Major League Umpires Blog

2011 Division Series MLB Umpires

2011-10-01T16:19:00.008-04:00

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MLB to hold Umpire Camp for members of the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy at Petco Park

2011-08-29T22:16:00.001-04:00

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.

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.

"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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

Majestic On-Field MLB Umpire T-Shirt

2011-06-28T19:35:00.004-04:00

The one and only 100% heavy weight cotton MLB logo t-shirt. Authentic Collection 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 majorleagueumpires.com if you are interested in purchasing this hard to find t-shirt. Now only $34.95.

Umpire Derryl Cousins Biography (Crew Chief)

2011-06-28T19:28:00.007-04:00

CAREER: 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).

PERSONAL: 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.

Umpire Sam Holbrook Biography

2011-05-27T00:53:00.003-04:00

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.

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.

Umpire Thomas Gorman Biography

2011-04-15T00:22:00.004-04:00

Thomas David Gorman (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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Mad magazine ran an article presenting hypothetical magazines from other planets. In the interplanetary version of Sports Illustrated, umpire Tom Gorman explains why he threw out a player from Venus: "He opened up ten mouths to me!

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.

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 Three and Two!, 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.

West Vest Umpire Mask A3009

2011-04-11T22:08:00.007-04:00

The original West Vest 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 umpire equipment and is currently worn by some Major League Umpires.

MLB Major League Umpire Hat

2011-04-11T21:11:00.006-04:00

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 www.majorleagueumpires.com It is available in fitted and adjustable. Check them out before they are gone.

Frank Dezelan Remembered

2011-03-11T13:49:00.002-05:00

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.

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.

The Pittsburgh-area native also was the first-base umpire for the first game at Three Rivers Stadium on July 16, 1970.

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.

MLU Welcomes Dan Bellino to the 2011 Staff

2011-03-10T21:57:00.004-05:00

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.

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MLU Welcomes Brian Knight to the 2011 Staff

2011-02-16T22:34:00.003-05:00

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.

MLU Welcomes Scott Berry to the 2011 Staff

2011-02-16T22:29:00.003-05:00

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.

2011 Major League Umpire Crews

2011-02-16T21:33:00.004-05:00

Umpire Doug Harvey Biography

2011-01-20T22:01:00.005-05:00

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Umpire Al Barlick Biography

2010-12-26T14:33:00.001-05:00

Albert Joseph Barlick (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.

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.

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.

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.

Umpire Chuck Meriwether Biography

2010-12-23T12:55:00.003-05:00

Julius Edward "Chuck" Meriwether (born June 30, 1956 in Nashville, Tennessee) is an umpire in Major League Baseball. After working in the American League from 1988 to 1999, he has umpired in both leagues since 2000. He originally wore number 32, in 2001 and 2002 he wore number 22 but in 2004 switched to number 14 after offering veteran Joe West his original number when he was rehired..

After graduating from Athens State College in 1978, he first umpired in the minor leagues in 1979, reaching the American Association in 1986 before continuing up to the AL. He officiated in the 2004 World Series and 2007 World Series, and in the All-Star Game in 1996 and 2002. He has also umpired in the 2003 National League Championship Series and 2006 American League Championship Series, and in seven Division Series (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2007). He was the third base umpire for the single-game playoff to decide the NL's 2007 wild card team. He was also the third base umpire for David Cone's perfect game on July 18, 1999. Most recently he was the second base umpire for Mark Buehrle's perfect game on July 23, 2009.

On joining the league's staff, he became only the fifth African American umpire in major league history, and the first in the AL since Emmett Ashford retired in 1970. Coincidentally, Meriwether was behind the plate when the Boston Red Sox – the last major league team to integrate its roster – won its first World Series in 86 years in 2004, and he was again behind the plate when they won the Series three years later in 2007.

Before the start of the 2010 season, fellow MLB umpire Mike Dimuro wrote on his "Umps Care Blog" that Merriweather will sit out the 2010 season on the Disabled List and then retire following the 2010 season. His son, Chris Meriwether, is a walk-on point guard for the Vanderbilt University basketball team.

Major League Umpire Mike Reilly Biography

2010-12-09T12:00:00.002-05:00

Michael Eugene Reilly (born July 2, 1949 in Sioux City, Iowa) is an umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the American League from 1977 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues since 2000. Reilly was raised and still resides in Battle Creek, Michigan, the breakfast cereal capital of the world (a fact which prompted longtime baseball broadcaster Ernie Harwell to nickname him "Corn Flakes Reilly"). Upon Ed Montague's retirement in February 2010, Reilly became Major League Baseball's senior umpire; his 4,362 career games ranked ninth in major league history entering the 2010 season.

