Illegal Pitch!!!

Perhaps the coolest ceremonial first pitch delivery EVER.

Vintage World Series Crew

Left to Right: Charley Rigler (NL), "Silk" O'Loughlin (AL), Billy Evans (AL), and Bill Klem (NL). Klem and Evans are Hall of Fame members. Not sure of the year as these umpires worked the 1912, 1915, and 1917 World Series together. Can anyone help?


And here is the 1909 World Series Crew: (L-R)Billy Evans, Silk O'Loughlin, Bill Klem, and James Johnstone. One hundred years ago this month! The 1909 World Series was the first time four umpires were used at the same time: plate, bases, and two outfield umpires.

***MORE INFO***

During the 1909 World Series with the Detroit Tigers, the Pittsburg Pirates installed temporary seats to accommodate the large crowds. The ground rules established that a ball hit or bounced into the permanent stands would be a home run, but a ball hit or bounced into the temporary stands would be a double. During Game 2, Dots Miller of the Pirates hit a ball down the right field line that landed fair and bounced into the stands. Neither Billy Evans nor Bill Klem saw where the ball had landed. Evans and Klem wound up asking the fans where it had landed. They decided that the ball landed in the temporary seats and Evans called it a double.

Billy Evans decided that having the two World Series reserve umpires on the field watching the foul lines would prevent another fiasco like this from ever happening again. A four man umpiring crew was implemented during Game 4 and continued until finally expanded to six umpires in 1947.

Does Baseball Need Umpires?

Today's Wall Street Journal features a story by Jonah Keri entitled, “Does Baseball Need Umpires? Recent Bad Calls Have Critics Howling for Better Umps, But Maybe It's a Job for Machines.”

Baseball without umpires? What in the world would that be like?

Well, Mr. Keri doesn’t offer a replacement strategy, so I will offer some options for officiating our Grand Old Game after all the umpires get tossed:

Even the most casual fan knows about the $10 million Pitch-f/x system installed in every MLB ballpark. It’s Fox Network’s favorite toy. The Pitch-f/x system determines the location of the pitch once it reaches the front edge of the plate. Umpires have been calling balls and strikes for over 100 years years that “pass through the zone,” but since we are using superior technology to replace the inferior umpires, Rule 2.00 (defining the Strike Zone) must be rewritten. I suggest the following:

The STRIKE ZONE is that area over the front edge of home plate the upper limit of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line at the hollow beneath the kneecap. The Strike Zone shall be determined from batter to batter by some fancy computer. This is not to be interpreted as implying that the fancy computer or its programmers will use any form of judgment in determining each batter’s strike zone.

I propose a light up home plate, foul lines, and bases. For instance: if the pitch is a strike, home plate will flash green. Everyone likes the color green, it is the color of money. It will remind everyone of the small fortune saved by eliminating the umpires. If it is a ball, the plate will flash red – the same color Earl Weaver’s face would turn when those pesky umpires were still around. Foul ball, red. Fair ball, green. Safe, green. Out, red.

When the cameras in the stadium cannot determine safe or out, I suggest an alternating system of calls, much like a possession arrow in basketball. The “call arrow” will be displayed on the stadium scoreboard.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

About balks: a computer will also monitor the pitcher for false starts and other deceptions. Again, we will have to trust that the programming choices for the baseball super computer are completely fair and neutral. No MIT grads from Boston programming our super computer to watch New York's Andy Pettit. Maybe the mound could explode with fireworks when the pitcher balks? That would be COOL!

Now that we have a baseball stadium resembling a pinball machine, the only remaining problem is what to do when there is a play that is not covered by the rules? Sometimes baseball has that screwy play that requires a judgment decision. Many proponents of technology over human officiating suggest using one human official to make that decision. I agree. No computer could ever make those kinds of tough calls requiring an expert's understanding of the rules and superior judgment. Luckily, there is one person that is already on the payroll and in the stadium that is obviously the most qualified person to make this kind of call.

That person is the television color analyst.

I look forward to seeing this new age baseball played very soon. The future sounds awesome! I will be sure to bring my 3D glasses and propeller cap.

Changing Blog Format

Please pardon the dust and construction tape. I'm trying out some new designs/formats. I will likely screw things up around here before it gets better, so bear with me. . .

