MLB Umpires Tim Welke and Andy Fletcher visit with a young patient (Photo courtesy of Bill Greenblatt).

It is only a short 15 minute drive along I-64 from Busch Stadium home of the St. Louis Cardinals, but it might as well be 15,000 miles.

The pediatric oncology wing of the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, looks strikingly similar to hospital wings across the country. Walking these halls, much like the innocent, young children here, one can never fully be prepared for what you are about to experience.

Along with fellow umpires, Tim Welke, Jim Reynolds and Andy Fletcher, we participated in the 62nd hospital visit since the inception of UMPS CARE Charities “Blue for Kids” program. Teaming up with Bristol-Myers Squibb, this visit was one of 12 hospitals that MLB Umpires will visit across the country this year alone. The program’s goal is simply to put a smile on a child’s face.

One of the great additions to the program in recent years has been the participation of the team’s mascots. From Cleveland’s Slider to the Philly Phanatic, these mascots have donated their time and talent to help bring smiles to these children and their families. It is sometimes the most unlikely and spontaneous act that can have the greatest significance and provide a moment of hope and meaning. On this morning, it was Fredbird, the St. Louis Cardinals’ mascot, that did just that.

Fredbird jumped into bed and brought a smile to a young boy and everyone in the room (Photo courtesy of Bill Greenblatt).

One young boy laid silently in his bed, his exhausted small frame and heavy eyes revealed only a portion of the story. Tim Welke had his arms full of Build-A-Bears®, Andy Fletcher’s holding outfits for the bear, and their faces brimming with smiles, was still not enough to bring even a momentary reprieve to this young patient. Welke said, “he was so brave and trying so hard, but you could tell it was really tough for him.” Fredbird was making his way through the hallway, and at that moment he popped his oversized bird-head in the doorway. He bounced into the room and began to interact with the boy. Fredbird worked his magic but he was just unable to get any response and while the boy looked on intently, he was only able to remain motionless in his bed.

Sensing the boy’s uneasiness, and with one final effort, Fredbird jumped onto the bed and sprawled out next to him. It was a moment so unexpected that our hearts jumped. A huge smile appeared on the boy’s face and his laughter could not be contained. The boy’s mother, standing nearby, broke into tears of joy for her son.

There is not much use for balls, strikes, safes or outs here. You will not find any of ESPN’s web gems in these prickly confines. But, more importantly, you will find gems of humanity. In the midst of so much pain and despair, the spirits of these tiny bodies bravely light up each room. It gives us a rare glimpse into something far beyond the game of baseball, something not to be seen, but rather felt. It is a hope, perhaps one that can only flow from Calvary.

Our thanks to all of those who have made this program possible, and a special thanks to Fredbird who made one very special boy, very happy.

Mystery Umpire Photo: Can you identify the Major League Umpires in this photo? Who are the managers of each team also shown in this photo? Do you know the approximate year this photo was taken?

In our ongoing segment, “Ask the Ump”, Major League umpire, Mike Di Muro answers a question via video received from one of our viewers about umpire rotations.

Look for more answers to your questions by Major League umpires or send in your question to: “Ask the Ump”

A great video from the Kansas City Royals pregame report on MLB umpires, Jeff Kellogg, Tim Timmons, Mark Carlson and Eric Cooper visiting the Children’s Mercy Hospital as part of UMPS CARE Charities, Blue for Kids Hospital program.

MLB Umpire Gary Darling is 25 games away from 3,000

If you haven’t been to Retrosheet you are missing out on a huge archive of stats and scores and just about every possible numeric listing in the game of baseball.

It also includes an extensive section about umpires with a long history and listing of every game worked by just about every umpire. The research done for this site is absolutely incredible and you’ll want to check it out.

For all the “stats geeks” out there here is an updated listing of total games worked by active Major League Umpires.

Top 25 Games Worked Among Active Major League Umpires:

1.  4,359  Derryl Cousins  04/06/1979 ‐ 08/31/2011
2.  4,294  Joe West  09/14/1976 ‐ 08/31/2011
3.  3,955  Tim McClelland  09/03/1981 ‐ 08/27/2011
4.  3,844  Gerry Davis  06/09/1982 ‐ 08/21/2011
5.  3,707  Tim Welke  06/14/1983 ‐ 08/31/2011
6.  3,573  Dana DeMuth  06/03/1983 ‐ 08/31/2011
7.  3,292  Dale Scott  08/19/1985 ‐ 08/21/2011
8.  3,278  Bob Davidson  05/31/1982 ‐ 08/31/2011
9.  3,233  Tim Tschida  07/24/1985 ‐ 08/31/2011
10.  3,227  John Hirschbeck  05/06/1983 ‐ 08/31/2011
11.  2,969  Gary Darling  06/03/1986 ‐ 08/31/2011
12.  2,903  Mike Winters  07/09/1988 ‐ 08/31/2011
13.  2,790  Ed Rapuano  05/11/1990 ‐ 08/31/2011
14.  2,738  Jerry Layne  04/19/1989 ‐ 08/31/2011
15.  2,722  Jim Joyce  05/23/1987 ‐ 06/09/2011
16.  2,638  Gary Cederstrom  06/02/1989 ‐ 08/26/2011
17.  2,563  Brian Gorman  04/24/1991 ‐ 08/31/2011
18.  2,538  Tom Hallion  06/10/1985 ‐ 08/31/2011
19.  2,494  Angel Hernandez  05/23/1991 ‐ 08/28/2011
20.  2,474  Wally Bell  06/16/1992 ‐ 08/31/2011
21.   2,428  Jeff Kellogg  06/12/1991 ‐ 08/31/2011
22   2,167   Brian O’Nora  08/04/1992 ‐ 08/31/2011
23.  2,120  Larry Vanover  06/25/1991 ‐ 08/31/2011
24.  2,117  Fieldin Culbreth  08/13/1993 ‐ 08/31/2011
25.  2,111  Ted Barrett  05/27/1994 ‐ 08/27/2011

(through August 31, 2011)

Bill Klem made famous "Don't cross that line!" one day in Milwaukee

The game of baseball would be sheer pandemonium, quickly become unrecognizable and ultimately collapse, if not for the use of lines. Lines are as fundamental as the laces on the ball and the leather and wood which every player would be rendered harmless without.