He has umpired in the World Series in 1984, 1992, 2002 and 2007, and in the All-Star Game in 1982, 1993, 2000, and 2010, calling balls and strikes for the last two contests. He has also officiated in nine League Championship Series (1983, 1987, 1991, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2006), 2008) and six Division Series (1981, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2007). He also umpired in the 1976 Caribbean World Series. He was the third base umpire for David Wells' perfect game on May 17, 1998.

Reilly has worn the uniform number 31 since the American League adopted numbers in 1980. He continued to wear the number when umpires were combined into a single staff under the supervision of Major League Baseball in 2000.

Along with Steve Palermo, Reilly was one of the first American League umpires to never use the outside chest protector. Reilly and Palermo came to the junior circuit in 1977, the year the AL mandated all new umpires on staff would have to use the inside chest protector, which had been in use in the National League for decades. Umpires on staff prior to 1977 were grandfathered and could continue to wear the outside protector.

Reilly received an associate's degree from K.C.C. Junior College in 1970. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and works with the Food Bank South Central Michigan. He was elected to St. Philip Catholic Central Hall of Fame in 1999 and is recognized by American Amateur Baseball as a consultant. He became interested in umpiring after taking a sports officiating class in college. His proudest moment as a major league umpire was working his first World Series (1984) in his home state. He coaches basketball at St. Philip/St. Joseph in the offseason and his hobbies include hunting, fishing, golfing and following the University of Notre Dame. He is such a fan, that at the Army/Notre Dame game, he was sitting 3 rows from the top of the stadium with his wife Mary at this year's first collegiate game ever played at the new Yankee Stadium.

Reilly's wife Mary graduated from the University of Michigan and is currently an elementary teacher. Together they have four children: Katie, Ryan, Patrick and Conor. Katie attended Michigan State and now lives in Florida. Ryan attended Albion College, and played baseball for the Britons. Patrick attends Western Michigan, and Conor recently graduated from St. Philip Catholic Central, where Mike Reilly graduated in 1968.

Jerry Crawford Biography - Veteran Umpire

2010-12-08T11:45:00.006-05:00

Gerald Joseph Crawford (born August 13, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an umpire for Major League Baseball. He first umpired in the National League in 1977, and since 2000 has worked in both major leagues. He has been a crew chief since 1998. He is also the brother of National Basketball Association (NBA) referee Joe Crawford and the son of former major league umpire Shag Crawford. The Crawford family was the subject of an HBO Sports Special highlighting the careers of all three.

He has worked in the playoffs 18 times, and every season from 1998 through 2006, including the World Series in 1988, 1992, 1998, 2000, and 2002, serving as crew chief in 1992 and 2002; the League Championship Series in 1980, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2006, with all but the last two being in the NL; and the Division Series in 1981, 2000, 2002 and 2004. His 11th appearance in the League Championship Series in 2005 broke the record he had previously shared with Bruce Froemming. He has worked more post season games than anyone. He also umpired in the All-Star Game in 1989 and was the home plate umpire for the 2006 All-Star Game. As his father worked the first game at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium on April 10, 1971 at home plate, Crawford worked home plate in the last game at "The Vet" on September 28, 2003 and repeated the honors when Citizens Bank Park opened April 12, 2004.
Crawford was a former president of the Major League Umpires Association.

Crawford retired effective December 2010 after 34 years as a Major League Umpire.

2010 World Series Umpire Crew

2010-10-25T19:36:00.002-04:00

Heading the Crew and handling the Crew Chief duties is John Hirschbeck, a 27 year veteran with 2 All Star games, 8 Divisional Series, and 4 League Championship Series.
You'll probably remember him as the plate umpire for Roy Halliday's no-hitter in the Divisional Series against the Reds.
This will be John's 3rd World Series.

With 2 All Star games, 9 Divisional Series, 3 League Championship Series, and working his second World Series, Gary Darling will be the second man in seniority on this World Series.

Jeff Kellogg will be the third man in seniority, and has a resume of 2 All Star games, 6 Divisional Series, 5 League Championship Series. This will be Jeff's fourth World Series.

Mike Winters brings an impressive resume to the Series with 2 All Star games, 7 Divisional Series, 3 League Championship Series and this will be his third World Series.

Sam Holbrook will be making his debut to the Fall Classic and has experience in 3 Divisional Series, 2 League Championship Series, and an All Star game.

Bill Miller rounds out the staff and is working his first World Series with experience in an All Star game, 5 Divisional Series, and a League Championship Series.

WestVest Platinum Chest Protector

2010-10-21T12:13:00.003-04:00

Publish Post 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. This umpire chest protector has the most armor and is the hottest selling protector for both the Minor League umpires and the collegiate ranks.

2010 League Championship Series Umpires

2010-10-14T00:25:00.001-04:00

Majorleague ump Ed Rapuano backs Pope John Paul II

2010-08-09T23:15:00.003-04:00

When an assistant baseball coach at Pope John Paul II High in Boca Raton fell ill last winter, the school didn't have to look far to find a qualified temp.

