), League Championship Series (1985, 89, 95, 2003, 06, 08, 10) and World Series (1988, 99, 2005)...served as crew chief at the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium...was the crew chief for the semi-finals and finals of the 2009 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium...became just the 18th umpire ever to work his 4,000th Major League game on May 2, 2009 at Seattle; as was the case in the 2008 All-Star Game, he was behind the plate for all 15 innings as he reached the milestone in the A's-Mariners tilt...was an instructor at MLB's inaugural Umpire Camps (MLBUC.com), held at MLB's Urban Youth Academy in Compton, California, in November 2006...worked in the Midwest League (1973), Carolina League (1974), Texas League (1975), Pacific Coast League (1976-78), Arizona Instructional League (1973-75), Dominican (1976) and Puerto Rican Winter Leagues (1978).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(62, 62, 62); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="color:#3E3E3E;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(62, 62, 62); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">PERSONAL</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: Born in August 1946 in California...resides in southern California...married to Shawna...has two children, Cas and Cole...studied political science and received his degree from El Camino Community College in California...inducted into the El Camino College Hall of Fame in 2004...played professional baseball in the Detroit and Cleveland organizations from 1966-72...enjoys traveling in the off-season...favorite vacation spot is Hawaii...hobbies include golf.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(62, 62, 62); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman';color:#3E3E3E;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2w-f9gMH8d8/TgpkHsVci9I/AAAAAAAAAJk/rBUuiTNGkBM/s200/NLCS0082.standalone.prod_affiliate.4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623417168048458706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 151px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman';color:#3E3E3E;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-86187061433811659792011-05-27T00:53:00.003-04:002011-05-27T00:58:40.210-04:00Umpire Sam Holbrook Biography<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vepD_J0RByU/Td8vKVnn6OI/AAAAAAAAAJY/mpBHQ2T2emc/s1600/sam-holbrook-umpire.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 147px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vepD_J0RByU/Td8vKVnn6OI/AAAAAAAAAJY/mpBHQ2T2emc/s200/sam-holbrook-umpire.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611255515375462626" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sam Holbrook became a member of the Major League staff in 1998...has worked the 2004 All-Star Game, the Division Series (2005, 07, 10), the 2008 American League Championship Series, the 2009 National League Championship Series and the 2010 World Series...previously worked in the Appalachian League (1990), Midwest League (1991), Carolina League (1992-93), Texas League (1993), Eastern League (1994-95) and International League (1995-97)...proudest moment was walking on the field for the first time under contract.<br /><br />Sam was born in July 1965 in Kentucky...resides in Kentucky...married to Susie...has two children, Adam and Amy...received a B.S. and an M.S. from Eastern Kentucky University...does charitable work for Fellowship of Christian Athletes...played baseball for four years in college...enjoys fishing, hunting, golf, and spending time with his family...most admires his parents for the job they did raising their family.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-70830763586492934222011-04-15T00:22:00.004-04:002011-04-24T02:34:34.448-04:00Umpire Thomas Gorman Biography<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0ee-Oz24dk/TbAeR5Ut2DI/AAAAAAAAAIg/vFeQeG4ibwg/s1600/stengel.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0ee-Oz24dk/TbAeR5Ut2DI/AAAAAAAAAIg/vFeQeG4ibwg/s200/stengel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598007629615847474" /></a><blockquote><span style="font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0px;"><b>Thomas David Gorman</b> (March 16, 1919 – August 11, 1986) was an American pitcher and umpire in Major League Baseball who pitched five innings in four games for the New York Giants in 1939, and went on to serve as a National League umpire from 1951 to 1976 and then as a league supervisor. His son Brian has been a major league umpire since 1993.