For starters, the game cannot not even begin without the line-up. You’ll need foul lines, base lines, lines for the batter’s box. Batters hit line drives, and they run up the first base line and down the third base line and when running between bases they establish their own baseline. Fans wait in ticket lines and beer lines, and unfortunately, there has always been the betting line. A hitter’s average falling under .200 would become numerically meaningless if not for everyone’s favorite, the Mendoza Line. Fans stand in line for, players lay it on the line, toe the line and of course today they can most definitely line one’s pockets.

While all of these lines are inherent to the game, the one line which players, managers, umpires and broadcasters find themselves talking about, is an invisible one, one which requires an automatic ejection – that is only if you cross it.

Most think of this line as arbitrary, subjective, even unwritten, and in many respects it is in the modern game. But as history would have it, the first use of this line is a real one. Just as real as any line in a stadium today.

It was said to have originated from one of the oldest and most revered of umpires, self-nicknamed the “Old Arbitrator,” Bill Klem. Sportswriter, James Kahn got to the bottom of the story when he interviewed not only Klem, but managers and players and eventually wrote about it. Kahn writes:

Klem had been warned about a player on the Milwaukee team named Hemphill, a brother of the old St. Louis and Yankee outfielder, Charley Hemphill. “look out for him,” Bill was told. “He charges you on every decision.”

Working as a single umpire, Klem had moved to a position behind the pitcher because a visiting player was on first. Presently the runner stole second, Klem calling him safe. As he did so he could see a Milwaukee player come roaring in from the outfield. It was Hemphill, the “charger” Klem had been warned about. Klem moved on toward the plate, now with a man on second to resume his position behind the catcher. On his way he stopped casually in the pitcher’s box (there were no mounds back then, just a lined box where the pitcher would deliver from) and drew a line in the dirt with his spikes. Then he continued plateward, momentarily expecting to find Hemphill on his back.

Instead, and very much to his surprise, when Klem reached the plate and turned around he saw Hemphill standing behind the line he had drawn in the box, pawing the dirt and bellowing like a bull, but still not crossing it. Klem immediately recognized he had hit on something and forever after used the gesture to check an over-exuberant player by announcing, “Don’t cross the line!” In later years, with his flair for the dramatic, he would bellow, “Don’t cross the Rio Grande!” To cross the line meant automatic ejection. Few did, though Frankie Frisch used to come to it, maliciously wipe away with his foot the line Klem had scratched, and then inch on up toward the Old Arbitrator. He’d get tossed out nonetheless.

So the next time you are watching a game, and a player or manager is ejected it is likely because he crossed a line. A line that Bill Klem made famous one afternoon in Milwaukee.

Connie Mack is to Tony La Russa, what Bill Klem is to Derryl Cousins. What does that mean? Well, for starters, a whole bunch of baseball games.

When MLB umpire, Derryl Cousins and MLB manager, Tony La Russa – who recently reached 5,000 games – meet on the field together, they signify a modern day Mack and Klem. Mack holds the all-time record of games as a manager with 7,755 and Klem holds the same but as an umpire with 5370. Cousins currently has worked more games and leads all active umpires.  Here is the current breakdown:

*Top Five Total Games Umpired (among active umpires)
1. Derryl Cousins 4,294
2. Joe West 4,231
3. Tim McClelland 3,888
4. Gerry Davis 3,782
5. Tim Welke 3,646

Top Five Total Games Umpired (among all umpires)
1. Bill Klem 5370
2. Bruce Froemming 5163
3. Tommy Connolly 4768
4. Doug Harvey 4673
5. Joe Brinkman 4505

It is unlikely that either will break the Mack or Klem milestones, but certainly it is worth a mention for the careers of both the past and present in a game that can have a short memory.

*Through 5/31/11

In the game of life, it’s not just about balls and strikes. That’s why baseball’s men in blue have teamed up with Bristol-Myers Squibb to give back to Major League Baseball communities.

The BLUE for Kids children’s hospital program brings a crew of Major League umpires to the bedside of children with life-threatening illnesses. And they don’t come empty-handed. Each crew brings a Build-A-Bear Workshop®…right to the hospital room!

While a hospital stay can be a frightening time for children and their families, the BLUE for Kids program lifts the spirits of all involved. Children make stuffed teddy bears, puppies or kittens while sharing high-fives and words of encouragement with the BLUE for Kids crew. When available, the home team mascot tags along!

This program is possible thanks to the generosity of caring corporate sponsors and individual donors. Corporate sponsors include Bristol-Myers Squibb, World Umpires Association, and Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLB.com).

In our ongoing segment, “Ask the Ump”, Major League umpire, Mike Di Muro answers a question via video received from one of our viewers about lineup cards.

Look for more answers to your questions by Major League umpires or send in your question to:  “Ask the Ump”

Major League umpires will spend a vast majority of the year on the road and away from home. Hotels, airports, trains, planes and automobiles will be home to every umpire from March to October. This is an ongoing series entitled “Umpire Life on the Road”.

June 1, 2011 Day 81 on the road – When the Lights went out in Georgia St. Louis

A bank of lights go out in St. Louis

In the bottom of the 11th inning, with two outs and a runner at first base, the Giants were leading the Cardinals 7-5. On the 1-1 pitch, a bank of lights over home plate went out just as the catcher caught the pitch.

We have seen these light failures on occasion and typically the lights are the result of a bad breaker. The fix is to turn the bank off, let them cool and then restart them. Generally around a 15-20 minute delay. Due to the location of the malfunctioning lights being behind home plate, there was little alternative but to wait for the lights to come back on.

Had the lights not turned back on, and it was determined that the delay in repairing them would be either lengthy or unknown, the game would become a suspended game to be completed at a future date and time. The following rule would apply in this situation:

Had a pitch or play been in progress and we could not follow such play due to the light failure, then the following rule interpretation would apply:

The lights did come back on in just under 15 minutes, and play resumed. A single pitch was thrown and the final out was recorded to end the game. Myself and the crew leave the ballpark that night just a minute shy of our 82 second day on the road.

In our ongoing segment, “Ask the Ump”, Major League umpires will answer questions via video received from our viewers.  Today, Gary Cederstrom a 17-year Major League umpire and crew chief answers a question about what shoes MLB umpires currently wear.

Look for more answers to your questions by Major League umpires or send in your question to:  “Ask the Ump”

On Friday evening, entering Camden Yards in Baltimore, my legs seemed to be moving at an unusually slow and heavy pace. It was a walk I have made many times over the past 12 years. Weaving through the underground tunnels and hidden corridors – dodging busy vendors and staff preparing for the night’s game, I ushered myself thoughtfully toward the umpires room.