Coaching at first base for a few games was one of the school's biggest boosters - Major League Baseball umpire Ed Rapuano.

"I put the Pope John uniform on for a couple of games. My wife got a chuckle out of it,' Rapuano said this week before working a game in Detroit.

During his 20 years umpiring in the big leagues, Rapuano has heard more than an earful from angry players and managers. He once threw Philadelphia's Shane Victorino out of a game - for arguing balls and strikes from his position in center field.

But Rapuano laughed and said he never thought about taking advantage of his rare role reversal to spew any venom at the high school umps.

"I tried to disguise myself a little bit and wear sunglasses, but they all knew who I was,' he said. "Those guys do a heck of a job and they were all really great.'

Rapuano, 52, has lived in Boca Raton for 20 years, since his earliest days as an umpire in the Florida State League. Although his job keeps him on the road most days during baseball season, he has kept his allegiances close to home.

Rapuano is helping raise money to build the first baseball fields at Pope John Paul II, whose team has played its games at Boca Raton's Sugar Sand Park.

"We've had alumni involved, too, but our biggest driving force up to now has been Eddie Rapuano,' said Athletic Director Scott Baker.

The school is still working on construction estimates and a time table, but Rapuano said it's important to raise money now in hopes that the new fields will attract more students.

"We're on the ground floor, but it's moving along,' he said.

He raised $7,000 by raffling off a ball autographed by the Yankees. He also hosted a wine-tasting charity with Greg Norton, the school's softball coach.

"He has been first-class all the way,' baseball coach Pete Graffeo said. "He will do anything he can to help the program. At first, I thought he was too good to be true.'

Rapuano has a vested interest in Pope John Paul II. His three kids went to school there - Eddie (24) and Rosalie (20) graduated and 17-year-old Nick is entering his senior year.

The school recently hired former Dolphins running back and Notre Dame star Autry Denson as its new football coach. Rapuano said the next step is to build the baseball fields.

"The Catholic schools are low on attendance with the economy the way it is. Athletics is a good way to bring kids to the school,' Rapuano said. "Since my name has been out there, we've been getting a lot of nibbles on the hook. Hopefully we get more kids to apply.'

Rapuano said he's convinced that baseball fields at the school will boost team pride, pointing out how the players respond when they work out in batting cages on the school grounds.

"I noticed the difference in the kids' attitudes when they are on their complex, when they're at the school with the football and lacrosse teams at the other end of the field and soccer team playing on the football field and their school in the background. You can see how much better they respond when they're actually in their own backyard,' he said.

Volunteering for the school, Rapuano is often asked by players and parents about life as a major-league umpire. He worked the 1995 and 2008 All-Star Games and the 2001 and 2003 World Series.

"After Game 6 in New York, I remember standing there and watching as they all ran in,' Rapuano said about the Marlins' clinching win at Yankee Stadium in '03. "Seeing those expressions on those guys' faces, the underdogs just beating the Yankees, was something I'll never forget.'

But his most memorable game was his first - May 11, 1990 - because his daughter Rosalie was born the next day.

"My wife, Valerie, was due a week later, and when I got called to the big leagues she didn't want me to miss my first weekend,' he said.

"I worked the game on a Friday night in Pittsburgh behind the plate. The next afternoon, she called me and said, 'What do you want to name your daughter?' I didn't know whether to be angry that I wasn't there or happy.

"That night, our crew put it on the scoreboard, 'Congratulations third-base umpire Ed Rapuano on the birth of your daughter.' '

Wilson Chrome Moliben Face Mask

2010-07-15T01:09:00.006-04:00

The masks were designed for Wilson by Joe West evolved into two single (as opposed to hinged) cross bars for optimal vision. (Masks that have the bars hinged together create a blind spot on balls that are hit up or down). Because all "wire" masks are and have been made of tubular steel Wilson had to "beef" up these cross bars and in so doing started making them of solid steel for strength. Click here to view this umpire mask and other quality umpire gear.

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Fake umps put on show in Cincy for charity

2010-07-15T01:05:00.000-04:00

CINCINNATI -- They received national attention for their act last year, and now Tim Williams and Joe Farrell have come out of retirement for charity and are back ringing up batters from the stands as part of the "Four Games for Bears" tour.

Williams are Farrell are best known as the "fake umpires" for dressing up in full Major League umpire outfits, sitting in the first row behind home plate and mimicking the calls of real umpires on the field. They retired the act after one year in 2009, but at the request of real umpires, they brought it back to raise money for MLB umpires' UMPS CARE Charities.

"We like to come to the game, have a few beers and have some fun, and then we met these umpires and they said, 'I think it would be cool if you could raise a little money,' and it's amazing," Farrell said. "If you can do all this, have fun and raise a little money, what the heck, you know what I mean?"