In the meantime check out the cool background that features a rare 1887 Spalding Celluloid Umpire Indicator, when baseball used a 5 balls/4 strikes rule. That rule changed in 1889 (and some high school batters still haven't received the memo).

This "clicker" originally sold for 50¢ ($12 in today's money) and was auctioned off recently for $1,843.86:

http://www.lelands.com/bid.aspx?lot=702&auctionid=603

Also check out the Categories of Previous Posts, at right. This organization should make locating topics easier.

Why “an” umpire?

Ever wonder why we refer to ourselves as “an” umpire, instead of saying, “I am a umpire?”

The answer is found in the origins and development of the word. Originally umpire was noumpere, a Middle English word that means “arbiter” and derived from the Old French nonper (“not equal”). Sometime during the 15th century the indefinite article “a” was used in writing about “a” noumpere. Soon thereafter a linguistic shift called junctural metanalysis (sometimes referred to as simply “wrong division”) occurred and “a noumpere” morphed into “an oumpere.” This shift was basically due to the spoken language being the chief form of communication during that time. Today we say “an umpire” instead of “a numpire.”

But, hey. Whatever floats your boat, Mr. Numpire.

Entertaining and Informative Site

The Left Field Corner features links to MLB ejections. The site owner adds his commentary and opinions, generally berating the poor umpire (boo! hiss!). However, the links to MLB video are terrific and appreciated. These ejection videos are great teaching points and provide an opportunity to dissect unusual plays and examine confrontations at the highest level. Thanks to Dean from Iowa for the link. Check it out!

Baseball Umpiring Down Under

Today's post is a little different. I thought it would be interesting hearing from a brother in blue from another country. I was especially interested in amateurs that have the same passion as Americans for baseball. My search found David Gripper, president of the Western Australian Baseball Umpire’s Association (WABUA) in Perth, Australia. David is a life-long baseball fan and a graduate of the Wendelstedt Umpire School.

MWU: Thank you for participating in my first-ever international interview! Please tell us a little about yourself and your association.

Gripper: Western Australian Baseball Umpires Association was formed 75 years ago and is still a vibrant organization. Baseball in Australia is administered by each state and the grading and competitions are completely autonomous. Our association only has approximately 50 members of which 35 umpire on a regular basis (mainly on weekends). Personally, I got involved as an umpire after playing from Under 13 to age 35. When my son started playing junior baseball, the team needed an umpire and I was pretty much the only Dad with playing experience. My son quit playing after three or four years, but I was enjoying the experience and persevered. Been umpiring for 22 years now. As a 60 year old I get more satisfaction from training and developing young umpires now than umpiring top level baseball ... been there and done that !!

MWU: How did you end up attending the Harry Wendelstedt School for Umpires?

Gripper: I was selected to go to Harry's (1993) after another umpire from here trained at Brinkman Froeming in 1992. The selections were made by our national body, Australian Baseball Federation, and only offered to those umpires considered to have the ability to "bring it all back home." At that stage it was not possible for us to get jobs in USA; we really went to school to learn to be good instructors. It was a fantastic experience and one that I reflect on regularly.
[I later learned that David is being very modest. He was actually only the second umpire selected by the ABF to attend a professional umpire school. A very great honor. MWU]

MWU: Tell us a little about the weather climate in Western Australia and the length of the baseball season.

Gripper: Baseball in Australia is played during the summer months, October through March. In Perth summer temperatures range from 28-40 degrees Celsius [82 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit]. Fortunately the humidity is quite low. Providing that the umpires take plenty of fluid during the game, the heat is not a major factor. We work a two man system and normally the umpires work two games per day ( plate and base).

MWU: How popular is baseball in Australia ?

Gripper: Baseball is really a second tier sport in Australia. Cricket is the most popular summer sport along with basketball, soccer and a lot of water sports. In winter it is Australian Rules Football and Rugby.

MWU: What is the organization of baseball like in Australia (youth/adult levels)? How many baseball games are played during the week?