<br /><br />Gorman was born in New York City and grew up in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. After pitching in the minor leagues for three years, he served in the Army in Europe as a member of the 16th Infantry during World War II. An injury in 1946 ended his playing career; faced with the choice of returning to New York City and becoming a plumber, he became aware of an umpiring position in the New England League, and although he felt he was not cut out to be an umpire, his wife persuaded him to take the position for the 1947 season for $180 per month. He later moved up to the International League in 1949. He also coached baseball at Rice High School in Manhattan, a Christian Brothers school.<br /><br />After joining the NL staff, he umpired in the World Series in 1956, 1958, 1963, 1968 and 1974, serving as crew chief in the last two Series. In 1956, he was in left field for Don Larsen's perfect game. In Game 1 of the 1968 Series, he called balls and strikes as Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals struck out a Series-record 17 Detroit Tigers.<br /><br />He also officiated in the National League Championship Series in 1971 and 1975, serving as crew chief in 1971, and in the three-game playoff to determine the NL champion in 1959. He also worked in the All-Star Game in 1954, 1958, 1960 (both games) and 1969, calling balls and strikes for the second half of the second 1960 game. During a game in the 1962 season, he discovered that the Giants (by now in San Francisco) were having their groundskeepers water down the Candlestick Park infield to slow down the Los Angeles Dodgers' Maury Wills; Gorman stopped the game for an hour and a half to allow the field to dry out.<br /><br />Among the notable games in which he umpired were nine no-hitters, tying a record for NL umpires shared by Frank Secory and Augie Donatelli; he tied the mark on July 9, 1976, working second base in Larry Dierker's 6-0 win. Paul Pryor, who also officiated in that game, tied the mark himself later that year, and broke it upon working in his 10th no-hitter in 1978. Gorman was the home plate umpire for two no-hitters – Warren Spahn's first on September 16, 1960,[4] and Bill Stoneman's first on April 17, 1969. He was the left field umpire for Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series.[6] He was the home plate umpire on June 15, 1952 when the St. Louis Cardinals set an NL record by overcoming an 11-0 deficit to beat the Giants 14-12, and again two weeks later on June 29 when the Chicago Cubs scored seven runs with two out in the ninth inning to beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-8. Two years later, on August 8, 1954, he was again the home plate umpire when the Reds gave up a record 12 runs (all of them unearned) after there were two out and no one base in the eighth inning of a 20-7 loss to the Brooklyn Dodgers; the inning ended only when Gil Hodges' bid for a grand slam was caught high off the center field wall. And on May 2, 1956, he was again behind the plate as the Giants and Cubs used 48 players in a 6-5, 17-inning New York victory; Cub Don Hoak struck out a record six times against six different pitchers.<br /><br />In 1975 he was honored by the Al Somers Umpire School as the Outstanding Umpire of 1974. In his acceptance remarks, he said of umpiring, "It's a hard road but a good road. Sometimes you'll ask yourself if it's worth it. If you've got the guts and the skills, the answer is bound to be yes." He added, "People may come to see ballplayers, but there'd be no baseball without good umpires. <i>Mad</i> magazine ran an article presenting hypothetical magazines from other planets. In the interplanetary version of <i>Sports Illustrated</i>, umpire Tom Gorman explains why he threw out a player from Venus: "He opened up ten mouths to me!<br /><br />Gorman married Margaret Fay on October 7, 1944, and they had three sons and a daughter before her death c. 1968; they resided in Whitestone, Queens until 1965, when they moved to Closter, New Jersey, where he would live until his death.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-J-eMAqvrc/TbPDBebXAYI/AAAAAAAAAJA/ixXjxiR3ZLQ/s1600/wBrian1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 167px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-J-eMAqvrc/TbPDBebXAYI/AAAAAAAAAJA/ixXjxiR3ZLQ/s200/wBrian1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599033191866761602" /></a><br /><br />Prior to moving to Closter, he and Margaret were invited to the White House by John F. Kennedy. Kennedy had met Gorman at a banquet where Gorman was the guest speaker. Gorman went home and told his wife to buy a new dress and she replied, "What for?" and he said, "For our trip to the White House." Margaret just ignored him until a White House staff member called their home and asked about their travel plans... It's said that Kennedy said that Gorman was his favorite "after dinner speaker." Gorman was also personal friends with Bob Hope. Gorman's autobiography <i>Three and Two!