The fake umpires planned a four-game road trip, covering their own costs to games in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Boston and their hometown of Toronto from Thursday-Sunday. The two work in the investment business, and clients, family and friends helped them raise money for the trip. More than $7,000 was raised beforehand, all going to the Major League umpires' children's hospital program that brings Build-A-Bear Workshops to the beside of children with cancer or other serious illnesses.

In addition to the money raised, Williams and Farrell each pledged $10 to the charity for every strikeout they see in the four games.

"We enjoyed it last year, and we weren't doing it for any charity angle whatsoever," Williams said. "Now, to have the opportunity to come out and support UMPS CARE, which we've seen personally the impact it makes, it's great."

Their first appearances in Toronto in 2009, followed by trips to stadiums like Yankee Stadium, gained them national notoriety, first through blogs and then through an ESPN story. Before the game at Great American Ball Park on Thursday, Reds fans approached them and asked to pose for pictures, and Williams and Farrell happily obliged all the requests, putting their masks on and pumping their fists in strikeout motions.

The fans enjoy the act, and so do the real umpires. Williams and Farrell were invited to the umpires' charity golf tournament in Arizona in January - which they help sponsor -- and were approached to do the ballpark tour to raise money.

Although they constantly get asked when they're going to appear at a game again, they know it's not a long-term thing. But doing it for charity is a different story.

"We kind of tell them [people who ask] that it's a bit of a novelty act, it'll get old pretty fast if you're doing 20 games in the same stadium," Williams said. "But we're happy to come out of retirement for UMPS CARE."

Matt Brown is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Saugerties native Hallion named MLB crew chief

2010-04-01T00:53:00.002-04:00

As a major league umpire, Tom Hallion has been able to achieve many career milestones, including working All-Star games, League Championship Series and World Series.

Now he’s reached the highest position an umpire can aspire to — crew chief.

The Saugerties native earned the promotion at the beginning of spring training and is looking forward to having his own crew when the regular season begins next week.

“It’s very rewarding. It’s almost feels like I’ve come full circle,” said Hallion, who talked by phone Monday after working the Astros-Pirates exhibition in Bradentown, Fla. Ironically, he was on his way to St. Petersburg to watch Saugerties High’s baseball team play a preseason game.

“I’m very thrilled,” he said.

With the retirements of Charlie Reliford, Randy Marsh, Ed Montague and Rick Reed, Hallion was promoted by the Commissioner’s office along with Brian Gorman, Jeff Kellogg and Jerry Layne.

A 17-year veteran, Hallion has umpired two All-Star games, three divisional series, two LCS and the 2008 World Series.

Hallion had been in Jerry Crawford’s crew the last two years.

“It’s sad. It’s Jerry’s last year and I wanted to stay with him. I was caught between a rock and a hard place,” said Hallion, who filled in as a acting chief when Crawford was sidelined by a bad back last year.Crawford pushed him to accept the position.

The retirement of four chiefs allowed for the shuffling and creation of new crews. Hallion’s new crew includes Ed Rapuano, Ron Kulpa and Lance Barksdale.

Rapuano actually filled in when Crawford was out in ’09 and he also worked with Hallion in the ’08 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.

“I’ve worked a little bit with Eddie and Ron. I’ve never worked with Lance,” Hallion said.

The crew makes its’ debut next Monday afternoon in Kansas City when the Royals open against the Detroit Tigers. The unit heads to Texas after that for the Rangers and the Seattle Mariners.

Hallion’s crew will spend much of its time this season west of the Mississippi River. After the first weekend, they go to Colorado, San Diego, Arizona, then back to Texas.

Their schedule calls for only two trips to New York, including a late-season series at Yankee Stadium, and no visits to Boston.

“My niece lives up there in Boston. I had to break the bad news that I’m not heading that way,” Hallion said.

His first major league game was in 1985, but Hallion was out of baseball in ’99 as part of a failed stand by umpires which led to 22 arbiters’ resignations being accepted.

He returned as a minor league ump in ’03, made his way back to the majors by ’05 and was fully reinstated in ’07.

In another instance of coming full circle, Hallion was part of the negotiating team for the World Umpires Association that hammered out a new five-year collective bargaining agreement that was unanimously approved.

It was the largest umpiring contract ever signed, Hallion said.

Adding to the irony was Hallion sitting across the table during negotiations from Rob Manfred, MLB’s Executive Vice President for Labor Relations. Manfred was involved in the MLB’s handling of the ’99 situation that led to Hallion’s dismissmal.

“It was kind of interesting,” remarked Hallion, who plans to umpire for at least five or more six years in order to help out with the next contract.

As for memories with Crawford’s crew, last Aug. 26 in Toronto won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Hallion had to replace Crawford behind the plate early in the game when the veteran crew chief took a foul ball off his face mask.