Gripper: In Western Australia the competition is almost totally limited to Perth (population 1 million). Baseball starts with our TeeBall kids (Under 8's through to Under 11's), then we move to Little League, then to Under 15's, Under 17's, Under 19's then onto senior baseball where there are about six different divisions culminating with our State League (1st division). We provide umpires to most of the senior grades of baseball and to the top grades of junior baseball. Most of our baseball is played on weekends; juniors on Saturday and seniors on Sunday. On Saturday with TeeBall, Little League and junior baseball there are hundreds of games played. Senior baseball on Sunday there is approximately 45 games each day. Clearly we do not have enough umpires to cover all games; the clubs need to supply their own umpires for the lower divisions. The State League teams also play some night games and we usually would cover four games mid week starting at 7.00pm.

MWU: What opportunities are there for advancement in the umpire ranks?

Gripper: Being a strictly amateur sport in Australia the opportunities for advancement are extremely limited. Once our umpires have progressed through and umpired at State League level, they need to rely on being selected to umpire at a national level. These games are very limited. There is an Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 National Championship Series held in January each year. Each state of Australia, plus a couple of regional teams play a round robin series then an elimination round to decide the National Champion at each age level. The games are played in one central location over a 12 day period. Locations are rotated each year to give each state an opportunity to host the series. This is a great opportunity for umpires looking to push on to the highest level in Australia.

MWU: What is the per-game pay like for amateur umpires in your area?

Gripper: We sure as hell don't umpire for the dollars; almost strictly for the love of the game. Our State League umpires are paid about $65 for a plate and $55 for a base [approx. $52 US for plate and $44 US for bases] . These figures decrease throughout the minor grades to about $35 for a plate and $25 for a base [approx. $28 US for plate and $20 US for bases]. In junior baseball it is about $25 for a plate. Most of our guys umpiring juniors do two plates on a Saturday.

MWU: What rules and modifications are used?

Gripper: In senior baseball we play strictly to Major League Rules. In juniors we make several modifications mainly in relation to the number of pitches that can be thrown per game. We also limit the type of pitch that Under 13's and younger can throw (no curves or sliders; just fast ball and change up).

MWU: I see from your association’s website that four of your umpires have umpired professionally in the United States . You must be very proud of them!

Gripper: Having trained four of my younger umpires to the point of them being selected to attend Jim Evans Academy has been enormously satisfying for me personally. These guys really showed a high level of commitment to do whatever it took to be selected to attend. Fortunately for them the rules were relaxed so that they could also be selected after Jim Evans to attend PBUC and challenge for a job in professional baseball. One at a time they have worked as hard as they could to succeed at the highest level. Now after several years we have three of them (Brett Robson - Texas League, Jon Byrne and Travis Hatch - Eastern League) working AA ball in the USA. Who would have thought it possible from faraway Western Australia? What is even more satisfying is that no other state association in Australia has had success at having an umpire work professionally in USA. Our fourth umpire, Kyle Byrne (Jon's identical twin brother), quit after last year in Long A. He only quit because became engaged to the current reigning Miss Montana. They plan to marry soon so he needed to get a "real" job that would help pay his mortgage.

MWU: So, what the heck is Claxton Shield?

Gripper: The Claxton Shield ..... this is our premier senior national baseball competition. It is played on a limited scale between each state of Australia. The format has changed over the years but this season is set to revert to a three game home and away series for each team. Playoffs will then decide the National Champion (not quite the World Series but it is the best we have got). Many of the players are playing professionally in USA, with a few in Japan and Taiwan. Interestingly the Claxton Shield has been won by Western Australia for the past two years. We have to compete against the likes of New South Wales and Victoria; both of these states have populations four times bigger than Western Australia. The competition is fierce and the umpires really get to work at a very high level. My pro umpires tell me that some of the clashes are close to AA standard.

MWU: Is it difficult for umpires in Australia to find training and equipment?

Gripper: We are fortunate to have a specialty baseball store in Perth (Fielders Choice) which provides a large range of equipment and clothing for players. They also stock a range of umpires gear. We also import our own direct from USA, mainly +POS and we will also be using Gerry Davis. Our pros also help out by bringing back whatever customs will allow. We conduct all of our own training in-house.

Thank you, David, for sharing this information and insight with us. It sounds like you have a quality association with umpires passionate about the game of baseball.