It was within the final few feet of the entrance to the room that I realized it was not my legs that were heavy, but rather my heart.

It would be the first time that I would work in Baltimore since the passing of a man who has graced the presence of the umpires for nearly half a century. It would be the first time I would open the door and not see the man who stood tall in not only his faith but in a selflessness and dedication that is not readily exemplified in a modern generation.

As I carefully swung open the door, perhaps a small part of me thought I would see him one last time. His friendly smile and warm greeting was a moment I looked forward to in Baltimore. To say that he was one of us does not begin to convey the significance of Ernie Tyler to generations of umpires and all who were proud to call him a friend.

Each ballpark has an attendant for the umpires, and while this might have been his title, Ernie Tyler’s character far eclipsed that label and he became part of a tight knit group which, ordinarily is cautious and hesitant of outsiders.

Ernie was there when a young umpire named Lou Di Muro walked into Memorial Stadium with Eddie Hurley, John Flaherty and Cal Drummond for Opening Day on April 10, 1963. Sitting with Ernie one night he told me, “I remember that day so well because it was your Dad’s first Major League game. Of course, Ernie would be there for my first game in Baltimore and span two generations of umpires.

Ernie’s compassion for people never took a back seat to the game or the fan in him and his immense love for the Orioles. Tim Welke remembers just such a moment during the early 80’s. He was a young umpire and recounts a particular game in Baltimore, “It was one of those typical nights back in the days of Earl Weaver. They wanted one strike zone for when they were batting and another for when they were in the field. It was a screaming match for most of the game. But during one half inning, Ernie came out to bring me some baseballs and he stood there with me and said, “hey, you are doing a great job, don’t listen to them, they yell at everyone.”

Major League umpires have honored fallen members in the past by wearing black arm bands or patches on our sleeves, but have only done so to recognize former umpires. This season, umpires wore black wrist bands with the initials EWT for all home games in Baltimore during the month of April. It was a historic salute that will not soon be repeated.

After the game that night as I leave the newly dedicated Ernie Tyler Umpires’ Room, I can’t help but glance back one last time. Ernie Tyler is not there anymore, but as I see the beautiful plaque with his photo displayed at the door, a somber smile slowly unfurls across my face. It is a smile full of memories – remembering a man who will never be forgotten.

In our ongoing segment, “Ask the Ump”, Major League umpires will answer questions via video received from our viewers.  Today, Tim Welke a 29-year Major League umpire and crew chief answers a question about how to handle a rain situation.

Look for more answers to your questions by Major League umpires or send in your question to:  “Ask the Ump”

In our ongoing segment, “Ask the Ump”, Major League umpire, Jim Reynolds answers a question via video received from one of our viewers. Look for more answers to your questions answered by Major League umpires by video.

Batted ball remains lodged or stuck in outfield fence

Not often will a ball lodge in the outfield fence, and certainly not twice in a single night. But that is exactly what happened in two Major League games this week.

In one such game, our crew was working in Kansas City, a ball was hit and subsequently lodged in the lower portion of the padded fence in left center field. The ruling is sometimes referred to as a ground rule, but in reality it is covered in two separate rules as described in the Official Baseball Rules. The following two rules apply specifically to batted balls lodged or stuck in fences:

Ultimately, the proper ruling must be made by the base umpire who is responsible for the flight of the ball – and it is only possible to do so by running out to the fence to visually discern and confirm that the ball is indeed lodged or stuck. If the fielder dislodges the ball by grabbing it and removing it, then it can no longer be considered lodged or stuck.

In the case of the play in Kansas City, the fielder properly left the ball lodged in the lower portion of the outfield padding, and the second base umpire ran to the fence and confirmed that the ball was indeed lodged. The ruling: two bases from the time of pitch.

The fielder must be absolutely sure that the ball is stuck or lodged, because if the umpire determines that it is not – there is an almost certain guarantee that the bases will be cleared and all runners will have scored as the ball remains alive and in play.

Beginning this month we began welcoming guests at MLB ballparks across the country as part of our Blue Crew Umpire Ticket Program.  Below is a previous post written about Eric from South Florida who was awaiting adoption and experienced his first MLB baseball game through our unique program.

Eric and his adoptive father share a moment with MLB umpire, Jeff Kellogg

The Alaska Airlines 737 lifts off the ground from SeaTac International Airport and makes its way through 14,000 feet. On this brilliantly crisp, clear late afternoon day, the majestic Mt. Rainier rises through the soft, billowing clouds that are clinging tightly to the base of this natural wonder. Sunday evening is a usual travel day for umpires as we finish the series with a day game and move onto our next assignment.

I begin reading an email I received earlier in the day. It is about a young man named Eric, from South Florida who recently participated in our Blue Crew Ticket Program at a Florida Marlins game. The program is an important part of UMPS CARE Charities where we provide memorable baseball experiences for children awaiting adoption and kids in youth mentoring programs. Ronald A. Mumford, M.A. a recruiter from Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoptions writes:

“I would like to share this story with you. Last year, my client Eric refused to attend a baseball game. After questioning this young man he told me that he had never been to a baseball game and thought it would be boring. I assured him that if he went to the stadium he would have a good time. After several follow up conversations with him, Eric finally agreed and went to his first game last year on August 1, 2009 to see the Marlins play the Cubs. He was thrilled to visit with the umpires and to go onto the actual playing field and take pictures. Eric enjoyed himself so much that he requested to attend another game. I obliged him and Eric attended his second Umps Care game on August 30. The crew of umpires were very engaging, and all the children had a great time.
Since then, Eric has been matched with a prospective parent and we should be finalizing his adoption any day now. Eric and his prospective father attended the Umps Care game this past Saturday. Hats off to Umpires Jeff Nelson, Jeff Kellogg and Angel Campos for their hospitality. I am pleased to inform you that Eric is now playing baseball on a regular basis and in fact is an outfielder for his little league baseball team the Aventura Phillies.
Thanks to the efforts of the Umps Care Program and Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, this young man has been exposed to the game of baseball. This has proven to be a wonderful opportunity for children to be exposed to the game of baseball and for Eric another avenue for growth. Thanks for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our children.”

I get one last glimpse of the sheer beauty of a snowcapped Mt. Rainier as it fades behind us. The sight of its 14,411 foot pinnacle cannot be adequately described in words by this author. And neither can the new dreams of a young man in South Florida.