In the sixth inning, Travis Snider swung and missed at a Scott Kazmir pitch that crossed up Tampa Bay catcher Gregg Zaun. The 92-mph pitch hit smacked Hallion in the chest, bringing him down.

“He was calling for a slider outside. Kazmir threw a fastball inside,” Hallion remembered.

“It was like I got shot.

“It was never touched. It got the bottom of the chest protector and part of the flesh.”

It didn’t leave a Rawling’s logo on him, but a “bruise that ended up six different shades of color.”

Medical staff rushed to his side and a cart was brought out, but he eventually rose and walked off without assistance. After a 21-minute delay, Hallion returned to handle third base.

“Jerry was already out. I wasn’t going to leave us down to two guys,” he said. “They let me go stand at third base and help with the rotation. They made me promise not to move.”

The bruise eventually went away. Hallion accepts the risk, saying “It was the nature of the beast.” He did, though, get a new chest protector.

“(Umpiring legend) Joe West makes a vest that’s a little longer,” he said. “The next day he called me and said, ‘Your new protector is on the way and you’ll have it before the next time behind the plate.”

New Crew Chiefs Selected

2010-03-20T18:43:00.002-04:00

New Crew Chiefs were selected by the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball to replace Reliford, Reed, Marsh, and Montague. These umpires include Tom Hallion, who first joined the National League Staff in 1986, Jerry Layne, a 21 year veteran, Brian Gorman, an 18 year veteran, and Jeff Kellogg, a 17 and a half year veteran

Four Senior Umpires Retire

2010-03-20T18:40:00.002-04:00

Charlie Reliford moved into a position with the Office of the Commissioner after 20 years as a Major League Umpire. His career included 2 All Star Games (1996, 2007), 4 Divisional Playoff Series (1995, 1997, 2000, 2004), 3 League Championship Series (1999, 2001, 2002), and 2 World Series(2000, 2004). A long time instructor at Harry Wendelstedt's School for umpires, Charlie served as the only committee member allowed by the Commissioner's Office to be on the Rules Committee. He was a tremendous asset to the Joint Committee on Training.

Rick Reed has left the field to be an Observer for the Office of the Commissioner after 28 years as a Major League Umpire. He was the Chief of the crew that worked the first Major League games ever played in China and his crew opened the season in 2008 in the "Japan Opening Series." He worked Dave Righetti's and Joe Crowley's No-Hitters and was one of the umpires for George Brett's 3,000th hit. He worked 2 All Star Games (1986,1998), 3 Divisional Series (1997, 2000, 2001), 3 League Championship Series (1989, 1995, 1999) and the World Series in 1991. He made his acting debut as the home plate umpire in the Kevin Costner film "For The Love Of the Game" in 1999.

Randy Marsh has left the field and taken a supervisory position with the Office of the Commissioner after 28 years as a Major League Umpire. He has worked 4 All Star Games (1985, 1988, 1996, 2006), 5 Divisional Series (1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006), 9 League Championship Series (1989, 1992, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009) and 5 World Series (1990,1997,1999, 2003, 2006). Also, a long time instructor for Harry Wendelstedt, Randy was also one of the original instructors at Major League Baseball's Urban Youth Academy at Compton, California in November of 2006. Randy was part of the first Joint Committee on Training and collaborated on the first Major League Umpire Manuel.

Ed Montague, the Dean of Major League Umpires for the last two years has retired after 35 years as a Major League Umpire (tied for 3rd all time). He worked 4 All Star Games (1982,1990,1998, 2004), 7 Divisional Series (1981, 1995, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007), 8 League Championship Series (1979, 1984, 1987, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002), and 6 World Series (1986, 1991, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2007). Ed was the Crew Chief of the last four World Series he worked. The only other umpires in history to achieve that were Al Barlick, Bill Klem, and Tom Connelly (all Hall of Famers). Ed had worked the most World Series games of any active umpire at the time of his retirement. He was 12th on the all time list for Most World Series Games Umpired. His 65 other post season games make him 4th all time for Most Post Season Games Umpired with 99. His 4,369 games ranks him 8th all time. Four of the eight are in the Hall of Fame (Klem, Connelly, McGowan, and new this year Doug Harvey).

2010 Major League Umpire Crew

2010-03-11T17:31:00.002-05:00

John Kibler, Umpire for Bill Buckner’s Error, Dies at 81

2010-03-03T16:56:00.001-05:00

PALO ALTO, Calif. (AP) — John Kibler, a longtime National League umpire, died here Thursday. He was 81.

Kibler died of a heart attack, his family said. Kibler worked his first major league game in 1963 and was a full-time National League umpire from 1965 through 1989. He worked the World Series four times, and was at first base for Game 6 of the 1986 Series between the Mets and the Boston Red Sox, which the Mets famously won when Mookie Wilson’s ground ball rolled between first baseman Bill Buckner’s legs.