</i>, co-written with Hall of Fame Sportswriter Jerome Holtzman, was published in 1979. Gorman died of a heart attack in Closter at age 67, and was buried in George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, in his umpire's uniform with the ball-strike counter set at 3-2.</span></span></blockquote> <!--EndFragment--><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBzlENSdrgw/TbPEKgIvatI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/NqqJvY22Qro/s1600/yogi.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 161px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBzlENSdrgw/TbPEKgIvatI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/NqqJvY22Qro/s200/yogi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599034446455990994" /></a>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-44294432279170489732011-04-11T22:08:00.007-04:002011-04-11T22:18:38.388-04:00West Vest Umpire Mask A3009<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OH72Lzh-5U/TaO1lZ-_fjI/AAAAAAAAAH4/r4RcLGFxT8w/s1600/pr1261-front.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OH72Lzh-5U/TaO1lZ-_fjI/AAAAAAAAAH4/r4RcLGFxT8w/s200/pr1261-front.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594514816359169586" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">original West Vest</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> mask features a unique lightweight frame and soft "amara suede" padding. Combines an expanded throat and ear bar for maximum protection. It is light weight, solidly protective and includes the extended frame popular in the US. This mask is a quality piece of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.majorleagueumpires.com/">umpire equipment</a> and is currently worn by some Major League Umpires.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-75843848040087641582011-04-11T21:11:00.006-04:002011-04-11T22:04:54.824-04:00MLB Major League Umpire Hat<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StdlJTJX9ik/TaOyFiiXCsI/AAAAAAAAAHo/OZs0g_dGL2c/s1600/adjustable_cap.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 194px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StdlJTJX9ik/TaOyFiiXCsI/AAAAAAAAAHo/OZs0g_dGL2c/s200/adjustable_cap.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594510970364299970" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><div>Long sought after but hard to get, the MLB Umpire fitted hat by New Era is always in high demand and low supply. Most people don’t even know that retailers now have to carry the Umpire hat as a custom order and are not readily for purchase from New Era. This hat available in a variety of sizes at <a href="http://www.majorleagueumpires.com/">www.majorleagueumpires.com</a> It is available in fitted and adjustable. Check them out before they are gone.</div><div><br /></div></span>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-74078802742885668252011-03-11T13:49:00.002-05:002011-03-11T13:50:53.772-05:00Frank Dezelan Remembered<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OI85Uq_Dlg/TXpu4KzAVzI/AAAAAAAAAHg/Fx7l0P8lufw/s1600/dezpic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OI85Uq_Dlg/TXpu4KzAVzI/AAAAAAAAAHg/Fx7l0P8lufw/s200/dezpic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582896599329167154" /></a><br />Former National League umpire Frank Dezelan passed away on Monday at Manor Care Health Services in Monroeville, Pa. He was 81. Dezelan served as an NL umpire from 1966-71.<br /><br />Dezelan was behind the plate on Sept. 22, 1969, when Willie Mays hit his 600th career home run in San Diego. Dezelan also served as one of the umpires for the 1970 All-Star Game at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium, a game best known for the Ray Fosse-Pete Rose collision.<br /><br />The Pittsburgh-area native also was the first-base umpire for the first game at Three Rivers Stadium on July 16, 1970.<br /><br />Dezelan's professional career in blue began in 1958 in the Northern League, with stops in the South Atlantic League, Pacific Coast League, Southern League and International League before reaching the Majors.Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-43767728764958955022011-03-10T21:57:00.004-05:002011-03-11T12:57:56.027-05:00MLU Welcomes Dan Bellino to the 2011 Staff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4vI5dKMw34/TXmQSK-P9bI/AAAAAAAAAG0/yRnrL4HnpJQ/s1600/DanBellinoatWrigleyField_sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4vI5dKMw34/TXmQSK-P9bI/AAAAAAAAAG0/yRnrL4HnpJQ/s200/DanBellinoatWrigleyField_sm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582651854959932850" /></a><br />Dan Bellino has been selected to the Major League staff for the 2011 season..has umpired professionally since 2003…has been assigned to work Major League Spring Training each year since 2009…has been called up to the Majors each year since 2008...has 156 days of service at the Major League level…made his Major League umpiring debut on June 25, 2008, when the Orioles played the Cubs at Wrigley Field…has worked in the New York-Penn League (2003), Midwest League (2004), Florida State League (2005), Eastern League (2006), Pacific Coast League (2007-2009) and International League (2010)…worked the Arizona Instructional League (2005), Hawaii Winter League (2006), Arizona Fall League (2007-2008) and Puerto Rico Winter League (2009). Born in October 1978, resides in Illinois. He holds a law degree (J.D.), an MBA & has passed the bar exam.