Here’s to you Eric.

You can find out more about UMPS CARE Charities Blue Crew Ticket Program here.

Global athletic leader New Balance announced today that it will be the official on-field footwear provider of Major League Baseball Umpires.

“Umpires have to be quick on their feet for extended periods of time, so comfort is of the utmost importance,” said Joe West, President of the World Umpires Association, which represents all Major League umpires. “We’re very happy with the commitment from New Balance to outfit our crews with innovative footwear that is both protective and comfortable.”

This season Major League Baseball umpires will be outfitted in the New Balance MU450, a full grain leather umpire shoe equipped with ABZORB® cushioning for comfort during long games behind the plate and a protective flap and steel toe for protection from errant balls and bats (MSRP: $110.00). The New Balance MF995 will also be available for officials on the diamond. The MF995 is a lightweight synthetic/leather shoe with a nubbed rubber outsole for maximum grip (MSRP: $80.00 mid-cut, $75.00 low-cut). All New Balance umpire shoes are available in a range of sizes and widths for a custom fit.

MLB Umpire Gary Darling

Awaiting my flight to the next city, I was greeted by a post in my inbox from an attendee of a recent Washington National’s game. This particular game was dedicated to our men and women in the Armed Forces and all of those who have served our great Country. It was written by a Craig Fifer and the message resonated right off the page. Fifer writes,

“Halfway through last night’s Nationals game, I happened to notice home plate umpire Gary Darling walk over to an usher, hand him a game ball, and point to someone in the crowd. The usher made his way through the stands until he reached a service member in a wheelchair who had lost a leg, and handed him the ball. The usher pointed to the field, and Darling gave a big thumbs up. In a crowd of tens of thousands, it was a private moment I was privileged to witness. Thank you to all those whose service and sacrifice around the world makes it possible for the rest of us to go watch baseball games. And thank you to Gary Darling for taking a moment last night to help remind me of that.”

Umpires are measured against an impossible standard – perfection. Each umpire readily embraces this and forever strives to achieve it, regardless of its actual or perceived impossibility. Our singular goal for every game is simple – be perfect.

Gary Darling walked onto the field that night, just as he does every game, intending his every call to be, perfect. Through the multitude of screaming fans, well beyond the playing field which is his place of intense concentration, Darling caught sight of someone who had sacrificed everything. Sacrifice which comes only to those who think of others first, and only to those who truly embrace Duty, Honor and Country. It was a simple gesture, not designed to garner any attention. Just a baseball from his ball bag and a quick thumbs up to say “thank you for your service.”

That night a wounded veteran, a nearby fan and an umpire remind us of the true meaning of perfection. It is a reminder that while we are not all perfect – we are, perfectly human.

Gary Darling is the President of UMPS CARE Charities. You can read Craig Fifer’s full post here.

Ernie Banks' Salute

Every Saturday night the Arkansas Travelers of the Texas League played a doubleheader and were off on Sunday. The first game started at 6pm and the second began 20 minutes after the first game ended. We would usually arrive at the ballpark by 5pm and leave by 10:30pm. Not a bad schedule for a days work.

With split doubleheaders in the Major Leagues becoming the norm, as was today in Minnesota, the length of the work day is extended to typically 12 hours. We arrived at the ballpark at 10:30am and left at 11pm. Tomorrow will be an early morning flight to the next city for a night game and the start of another series.

To insure that the plate umpire for each game of the doubleheader is fresh, an additional umpire is called in to work with the crew. This will allow each plate umpire to work just one game, while the rest of the crew will work both games on the bases. It is not always possible due to travel logistics and the amount of advanced notice we receive when the doubleheader is scheduled, so it is not guaranteed that there will be an additional umpire.

When I first came up to the American League, it was always one of the more difficult tasks as an umpire to work the first game on the bases and then get back behind the plate for the second game. As you can imagine, having the extra umpire is a great help in a day that can stretched over 12 hours.

Ernie Banks’ immortalized words expressing his sheer love for the game, “Let’s play two!” is one of my favorites. The modern-day version might sound something like, “Let’s play one at 12:10 and one at 7:10″ All kidding aside, I know just how Ernie feels – baseball is the best job in the world.

Major League umpires will spend a vast majority of the year on the road and away from home. Hotels, airports, trains, planes and automobiles will be home to every umpire from March to October. This is an ongoing series entitled “Umpire Life on the Road”.

April 26, 2011 Day 45 on the road – Rainout in Minnesota.

Rainout at Minnesota Target Field

Since leaving home March 1st, today is day 45 on the road. Finishing our four game series in San Diego, our next assignment takes us to Minnesota. Once arriving at the airport, I was greeted with an initial 3 hour delay.  Spending every second or third day in airports, the road warrior must take delays, cancellations and the occasional TSA “body rub” in stride. Eventually, you will find a way to get to the next city before the first pitch.

We were told it was a mechanical issue with the plane. I am no expert, so if an airline mechanic says we need a new “johnson rod” in the plane, then I guess we better get one. Truthfully, it was more likely that the poor weather hitting Minneapolis was to blame for the delay.

Once arriving into Minneapolis, I waited for my luggage, jumped on the rental car shuttle, got the car and headed downtown. The crew was set to meet in the lobby at 5pm to leave for the ballpark. A text arrives soon after checking into the hotel indicating that the game was postponed. It will be made up as part of a split-doubleheader on Thursday.

A rainout in Minnesota is something new for many of us. Working under the white baggy that was the MetroDome, weather has never been an issue during the baseball season. So tonight will be a night off watching the NHL hockey playoffs.

Speaking of hockey, check out a great interview with one of the all time top officials in any sport – Bill McCreary. The longtime NHL referee retired this season and this interview confirms why he is such a well respected referee and professional.
Watch the video

When Dave Garcia strolls through the door to the umpire’s room in Petco Park, you can be sure that you are in the presence of the one living man who has been in baseball longer than any other. He playfully boasts that he has likely seen more ballplayers (and umpires) now than any living person. One would be hard pressed to find otherwise.

Dave relates to us that his eyes are not what they used to be – a condition known as macular degeneration, having slowly deteriorated them over the years. After a short time I realize his mind is razor sharp – perhaps just as keen and fierce as it was in 1939 during his first year in pro ball with the then Class D Evangeline Lake Charles Skippers.