Kibler was the plate umpire for Game 7, when the Mets beat the Red Sox for the championship.

Kibler served in the Navy during the Korean War and left the New York state police to go to umpiring school. He started out as a minor league umpire in the late 1950s and became a major league crew chief in 1977.

He was married for 51 years. Kibler and his wife, Dorothy, had two sons.

Behind the Mask - Drew Coble '75

2010-02-19T23:41:00.002-05:00

Though he retired from umpiring in Major League Baseball more than a decade ago, Drew Coble has vivid memories of his days working in the big leagues and the minors. Read on for Coble’s insights into the world of umpiring, as well as his favorite moments of his baseball career.

The umpiring life

A standout catcher and first baseman, Drew Coble (right) led Elon in batting average, hits and RBI in 1973.

Just as it is for ballplayers, the quality of life is far different for umpires in the minor leagues compared with the majors.

After earning one of the two minor-league positions offered at the conclusion of his umpire training course in 1975, Coble started work in the long-season Class A Western Carolina League. Over the next couple of years, he moved up to the higher-level Class-A Carolina League and, in 1977, the Class AA Southern League.

“In the minors, the pay was really low,” Coble recalls. “You had to drive everywhere. You’d drive through the night, and you’d just hope you could get some sleep before you had to work the next night. That’s what the minor leagues were like.”

Coble spent 10 days working in the Southern League before he caught the eye of Barney Deary, the head of minor-league umpires at the time. Deary liked what he saw and promoted Coble to Class AAA, the last stop in minor-league play before the majors. Class AAA was an improvement in lifestyle, but still posed challenges for Coble and his family.

“In triple-A, you fly everywhere, and the money is a little bit better, but it’s not great,” he says. “I had a second job in the wintertime to get enough money for my family to get by.”

One phone call in April 1981 changed all that.

“It was opening day (of the MLB season), and I was sitting at home, watching the Cincinnati Reds on TV,” Coble recalls. “The phone rang, I picked it up, and the person said ‘Drew, this is Dick Butler (head of umpires) of the American League. I want to welcome you to the American League.’”

Though his time in the majors directly following Butler’s call lasted only a few games, Coble returned to the majors for good in June of that year.

Former Elon baseball coach Jerry Drake (left) introduced Coble for his 2007 induction to the Elon Sports Hall of Fame.

“Once you get to the big leagues, you fly everywhere, you stay in first-class hotels, you travel first class,” he says. “It’s just a big, big difference (from the minors).”

Favorite memories in baseball

Over his nearly 20-year career as a major-league umpire, Coble witnessed some amazing moments in baseball. For example, in 1990, he became only the fifth umpire since 1901 to work two no-hitters in a single season; he was on hand for A’s pitcher Dave Stewart’s no-no against the Blue Jays on June 29, and Blue Jays pitcher Dave Steib’s against the Cleveland Indians on Sept. 2.

“When you’re working, you kind of get caught up in the game. Then you realize, ‘Hey, this guy is throwing a no-hitter, and he’s depending on me to make the calls,’” Coble says. “It’s a little bit of pressure.”

As an AL umpire, Coble worked alongside stars and hall-of-famers, including the New York Yankees’ Reggie Jackson, the Kansas City Royals’ George Brett and the Milwaukee Brewers’ Robin Yount. In his first game after being recalled to the major leagues in June 1981, Coble remembers getting to work with A’s manager Billy Martin, a man famously fired and re-hired multiple times by George Steinbrenner when Martin worked for the Yankees.

But perhaps his favorite memory of his career was working the classic 1991 World Series between the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves. The series lasted the maximum seven games, three of which went to extra innings. Coble worked the plate for one of those extra-inning affairs, Game 3 in Atlanta, when Mark Lemke’s single to left scored David Justice from second for the game-winning run in the bottom of the 12th, giving the Braves a 2-1 victory. The Twins, however, prevailed in the series.

“I had more fun in that World Series than God knows what,” Coble recalls. “(The umpires) had our families with us, and it was like a 10-day vacation. All I had to do was work a couple of hours each night.”

by Kristin Simonetti, Staff

West Vest Gold Chest Protector

2010-01-14T18:25:00.005-05:00

West Vest Gold Chest Protector - It’s the top of the line developed by Major League umpire Joe West, manufactured for maximum protection! This chest protector provides you with a level of protection demanded by professional umpires. Accept nothing less then the best. Sized to fit your body; adjustable for comfort. Black only, 12” length. Select your protector based on your coat size. Size S-M for coat sizes under 38. Size M-L for coat sizes 38 to 44. Size L-XL for coat sizes 46 to 54. Sized to fit your body; adjustable for comfort. One of two protectors endorsed by Major League Baseball for use by its umpires. Check out this quality chest protector at MajorLeagueUmpires.com

Harvey Elected to Hall of Fame

2009-12-30T19:57:00.003-05:00

Long time National League umpire Doug Harvey has been elected to the Hall of Fame. 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). He umpired in the National League Championship Series nine times – 1970(Games 2-3), 1972, 1976, 1980, 1983, 1984 (Game 5), 1986, 1989 and 1991. Veteran umpire Joe West said “it is a long time coming and we are very proud of him.”