<br /><br />WHW2PDCREC5GMajor League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-72714658321617024272011-02-16T22:34:00.003-05:002011-03-10T22:02:35.320-05:00MLU Welcomes Brian Knight to the 2011 Staff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CoHHE0zY-Q/TVyXWYxBCZI/AAAAAAAAAGs/QqIeYmCsglw/s1600/bk2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CoHHE0zY-Q/TVyXWYxBCZI/AAAAAAAAAGs/QqIeYmCsglw/s200/bk2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574496849638787474" /></a><br />Congratulations to Brian Knight for being selected to the Major League staff for the 2011 season…has 730 days of service in the Major Leagues as a call-up umpire in his career…has worked Major League Spring Training since 2001…he’s been called up to the Majors each year since 2001…first Major League game was May 7, 2001 (White Sox at Rangers), when Brian was at third base. Brian was a Minor League Baseball umpire from 1995-2010, most recently in the Pacific Coast League (Triple-A) from 2000-2010. He is 36 and is a Montana resident.Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-85428659620290228492011-02-16T22:29:00.003-05:002011-02-16T22:34:01.035-05:00MLU Welcomes Scott Berry to the 2011 Staff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V6f-HV-mrIE/TVyWaC08zqI/AAAAAAAAAGk/c_istgCXX4g/s1600/sb2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V6f-HV-mrIE/TVyWaC08zqI/AAAAAAAAAGk/c_istgCXX4g/s200/sb2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574495812957556386" /></a><br /><br />Congratulations to Scott Berry after for being selected to the Major League staff for the 2011 season…has 529 days of service in the Major Leagues as a call-up umpire in his career…has worked Major League Spring Training since 2006…he’s been called up to the Majors each year since 2006…first Major League game was June 4, 2006 (Red Sox at Tigers) when Scott was at third base. Scott was a Minor League Baseball umpire from 2000-2010, most recently in the International League (Triple-A) from 2005-2010. He is 34 and is a Michigan resident.Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-71803211013087166402011-02-16T21:33:00.004-05:002011-02-16T21:40:14.432-05:002011 Major League Umpire Crews<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKQXORvbAnM/TVyKaqIBIBI/AAAAAAAAAGc/THn_HsaAXec/s1600/umpire_crew_11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKQXORvbAnM/TVyKaqIBIBI/AAAAAAAAAGc/THn_HsaAXec/s400/umpire_crew_11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574482629366980626" /></a>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-61346889586558731202011-01-20T22:01:00.005-05:002011-01-20T22:14:35.365-05:00Umpire Doug Harvey Biography<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uXUOgY9HdW4/TTj5uGw-oHI/AAAAAAAAAGA/SpV3x3ZspiU/s1600/harvey_young.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uXUOgY9HdW4/TTj5uGw-oHI/AAAAAAAAAGA/SpV3x3ZspiU/s200/harvey_young.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564471910101590130" /></a><br /><br />Harold Douglas Harvey (born March 13, 1930, in South Gate, California) is a former umpire in Major League Baseball, who worked in the National League from 1962 through 1992. Noted for his authoritative command of baseball rules, he earned the tongue in cheek nickname "God" from players, and was among the last major league umpires who never attended an umpiring school. His career total of 4,673 games[1] ranked third in major league history at his retirement, and he is only the ninth umpire to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.[1] In 1999 the Society for American Baseball Research ranked Harvey as the second-greatest umpire in history, behind only Bill Klem. In 2007, Referee magazine selected him as one of the 52 most influential figures in the history of sports officiating.<br /><br />Harvey umpired in five World Series (1968, 1974, 1981, 1984 and 1988), serving as crew chief in 1984 and 1988, and in six All-Star Games (1963, 1964, 1971, 1977, 1982 and 1992), calling balls and strikes for the 1982 and 1992 games. He also set a record by officiating in the National League Championship Series nine times – 1970 (Games 2-3), 1972, 1976, 1980, 1983, 1984 (Game 5), 1986, 1989 and 1991 – serving as crew chief for the last three; his record was later tied by Paul Runge, and broken by Bruce Froemming in 2000. Harvey was the home plate umpire for the single-game playoff to decide the NL's Western Division champion in 1980, between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers.<br /><br />Harvey began officiating local basketball games at the high school level at age 16, later umpiring softball and baseball. He attended San Diego State College in 1955-56, where he played baseball and football, afterward returning to umpiring in the minor leagues while also officiating college basketball and football games. He remained a resident of San Diego throughout his umpiring career. He umpired in the California League from 1958 to 1960, and in the Pacific Coast League in 1961. He married Joy Ann Glascock on September 24, 1960, and the couple had two sons, Scott and Todd. Upon reaching the majors on April 10,1962, his greatest influences were umpires Al Barlick, Jocko Conlan and Shag Crawford, each of whom gave him invaluable advice in developing his skills – Barlick for his renowned mastery of the rules, Conlan for helping him appreciate the fun of umpiring, and Crawford for his tremendous work ethic. He was easily recognizable due to his thick white hair, which had already gone completely gray when he was in his 30s, leading to the early nickname of "Silver," and in 1971 he grew a handlebar mustache, at a time when no major league field personnel had worn facial hair since the 1940s; he kept it trimmed to the edges of his mouth, and he wore it for one season. In the latter part of his career, Harvey became known for appearing in the "You Make the Call" segments on the televised Game of the Week. In 1974, the Players Association conducted polls of players in both leagues to identify and rank the best umpires (the New York Mets did not participate); Harvey was named the top NL umpire, being the only official in the league rated as "excellent." In 1987, a Sports Illustrated poll of NL catchers ranked him as the third best umpire in the league for calling balls and strikes, with one voter saying he "still cares about doing the best possible job." In 1990, Sport magazine named him the best umpire in the game, citing his unbending application of the rules and noting his campaign to enforce the balk rule two seasons earlier, when he said, "Give me 10 high school pitchers, let me spend a week with them, and I'll show you 10 pitchers who won't balk. It's not that difficult. So they better learn it." Harvey's goal of umpiring until age 65 ended on October 4,1992, at age 62, when knee problems necessitated his retirement. He nonetheless became the first NL umpire since Bill Klem to work for more than 30 years, finishing with 31 years in the major leagues; his 4,673 games then ranked third in major league history behind Klem (5,374) and Tommy Connolly (4,769).<br /><br />Among the notable games in which Harvey worked was the final game of the 1972 season in which Roberto Clemente collected his 3,000th (and last) base hit off of the New York Mets' Jon Matlack. He was the home plate umpire on September 10, 1963, when brothers Jesus, Matty and Felipe Alou batted consecutively for the San Francisco Giants, and also on June 3, 1987, when the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs hit a combined three grand slams at Wrigley Field.<br /><br />Harvey regarded his greatest contribution to baseball as being the introduction of a new sense of timing to umpiring; he noted that when he arrived in the major leagues, the emphasis was on making calls quickly and decisively, and said, "Everything was called too quickly. I've got a photograph of Jocko Conlan working first base. Jocko's arm was extended in the out call. But the runner was still short of the bag, and the ball was still in flight. In those days it was common to anticipate the call." Harvey, however, changed attitudes by insisting that it was better to delay the call and make sure it was correct.<br /><br />In August 1997, Harvey was diagnosed with oral cancer, which was attributed to his longtime use of chewing tobacco. He has since become active in speaking to ballplayers and students about the dangers of tobacco use. He no longer uses the product that caused him to develop oral cancer.<br /><br />In both 2003 and 2007, Harvey was the leading candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame in voting by Hall members on the Veterans Committee composite ballot for managers, umpires and executives; however, his totals of 48 and 52 votes in the two elections fell short of the 60 and 62 necessary for election. Under new rules established by the Hall in 2007, he was again eligible for election in 2008, but fell one vote short of the required 12 votes. On July 25, 2010, he was finally inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. On December 7, 2009, Harvey was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Hall of Fame Veterans' Committee and was inducted on July 25, 2010.Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2951440438980751651.post-55738979329477807612010-12-26T14:33:00.001-05:002010-12-26T20:02:38.322-05:00Umpire Al Barlick Biography<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uXUOgY9HdW4/TRflbG0jsdI/AAAAAAAAAFo/fmI1_i5ty40/s1600/5860307_1005351438.jpg.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 187px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uXUOgY9HdW4/TRflbG0jsdI/AAAAAAAAAFo/fmI1_i5ty40/s400/5860307_1005351438.jpg.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555160919235080658" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family:Helvetica, Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size:13.0px;"><b><div><span style="font-family:Helvetica, Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size:13.0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>Albert Joseph Barlick</b> (April 2, 1915 – December 27, 1995) was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the National League for 28 seasons (1940–43, 1946–55, 1958–71). He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.<br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:19.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:13.0px;">Born in Springfield, Illinois, Barlick served in the Coast Guard during World War II. With his wife Jenny he had two daughters, Marlene and Kathleen.</span></span><div><span style="font-family:Helvetica, Verdana, Arial;"><span style="font-size:13.0px;"><br />In a career where he umpired from 1940 to 1971 he'll go down in history as former National League Umpire, Tom Gorman said, "the best I ever saw." His hiring was endorsed by the first ever Hall of Fame Umpire, Bill Klem. At one stage in his career he became so infuriated by National League President, Warren Giles decision not to suspend a player that he quit and went home. Giles begged him to return. He actually worked with Klem and taught umpiring to everyone that would listen. In 1962 he was crew chief of the crew that opened Dodger Stadium. The crew included "Shag" Crawford, Ed Vargo, and newly inducted Hall of Famer (class of 2010) Doug Harvey. All three became deciples of the man they affectionatly called "Moose." Barlick umpired in seven All-Star games (1942, 1949, 1952, 1955, first 1959 game, 1966 and 1970), tying the record held by Bill Summers, and called balls and strikes for the first half of the 1949 through 1966 games and all of the 1970 game. He officiated in seven World Series (1946, 1950, 1951, 1954, 1958, 1962 and 1967), serving as crew chief in 1954, 1958 and 1962. He also officiated the three-game playoff series to determine the NL's regular-season champion in both 1959 and 1962 (games 2 and 3), and was crew chief for the first National League Championship Series in 1969. In a poll conducted by the players he was voted the best umpire in the National League. He refused to acknowledge the poll, saying, "What would they know about umpiring?" Before the year was out the umpires conducted their own poll and he again was voted the best. This time he acknowledged the award. Fighting for all umpires, Barlick, along with Augie Donatelli, and "Shag" Crawford, formed the first umpire's union. Known as one of the toughest umpires to ever work in the major leagues, his eyes filled with tears as he accepted his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 1989.<br /><br />For 22 years after he retired, he acted as a consultant to the National League. He was responsible for mentoring Bruce Froemming, John McSherry, Frank Pulli, Terry Tata, Paul Runge, Ed Montague, Jim Quick, Gerald Crawford, Eric Gregg, Joe West, Randy Marsh, Charlie Williams, Steve Rippley, Bob Davidson, Tom Hallion, Greg Bonin, Larry Poncino, Mike Winters, and Ed Rapuano. Though Barlick worked for the National League, he was responsible for getting the American League to hire Drew Coble. He told the American League, "He's to good an umpire to be in the minor leagues and we don't have room for him." Barlick often told his umpires,"Though it's very bad to eject a player when he shouldn't be ejected, it's far worse to keep someone in the game who should be ejected." Barlick believed that you should help all umpires improve, no matter what level they were working... "You may have to work with 'em one day." Barlick died at age 80 in Springfield, Illinois due to cardiac arrest. His body was cremated and the ashes scattered.<br /></span></span> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Major League Umpireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204513836431357044noreply@blogger.com0