He shakes my hand with a gentlemen’s firm grip and says, “I was a good friend of your Dad for a long time. I managed in the Class D Kitty League in 1955 when he was just starting out.” While in today’s modern game, a player might scarcely have learned an umpire’s name, back then managers and players knew each other well. It was undoubtedly a product of the blue collar spirit of those in the game during the era which would forever define our National Pastime.

Dave tells me that umpires were promoted and hired based on recommendations from managers. He phoned up the league president of the Northern League, who was looking to hire two umpires and recommended Lou Di Muro. He said, “I told your Dad that I recommended him for the job and joked with him, well Lou, I guess I can’t be wrong all the time.” The two would cross paths and share a friendly hello throughout the next 28 years both in the minor and major leagues.

He looks back on a career spanning more than 70 years and reminisces that he rarely bothered the umpires as a player, coach and manager. The position of the umpire, a mere few feet from the play, always trumped his position some 130 feet away in the dugout. While he did argue and was ejected occasionally (3 to be exact), he always demanded his players tell the truth in such situations. If he was going to take up for a player, quips Dave, “they sure as hell better be right.”

Dave fondly recalls playing baseball in Wisconsin with a young fellow named Dutch. Dutch was thinking of giving up the diamond and becoming an umpire. Concerned about his relatively short stature, he asked Dave if he thought he could cut it as one of the men in blue. Dave told him, “don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. If you want to be an umpire, then scrape up $500 and head down to the umpire school in Florida.” Dutch heeded his advice and a few years later, the two met in El Paso of the Texas League. Dave ran out onto the field to argue a steal play at second with Dutch, and he told him, “Dutch, I don’t even want to talk about that play, I just want to tell you that when I told you to go to umpire school a few years ago, that was the worst advice I could have given!” Dutch Rennert would later move on to become a longtime National League umpire.

Dave Garcia, now 90, is still currently a Major League scout and attends every Padre’s home game. Having the pleasure of visiting with him gives us a rare and invaluable glimpse into the spirit of a man who has dedicated his life to the game. A game which is, without question, far more enriched for having him in it.

Petco Park's New Right Field Foul Pole

The rain begins to fall in a steady stream in Oakland. My All Star helmet shimmers with moisture as the drops bounce softly off the polished black surface. Working the Red Sox and A’s finale of a short two game series, I begin to muse amidst the darkening clouds and plummeting temperatures, “I do not believe I have ever seen it rain here.”

At some point, Red Sox broadcaster, Jerry Remy ponders a similar thought and voices it to the Red Sox Nation. It was a good friend, Roger Nusbaum who was watching the game and relayed Remy’s words to me afterward.

While the rain continues its unusual onslaught on the monstrosity of the Al Davis stadium, I wondered how often the grounds crew had ever unfurled the tarp over the field during a game. It is one of the most well manicured and meticulous diamonds in baseball. The grounds crew here rarely receives the credit it deserves.

My thoughts take a conspiratorial turn pondering if a tarp even exists beneath the green canvas covering. Is it all just a ruse? Maybe an empty steel tube lies beneath. Fortunately, the rain trails off and the possibility of seeing this mystery tarp will go unanswered – at least for now.

Speaking of the Red Sox, the historical foul pole down the right field line in Fenway, known affectionately as “Pesky’s Pole” was in the news recently. The phrase, “Pesky’s Pole” rolls off the tongue for Bostonians like a smooth Sam Adams after a long day at work. While the pole has stood at the foot of the right field short wall at Fenway since 1912, I guess the positioning and alignment of the pole has now come to attention.

Interestingly, it is a pole on the other coast which is garnering greater attention this week. Petco Park is set to unveil a new right field pole today in San Diego. It is an 80 foot, 950 pound replica of a Taylor Made driver towering alongside the familiar yellow pole. It will be made part of the new ground rules at the stadium and becomes the latest in the trending creative sponsorship race.

The pole in Fenway is one of the few that actually has a name. It was coined after Johnny Pesky, the Sox infielder of the early 40’s and 50’s. I wonder what, if anything, the San Diego pole will be called. Maybe Corey Pavin uses Taylor Made, and “Pavin’s Pole” will stick after the UCLA graduate. Too bad the pole is not in left field. It would be all too fitting in honor of San Diego native, Phil Mickelson to call it “Lefty’s”.

Whatever the fans or media eventually nickname the pole, it certainly takes the customary signage on the outfield wall to a new level for the sponsor, the club and yes, the umpires who will enforce the ground rules.

As a ray of early morning light gleams through the tiny window, his eyes slowly begin to open. For a split second, he is in his bedroom. He can hear the muffled sounds of his family preparing for the day in the kitchen downstairs. He can still feel the warmth and safety from the thick comforter as it bundles his small frame. If only for a moment, Andy is like any other healthy and energetic 12 year old boy waking to a Midwest summer day.

But as his eyes open more fully, he feels the cold, fluorescent lighting and the icy formica floor; the dream of home slowly begins to fade with every flicker of his heavy eyelids. The hospital room becomes more frighteningly real and brutally familiar with every waking moment. He can see his mom slumbering uncomfortably in the chair in the corner – where she has been every morning since he arrived at the Cleveland Clinic. The feeding tube they inserted stabs endlessly into his abdomen. His body fights hard but his heart knows this room will likely be the last he sees – at least the last in this world.

A critical care nurse checks into work and has been thinking about Andy since his arrival three weeks ago. Her unit handles only the sickest and terminal children on a regular basis, but Andy’s brain cancer is advanced and is unable to speak.

The nurse knows that today, Major League Umpires are visiting the children’s wing. It is part of the UMPS CARE Charities and the The BLUE for Kids children’s hospital program founded by MLB Umpires.  They will be spending time visiting with the children and passing out the popular Build-a-Bear® every child seems to love. The umpires cannot visit this critical care wing and hearing from his Mom that Andy is a big Cleveland Indians fan, she gets special permission for the umpires to visit Andy.

The umpires arrive and introduce themselves to Andy and his mother. Not completely sure if Andy will understand, they relate that they are the umpires in town working the Indians game and they wanted to stop by to say hello and give him a bear and an outfit to choose. Andy’s mom picks out one and knowing Andy’s favorite team, selects the Cleveland Indians uniform. As one of the umpires, begins to dress the bear, tears begin to roll down Andy’s face. Andy’s mom sees the tears and her own begin to flow in a happiness that only a mother can know. It is one that she has not known for some time.