Long time umpire Mike Reilly said this of Harvey, "Doug Harvey was someone I always respected coming up in the minor leagues. I remember my first World Series assignment was in 1984 and I was honored to be chosen to umpire a World Series. Then I found out that I would be umpiring with Doug, it was really special and an honor. It is one of my best umpiring memories."

Senior umpire Ed Montague said of Harvey’s selection, "I am glad the hall recognized Doug, I am real proud of him. Doug set the bar high along with umpires like Shag Crawford and Paul Runge. When I look at Doug I think Hall of Fame."

The WUA and its members salute Doug on this most prestigious lifetime achievement award.

Umpires, MLB Agree on Deal

2009-12-28T18:30:00.001-05:00

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball ensured its first decade of labor peace since the 1960s by agreeing to a five-year contract with umpires that runs through 2014.

The deal announced Wednesday, which is subject to ratification next month, was the second straight achieved without acrimony since a failed mass resignation in 1999 led to 22 umpires losing their jobs.

"I think both sides acted very professionally in trying to work through a tough time, and we ground it out," said World Umpires Association president Joe West, who lost his job in the 1999 dispute and regained it three years later.

Owners are expected to vote on the deal when they meet in the Phoenix area on Jan. 14, and umpires are set for balloting four days later.

Stung by a series of missed calls during the playoffs, management sought increased flexibility on postseason assignments in the new agreement. MLB asked that the prohibition be lifted against umpires working the World Series in consecutive years, a request that some of the union membership had trouble with.

Negotiators said they wouldn't discuss specifics of the deal before ratification, but it is hard to imagine owners agreeing to a contract that didn't include the removal of that restriction.

"As president of our union, my first responsibility is to the game of baseball, my second responsibility is to my profession, and my third responsibility is to do what in my heart I think is right," West said, speaking generally.

"When I say baseball, that doesn't mean the commissioner's office, and when I say umpiring or my profession of umpiring, that doesn't mean the union. ... Whenever we came to something that was tough in contract, we both tried to abide by those rules."

The deal leaves the collective bargaining agreement with players as baseball's next labor negotiation. That expires in December 2011 but both sides seem intent on an early start for bargaining.

"I do believe, me personally, that these negotiations -- the umpires and the players, frankly -- are more complicated than a lot of collective bargaining agreements and that the parties are well served by getting started early," said Rob Manfred, baseball's executive vice president of labor relations.

New players' association head Michael Weiner had a similar view.

"I would expect bargaining will begin well in advance of the termination date," he said.

The umpires' relationship with management has mirrored that of the players, leading to work stoppages in 1970, 1978, 1979, 1984, 1990, 1991 and 1995. After the 1999 mass resignations backfired, Richie Phillips' Major League Umpires Association was replaced by a new union, the WUA, which negotiated a pair of labor contracts under union president John Hirschbeck. West succeeded Hirschbeck in February.

After a series of eight work stoppages from 1972-95, players and owners reached agreements without strikeouts or lockouts in 2002 and 2006.

The umpires' deal had been set to expire Dec. 31.

"The leadership and professionals of the WUA did an outstanding job working with us to try to get an agreement," Manfred said. "I think we're in a period of time where both sides recognize that our best interests are served by reaching a deal."

- Associated Press

Platinum West Vest Chest Protector

2009-11-24T00:23:00.007-05:00

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MLB ump takes part in charity event

2009-11-11T19:45:00.000-05:00

BALTIMORE -- The day was gray, but the cause was good.

Major League umpire Chris Guccione and a supporting cast of caring runners participated in the 2009 Baltimore Run for Bears on Saturday, an endeavor that raised $26,000 for the UMPS CARE Charities initiative. The program is designed to help fund visits and Build-A-Bear Workshops to children's hospitals around the country.

"It's very important to me. Not only do I love to run, but I also have a chance to give back to children and put a smile on their faces," said Guccione. "I'm in position to do that, and I was thrilled to fly out here and take some of my time to give back. My wife, Amy, also came out for the trip, and she ran the first leg of the team marathon."

Umpires have visited 41 hospitals in the three years of the program and expect to visit 12 more during the 2010 season. Samuel Dearth, the executive director of the UMPS CARE Charities, said the big league umpires choose the programs they benefit and they also do most of the fundraising.

"The good part about it is they get to put the money to use," he said. "The Baltimore Run for Bears specifically raises money for the children's hospital program. The umpires visit children's hospitals all across the country during the baseball season and provide Build-A-Bear Workshop experiences for kids with cancer and other serious illnesses."

