While fans have long marveled at the “iron man” feats of players like Lou Gehrig and Cal Ripken Jr., umpire Bill McGowan personified longevity behind home plate, calling balls and strikes in 2,541 consecutive games during a...
Read MoreMajor League Baseball announces that three of its most experienced umpires have decided to retire. They are Jerry Crawford, who umpired his first game in 1977, making him the majors’ longest-serving official, and was head of the Umpires Union, along with Mike Reilly and Chuck Meriwether. To replace them, Scott Barry and Brian Knight, both with major league umpiring experience as fill-ins, are added to the umpiring staff. Three other veterans retired before the 2010 season, and four new umpires were brought on at the time as the cadre is undergoing a renewal.
Read More2000 – The National Labor Relations Board certifies the results of the November election that kicked out the Major League Umpires Association and replaced it with the newly-formed World Umpires Association. About 50 of the 71 major league umpires have joined the new union. The decision ends Richie Phillips’ 21-year reign as union chief.
Read MoreOn April 7, 1996, the National League grants overweight umpire Eric Gregg a leave of absence in the aftermath of the Opening Day death of fellow umpire John McSherry, who succumbed to a massive heart attack. The NL hopes that Gregg will lose weight and improve his health during the layoff.
Read MoreOn April 1, 1996, longtime umpire John McSherry collapses and dies from a heart attack on Opening Day at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium. The 51-year-old McSherry had umpired in the National League for 26...
Read MoreOn August 10th, 1995, the Cardinals are awarded a 2-1 victory by forfeit over the Dodgers at “Ball Day” at Dodger Stadium. After striking out looking in the bottom of the 9th., Raul Mondesi is ejected for arguing the...
Read MoreOn July 7, 1991, American League umpire Steve Palermo is shot outside of the restaurant, Campisi’s Egyptian Restaurant in Dallas, Texas. Considered one of the best arbiters in the game, Palermo will make a recovery from...
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After his request for time-out isn’t granted by the home plate umpire Mike Reilly, Bo Jackson recovers in time to hit a home run despite not being set in the batter box when the pitch is delivered. The Royals left fielder’s fourth-inning three-run poke off Jeff Ballard contributes to Kansas City’s 6-3 victory over Baltimore at Memorial Stadium.
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On April 16, 1987, Hall of Fame umpire Jocko Conlan dies in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 89....
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On May 27, 1981, Lenny Randle of the Seattle Mariners tries to blow a ground ball into foul...
Read More1979 – Major League Baseball umpires meet in Chicago, IL and vote 50-2 to reject new offers from the American and National leagues. They will be on strike when the season starts in a few days.
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On July 14, 1972, umpire Bill Haller works the game between the Kansas City Royals and Detroit...
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On June 24, 1972, Bernice Gera becomes the first woman to umpire in a professional game. Gera...
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On January 13, 1972, Bernice Gera wins her lawsuit against Organized Baseball, initiated on March...
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On March 15, 1971 — Bernie Gera a 39-year-old New York housewife files a civil rights suit against...
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On April 11, 1966, Emmett Ashford becomes the first black umpire in major league history. Ashford, who had started his professional career 15 years earlier in the low minor leagues, makes his big league debut on Opening Day at D.C Stadium in Washington…
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1966 – The American League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford, who will become the first black umpire in major league history.
Read MoreAmerican League officially announces the hiring of Emmett Ashford
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August 23, 1960 – At Yankee Stadium Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Billy Pierce pulled a...
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Minnie Minoso contorts himself in order to slide in safely at home, getting his toe in before the...
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On January 23, 1956, Hall of Fame umpire Billy Evans dies in Miami, Florida. Evans began his major...
Read MoreOn December 9, 1954, former umpire Bill McGowan died at the age of 58 at his home in Silver Spring, Maryland, two days after suffering a heart attack. McGowan umpired in the American League from 1925 until his death, officiating...
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1948 – An unprecedented 10-game suspension and $500 fine of an umpire, the veteran Bill McGowan, is announced by American League President Will Harridge following a confrontation in the Washington-Cleveland game. Tired of Senator pitcher Ray Scarborough continually complaining about strike calls, McGowan threw a ball-and-strike indicator at him. After that, he ejected Nats manager Joe Kuhel and several coaches. Kuhel also lodged a protest after yesterday’s 11th-inning loss when Ed Stewart was thrown out at home in the 10th. When Stewart argued the call with plate ump Joe Paparella, McGowan threw a ball at Stewart.
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A rhubarb at Ebbets Field results in a suspension and fine for Leo Durocher for “inciting a riot.” Perhaps better known from the game is the photo showing an obese Brooklyn fan astride George Magerkurth, pummeling the veteran umpire.
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On June 7, 1938, at Fenway Park umpire Bill McGowan orders Cleveland pitcher Johnny Allen to trim...
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