The umpires present the bear and after a few moments say their goodbyes. As the umpires leave the room the nurse stops them in the hallway. Her tears are the first thing they notice. As the nurse hugs each one of the umpires she tells them, “Thank you so much for coming. That was the first time he communicated with anyone the whole time he has been here.” She returned to Andy’s room and the umpires began making the long walk back to the other unit in silence.

That night, the umpires sit in the small umpires dressing room beneath the large stadium known to the locals as “The Jake.” In a few moments they will take the field as they do every night. They will hear the familiar chorus of boos, endure profanity laced tirades from a few of the most egregious fans. They know SportCenter waits obsessively, ready to pounce if any of the camera angles or HD slow motion replays can reveal even the hint of a mistake. Television announcers will unfairly accuse them of being over aggressive, thin skinned and bellow the tired chorus, “people pay to see the players not umpires.”

Emotions begin to well inside each of the men. They are not for themselves, or the criticism and abuse they will likely endure. They are not for their wives and children they have not seen in many weeks. No, the tears and emotions are for a young boy who lays silently in a hospital bed, clinging to life and a teddy bear in an Indians uniform.

They are for Andy, and he will be on their minds every pitch and play that night.

Mike Di Muro has been a Major League Umpire since 1999. He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities. Please leave any questions or comments below.

U.S. Congressman from Colorado Mike Coffman and MLB Umpire Mike Di Muro

Opening Day in Washington D.C. passed without much of the pomp and circumstance one would come to expect to the start of the baseball season in our nation’s Capitol.

In fact, later that week we would see Detroit open their season in Comerica Park in patriotic fashion with an incredible military flyover: four A-10 aircraft from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard.

Cold, damp and wet, many chose to either stay at home and watch or simply find something else to do. Whatever the reasons, the electricity and excitement of Opening Day is always a thrill for myself and all Major League umpires and can never be spoiled by inclement weather or any outside conditions.

Just a day later, the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and the Capitol bracing for one of the busiest tourist times of the year, we find ourselves on a rare and early scheduled off day. Baseball schedules these days immediately after Opening Day in many of the cities in the event the opening game cannot be played due to weather. It was almost needed here in D.C., but fortunately the weather cooperated just enough to see the completion of the game.

Taking advantage of the day, I had the honor and privilege to meet with U.S. Congressman Mike Coffman from Colorado. Rep. Coffman is from my home district in Colorado and knowing his background (returned to active duty twice – after first Gulf War and again after 9-11), I had hoped to have the chance to speak with him. Rep. Coffman rushed in from a frantic vote session over the pending budget and we sat in his office and chatted about Colorado, baseball and some politics.

His staff was incredibly friendly and gracious during my visit. Legislative Affairs Assistant, Paul Mandelson guided me on a unique tour of the Capitol and the adjoining historical tunnels and structures.

Meeting U.S. Congressman, Mike Coffman – a genuine leader and the embodiment of a patriot for Colorado and our Country – it was the perfect way to spend an off day in Washington D.C.

Jim Reynolds and an example of obstruction during the opening series in Washington

Obstruction can be one of the most misidentified and least understood rules in baseball. A fielder can be guilty of obstructing a runner and only a split second later, he is the victim of interference by the runner (NOTE: whether the fielder was “in the act of fielding the ball” is a determining factor).

Obstruction is commonly and mistakenly described by broadcasters as “interference” and their explanation will likely result in even more confusion as they attempt to unravel and explain the complexities. To add even more to the discussion is the fact that there are two (2) types of obstruction as defined by the Official Rules of Baseball: 7.06 (a) and 7.06 (b).

During our opening series in Washington, we had an example of Type (b) obstruction and 3rd base umpire, Jim Reynolds was right on top of the play: You can watch the video here…

The essential point of emphasis to remember is that in Type (b) obstruction you signal the obstruction by pointing and then continue to let the play proceed as normal. You must, though, in your mind be conscious of where you are determining that runner would end up “had the obstruction NOT occurred.” In this type of obstruction it is NOT an automatic one base award.

There is quite a bit to review in the rule book concerning this rule, so make sure you look through it if you haven’t in a while. After even a short review I have no doubt you will inherently surpass the knowledge of many of our game’s television and radio broadcasters.

One final note: while I would never advocate ignoring or straying away from anything in the Official Rules, if you had followed 9.05 (General Instructions to Umpires), you would of missed this obstruction completely. For it states: “Keep your eye everlastingly on the ball while it is in play.”

Well, in this case, do not read “everlastingly” as gospel.

Mike Di Muro has been a Major League Umpire since 1999.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

UMPS CARE Charities All-Star Scholarship recipient, Peter Jackson Jr.

Nearly 3500 students will descend on the lush, green campus of Mercyhurst College situated on a picturesque hillside overlooking the small town of Erie, Pennsylvania. The students of this small, Catholic University will certainly become familiar with the school’s well known mantra: carpe diem.  The school’s expectation is that its students will embrace this latin phrase meaning, seize the day in their everyday lives.

This group of young adults, embarking on a new phase in their lives, is traditional every September.  One particular student will grace Mercyhurst and stand with the almost 680 students composing this year’s freshman class. But this student and his journey is anything but conventional.  Peter Jackson Jr. will both inspire and galvanize your spirit.  His connection with UMPS CARE Charities as the inaugural recipient of the All-Star Scholarship is only a fraction of an extraordinary journey of strength, determination and the enduring, selfless love of adoptive parents.

For most of Peter’s life he and his younger brother would go to bed each night with the unabated fear that in the morning they would be, yet again, moved to another place.  Peter has grown up living with the harsh reality of both biological parents being incarcerated.  He has coped with the vast majority of his first 15 years of life persevering in countless foster homes and youth facilities.  Peter could not grasp even the notion of attending college, and graduating from high school seemed more unlikely with each passing day.  He knew essentially one truth and conveys it when he writes, “Some children do not get to experience life as it should be.  For most of my life I thought I was going to be one of those children.”

It is a story common to so many uncommon children who find themselves in similar circumstances.  With only a splinter of hope for a promising life, they begin each day with the lasting dream of becoming part of a family.  A dream that for many, rarely becomes a reality.

In a moment, all of that would change and his life would be forever transformed when Mark and Keegen Gennuso became parents to Peter and his younger brother.  They would become the single most influential people in his life and unleash a faith and awaken his heart in a way he never thought possible.  Peter tells us, “Everything changed when I met my adoptive parents. At that time a whole new world opened up to me and I no longer had to live the way I was living.”