"It's a brief visit," added Guccione, "and it gives children that are in pain a little moment to smile. They get to pick from three or four stuffed animals and they get to pick out the outfits to dress them in. It's just 10 minutes that you spend with a child, but it's 10 minutes where they can forget about everything else in the world. And that's what's important. And then they have a toy they can give to anybody, or they can keep it as a souvenir."

Guccione, who raised more than $2,000 with his wife, flew in from Denver to participate in the event. And it was extra special for him, because he had visited hospitals in Baltimore and Fairfax, Va., over the last two seasons. Guccione, an avid outdoorsman, said the program enabled him to do something he loves for a cause he supports.

"I came out here and I treated it as a workout," he said of his 7.4-mile jaunt. "But I flew halfway across the country to do it. It wasn't that grueling of a run, but I did push myself a little more today because I was trying to beat a personal goal of mine. I wanted to do it in under an hour, which I did, so I'm happy with that."

Several runners joined the fund-raising effort, and they had a choice to run in a team relay, a 5K, a half-marathon or the full marathon. The course started right outside Camden Yards and wound through the Inner Harbor and parts of Fells Point. Guccione, who runs five miles a day five times a week, said the charity helps keep life in perspective.

"Sometimes you worry about the travel or whatever," he said, "and then you think back and say, 'Is it really that tough compared to this small child that's got leukemia?' It brings you back down to earth."

-Spencer Fordin

2009 World Series Umpire Crew

2009-10-28T17:30:00.005-04:00

We would like to congratulate the umpires of the 2009 World Series. It begins October 28th in New York City between the Yankees and the Phillies.

Gerry Davis (Crew Chief)

Jeff Nelson

Brian Gorman

Mike Everitte

Dana DeMuth

Joe West

West Vest Umpire Mask

2009-10-20T21:59:00.006-04:00

WestVest Umpire Mask - Two Toned Black and Tan
Doe Skin Mask- Dynalite hollow wire mask with deerskin padding for the look and comfort you really want. Two toned black and tan. Currently worn by Major League Umpire Brian Gorman. Endorsed by Major League Baseball for use by its umpires. This mask can be found for a low price at www.majorleagueumpires.com along with many other styles of masks, chest protectors, and umpire accessories.

ALCS and NLCS Umpire Crews

2009-10-15T16:24:00.005-04:00

We would like to congratulate all of the umpires who were elected to work in the American League Championship Series games and the National League Championship Series games. All umpires are listed below.

NLCS ALCS
Randy Marsh Tim McClelland
Bruce Dreckman Laz Diaz
Sam Holbrook Bill Miller
Ted Barrett Jerry Layne
Tom Hallion  Fieldin Culbreath
Gary Cedarstrom   Dale Scott

Original West Vest Chest Protector

2009-10-10T11:48:00.005-04:00

The "Original" West Vest chest protector has interconnecting plates that make the vest accommodate more than one umpire. By reconfiguring the plates a person who is 5'7" can wear the same vest as a larger frame 6'4" umpire. There are Major League Umpires who have worn this vest for their entire careers in the Major Leagues...Some for more than ten years. This chest protector has open cell foam covered by high density plastic that has been tested on professional football players for strength and durability. This protector is available at a great price.

Three Major League Umpires Reach Milestone

2009-10-09T20:04:00.011-04:00

Three Major League Umpires reached a milestone by working their 3,000th game this year.

On August 14th Dale Scott reached the milestone followed four days later by Tim Tschida and on August 30th Bob Davidson joined the 3,000 Game Club.

West Vest and all umpires congratulate all three of these great umpires for reaching this tremendous milestone.

Divisional Championship Series Umpires

2009-10-09T19:20:00.008-04:00

We would like to congratulate all of the umpires who were elected to work in the Divisional Championship Series Games. All umpires are listed below. * CC - Means crew chief

Cardinals @ Dodgers	Rockies @ Phillies	Twins @ Yankees	Red Sox @ Angels
Dana DeMuth (CC)	Gerry Davis (CC)	Tim Tschida (CC)	Joe West (CC)
Brian O'Nora	Bob Davidson	Chuck Meriwether	C.B. Bucknor
Mike Everette	Gerry Meals	Mark Wegner	Eric Cooper
Jeff Nelson	Ron Kulpa	Paul Emmel	Greg Gibson
Ed Rapuano	Angel Hernandez	Jim Joyce	Brian Gorman
Tony Randazzo	Tim Timmons	Phil Cuzzi	Dan Iassogna

NLCS	ALCS
Randy Marsh	Tim McClelland
Bruce Dreckman	Laz Diaz
Sam Holbrook	Bill Miller
Ted Barrett	Jerry Layne
Tom Hallion	Fieldin Culbreath
Gary Cedarstrom	Dale Scott