Peter would go on to graduate from Fairview High School and leave a legacy of perseverance and leadership. Those in the community who knew of his story, would often share with Fairview faculty and coaches what a great job they have done with him.  One of Peter’s coaches asserts, “We very quickly correct them and let them know that all the hard work and growth has been achieved solely by this young man.”

Blessed with tremendous athletic ability and his strong academic record he would be accepted and earn an athletic scholarship to Mercyhurst College.  That, combined with other grants, would cover only a portion of the tuition and a substantial sum would still remain.   The once unimaginable now within reach, the UMPS CARE Charities All-Star Scholarship provides that final piece as Peter becomes the first in his family to attend college.

As Peter Jackson Jr. enters his first year at Mercyhurst College those who come to know him will quickly identify that this young man captures and embodies the true spirit of the latin adage the school advocates.

Seizing the day is only the beginning for a brave young man and for the parents who gave him a chance at life.

Education is an important part of life. In baseball terms, it gives you a healthy lead as you round the bases. UMPS CARE Charities and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) have partnered to offer and administer All-Star Scholarship opportunities. Learn more at: UMPS CARE Charities Scholarship

Mike Di Muro has been a Major League Umpire since 1999.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

Bill Kunkel was the last to both play and umpire in the Major Leagues

Rains delays can be long and at times, amazingly tedious. With multimillion dollar television deals and large stadium gate proceeds at stake, rainouts without a lengthy delay are a rarity in the game of baseball.  Waiting for the always imminent “window” in the clouds becomes a test in occupying time. This current hold is approaching 3 hours and after reading every magazine in the dressing room I reach for the last publication I have not read twice – The 2010 Umpire Media Guide.

Every year MLB publishes this guide. You won’t find it at Barnes and Noble and don’t bother to look for it on Amazon. As you can imagine its contents are not in high demand. In fact, it is free if you are with the media, or are willing to part with $1 and bid on it at ebay. The 2010 issue, however, is a whopping 110 pages. There are photos (breathe a sigh of relief ladies, an “Umpire Calendar” is currently not in the works).  An assortment of facts (average number of squats by an umpire in a season is 9,118), some historical data and individual profiles on all the active umpires is just a portion of what is contained in the guide.

I flip through the first pages and peruse a few of the profiles on some of my colleagues and take particular notice to their hobbies. One is into haberdashery. I am not even going to bother looking that one up. Another likes to travel in the off season. Really, traveling? I guess 7 months on the road is not quite enough.  Oh well, to each his own. Most are short and sweet and I doubt Hollywood will come knocking for any of us.  After all, most can’t claim to even have known a guy named “Box Car Willie,” let alone actually have sung with him. With that kind of clout, you might be afforded an entire page in the guide (see page 56).

I get toward the end and read through some of the historical timeline and data. It is said that history will repeat itself, but a couple of facts in this section make me wonder how steadfast that axiom might be.  The first, I can attest to based on personal experience – there has only been one American to umpire in the Japanese Major Leagues – yes, yours truly. The second, lists a group who both played and then later umpired in the Major Leagues.

There have been 31 Major League Umpires who also played in the Major Leagues. You can omit roughly 30 of them if you consider when they worked the games were an hour and twenty minutes long and the uniforms included top hats. It was a common occurrence for a former player to become an umpire in the early part of the 1900s’. The one umpire that remains is the last to do so and stands out in the modern era. Bill Kunkel, an American League Umpire for 15 seasons also played in the Major Leagues. He pitched for the Kansas City Athletics and New York Yankees (1961-63). His most active year was 1961, when he appeared in 58 games for the A’s.  After retiring, Kunkel attended umpire school, worked his way up through the minor leagues, then joined the American League staff full time in 1969.

Given the present path of an umpire making it to one of the 68 full time positions, it seems unlikely that another will achieve that of Kunkel. With an average of 10-12 years in the minor leagues and less than 2% of those attending umpire school progressing to the Major Leagues, the clock would be against someone duplicating this achievement and becoming only the 2nd in the modern era to do so.

In 1997, I became the first American to umpire in the Japanese Major Leagues. Suffice it to say that this experiment did not go completely as planned. Whether the cultural differences were too difficult to overcome, or maybe I just did not have enough “wa” – my presence in the Central League did not endure beyond the All-Star break. The local media would not-so-affectionately refer to me as “the cowboy.”  Presumably that name was due to my being from the West – I never actually carried a six-shooter.

Will history repeat itself? Is there another Major League player who will make the journey back as an umpire? Maybe Randy Wolf will trade in the spikes and million dollar paychecks. After all, I heard umpiring runs in his family. Is there another out there poised to be the next American in the Japanese Major Leagues?  Will Joe West ride into the far east?  If they thought I was a cowboy, say hello to the outlaw Josey Wales.

I suppose history repeating itself is not always impending, and that might not be a bad thing.

Mike Di Muro has been a Major League Umpire since 1999.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

At the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, the site of old Tiger Stadium

My Ford rental car makes its way north on Michigan Avenue toward downtown Detroit. It is a beautiful August day, with temperatures in the low 70’s. I am on my way to Comerica Park to finish a three game series between the Tigers and the Royals.

I slow down and stop briefly as I pass the corner of Michigan and Trumbull.  Amidst the overgrown weeds and crumbling buildings,  you can just make out the faded letters “Plaza 3” across the top of the decaying steel gates that so many have passed through. This spot was declared a State of Michigan Historic Site in 1975 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, though you would hardly know it by its present condition.

It is the former sight of one of the most historic and revered cathedrals in baseball.  It is still hallowed ground for generations of Michigan baseball fans. The voice of Ernie Harwell still echoes in the memories of this place. It has an uncluttered name from a bygone era before corporate entities like Comerica and Petco entered the lineup.  The soft whisper of it signified more to those who graced its presence than just a plot of land or steel structure.  This empty lot is all that remains of Tiger Stadium.

I suppose umpires are much like the players when it comes to ballparks that have come and gone. You always can recall the first or last game and take with you some memory that you will tell your children or grandchildren.  This corner is familiar to me and I worked my only series here in July of 1999.  A great burger, a cold beer and a friendly smile awaits fans (and umpires) at Nemo’s just a block away. Coincidentally, it was a series against the Kansas City Royals and a young player named Johnny Damon was in the lineup for the Royals. Today, these two teams play again, at the beautiful state of the art Comerica Park and that same Damon will be in a Tiger uniform instead.

Progress will always bring about change. The stadium was demolished in sections over a long period of time. The modern game left behind not just Tiger Stadium, but many others. I suppose for those who grew up with the Tigers and their historic ballpark, it must be difficult to see what became of it.  I talk with the clubhouse attendant, Jim Schmakel who has been with the club for over 20 years, about Tiger Stadium, and what remains of it now.  In the end, he says, “I have got a lot of memories there.”

Memories are all that seem to remain at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull.

Mike Di Muro has been a Major League Umpire since 1999.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

4 Year old Ella and her new friend at the Boston Children's Hospital (photo by Cindy Loo)

Glancing up from the paper, the warm, humid air engulfs me as it looms thickly over the Charles River.  I catch sight of a small scull which seems to glide effortlessly hovering just inches above the glassy surface.  With every smooth stroke and cyclic pattern of the oars slicing through the water, the craft propels down the river and soon out of sight. I am here, in the Back Bay working a four game series at Boston’s famed Fenway Park.

As my attention is diverted back to the paper, a headline catches my eye: “Band of Billionaires Pledge to Give”  Some of the richest in the world are joining an organization founded by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. The article goes on to describe how they pledge to give away much of their wealth at some point in time and are encouraging others to do the same. They are doing so in high profile fashion as they jet set around the world signing up new billionaires. The numbers are staggering: the article estimates that upwards of $600 billion could be generated and given to charities. Can you imagine?

Setting the paper down, I begin thinking about our charity and my visit to the Boston Children’s Hospital only a day earlier. It was the seventh of twelve hospital events that Major League Umpires will visit as part of the UMPS CARE Charities, BLUE for Kids childrens hospital program this year. The program brings a crew of Major League umpires to the bedside of children with life-threatening illnesses. And we don’t come empty-handed. Each of us brings a Build-A-Bear® to the hospital room. We have teamed up with Bristol-Myers Squibb, an invaluable partner in the funding for this program.

This particular visit is special to the Sox faithful as Wally, the Green Monster accompanies us and provides ear to ear smiles as everyone recognizes the Red Sox mascot. The kids, parents and hospital staff light up seeing Wally and our carts loaded with Build-A-Bears® as we move down the hall.

We set up initially in the pre-op area at a table and children of various ages eagerly approach and select a bear and choose a custom outfit. The mood of apprehension and worry seem to get a momentary reprieve and give way to laughter and giggles as Wally bounces his way around warming the entire room. Red Sox photographer, Cindy Loo takes a break from the bright Fenway lights volunteering to photograph the entire event.  Afterward she tells me, “This kind of event capturing these moments with the kids is absolutely my favorite thing to do.”

Later we move floor to floor with hospital child life specialists, along side Bristol-Myers Squibb volunteers, Deb Merlino-Curtin and Bill Walsh, and visit the kids room to room.  As I enter each room I see the faces of children who, under normal circumstances, would be seen lighting up the playground with broad grins and sounds of carefree laughter.  These kids are far from the playground and the faces of their parents bear the weight of what they so bravely cope with each and every day.

With each room brings a new child and a new family into my life. Their courageous spirit shines and carves an indelible mark while time seems to stand still in each room.  The trivial complaints of balls and strikes and the relentless ESPN criticism of my peers and profession all but evaporate in the misty eyes of children fighting for their lives.

Ella drives away with her furry new friend at the Boston Children's Hospital (photo by Cindy Loo)

Entering the final room that I am to visit, I am greeted by a young 4 year old girl named Ella. Walking into her room she is out of her bed and standing next to her mother. Ella turns her small frame with the sound of my voice and her gaze immediately gravitates to the bears I am holding. A smile stretches across her tiny face which lights up the entire room and the emotions begin to stir inside me. They are not emotions of sadness or despair.  But rather a feeling that at this very moment, in this hospital room,  I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

Ella shyly picks out a bear and outfit and all the while beaming with the most beautiful smile. Ella’s excitement spreads to everyone in the room as we help her dress the bear.  Eventually I say my goodbyes and as she tightly squeezes her new furry friend, Ella leans her head into my arm and softly says, “Thank you.”

Folding the paper and setting it down on the bench, I begin to slow the memories of little Ella and the Boston Children’s Hospital. My mind tells me the “Band of Billionaires” will likely do a great deal of goodwill and our charity’s budget pales in comparison as they set out to give away astronomical sums of money.

But my heart knows a $25 teddy bear and a little girl’s smile is more valuable any day of the year.

Mike Di Muro has been a Major League Umpire since 1999.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.

Rising majestically and towering above the downtown skyline is an American landmark. Visible from the field at Busch Stadium, this marvel in engineering and architecture stands as tall as it is wide. The Arch also known as the “Gateway to the West” has come to symbolize the spirit of early pioneers as settlers made their way through middle America on their way to a new life.

In the dressing room prior to the start of the series in St. Louis, the door opens slowly and in walks a man who needs no introduction to a single umpire. His 6-4 frame and commanding demeanor still visible though 25 years removed from the game. Sitting down next to us is Bill Haller, American League Umpire.

Though best known to the modern generation for his taped argument with Baltimore manager, Earl Weaver, Haller is and always will be so much more to the profession of umpiring.

In an era where the game was played and umpired with a blue collar spirit, absent flashy jewelry, loud music and self-absorbed histrionics, Haller ran the game with vigor and a heavy hand commanding the respect from both players and managers alike. In a time where a good old fashioned Ralph Houk or Billy Martin rhubarb was part of the game, Haller, never intimidated, stood his ground and graciously gave exit to those who would step out of line. Players and managers knew the unwritten code of conduct. It was never second guessed and criticized by an unforgiving media.

His ability as an umpire was proven over a 20 year career and for all those who worked with him. Haller simply was one of the best to come before us.

He talks with us for nearly an hour. His respect for the game of baseball and the profession of umpiring is evident with every moment. His visit gives us a connection to the many great arbiters who have given so much to this game. While it is easy to forget those, Haller reminds us that every man who has donned the blues and greys, is an ever important part of what the modern umpire has achieved.

Taking the field later that night, I can’t help but smile at the St. Louis skyline and remember that so many have come before us in this game. Much of what we enjoy today would not be possible if not for these true pioneers.

Tonight in St. Louis, Bill Haller is the first to come to mind.

Mike Di Muro is a 10 year Major League Umpire.  He is the author of the official blog of UMPS CARE Charities.  Please leave any questions or comments below.