The Pros from Dover

Dust bowl infields, 20” high mounds, quarter mile hikes from parking lot to field (with no place to change), no baseballs, no breaks, lousy game fees, 18 year old girl site administrators. . . but hey, we’re the Pros from Dover! Situation Under Control!

WELCOME TO THE MISSOURI SHOW ME STATE GAMES!!!

This past weekend I hosted a special guest to mid-Missouri: MajorDave from Kentucky. Many of you know MajorDave from the umpire boards where he is a regular contributor and self-professed gear junky. I hooked MajorDave up with a weekend of officiating the 18 and over division of the Missouri Show Me State Games while he was visiting the area on business.

Honestly, we had a great time. The weather was absolutely fantastic and all of the adult teams played hard and conducted themselves exemplary. Of course, who could complain about the Pros from Dover? We had five two hour games on Saturday and four on Sunday (no breaks). Unfortunately, Columbia’s famous Shakespeare’s Pizza was closed by the time we finished on Saturday, so I was unable to treat the Major to the best pizza in the State. Maybe some other time.

While the Pros From Dover were cruising on their field, the wheels were falling off the SMSG wagon. For several games in the 18+ division there were NO UMPIRES and we heard many complaints about that situation. Some poor high school kid with no umpiring experience was put behind the plate. Then on Sunday morning we met a Missouri umpire who drove to Columbia from several hours away only to find out there wasn’t a game for him. This is not the organization adult players with professional or major college experience expect from a state-wide tournament. Frankly, the organization was an embarrassment to me personally as I was hosting an out-of-state umpire and trying to positively represent my area. On the other hand, kudos to the players and fans that made the weekend so great!

And thanks to MajorDave for being a great partner and consummate professional.

Irresponsible Journalism Pisses Me Off

Wow. Just wow.

I just have to shake my head over the inane drivel published recently by the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. In a June 22 article writer David Frank condemns MLB umpire Gerry Davis for his (at worst) request for photos with Red Sox players for his son and friends.

I take exception with this article for several reasons. First, Mr. Frank’s condemnation of Gerry Davis is ostensibly based on reports from the Boston Herald and WEEI radio in Boston. Since Gerry Davis predictably declined comment on the matter there is no one left to object to Mr. Frank’s indictment based upon a load of hearsay and conjecture. I am, of course, mindful that hearsay and conjecture “are kinds of evidence,” at least according to Lionel Hutz.

Is it so unreasonable to believe that something more was happening during this pre game exchange? The MLB website lists Gerry Davis as active with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as Blue for Kids, so how about a little investigative journalism, Mr. Frank? Or, if getting the facts straight is asking too much, how about a modicum of responsible journalism before assailing the character of a 25 year veteran umpire. Here’s an excerpt of Mr. Frank’s hard-hitting prose:

As the story goes, the blue shirt's young guests were decked in Sox garb as they sat in the team's dugout waiting for members of the 2009 squad to come onto the field. It was then that Davis (who declined a Lawyers Weekly interview request) allegedly called players over as they exited the runway for an impromptu get-to-know-you session with his son's posse.

You can hardly blame our local heroes, including the slumping David Ortiz, for posing, but if the reports are true, this doesn't sound kosher.

Mr. Frank is telling us that he doesn’t know what happened and wasn’t present for the events. You know, if we weren’t conjecturing on pure speculation, I might hypothetically agree with Mr. Frank’s analysis. Wow. Just wow.

Second, assuming Gerry Davis requested Red Sox players to pose for photos, so what? Gerry Davis is a professional umpire who officiates a game. He’s not a judge although Mr. Frank and other similarly baseball obsessed lawyers can’t seem to understand the game of baseball except in legalese. No doubt Mr. Frank read “The Common Law Origins of the Infield Fly Rule” while a 1L at Boston University School of Law and has been since unable to see the game and its actors in non-legal terms. Or am I unfairly and irresponsibly mischaracterizing Mr. Frank?

Mr. Frank challenges the integrity of this 25 year MLB veteran umpire by questioning whether Ortiz received a preferential call during the game - a check swing in the eighth. Ortiz walked during the AB. Really? I mean, REALLY? The night before GD worked the dish and Ortiz went 0-2 with 2 walks. Clearly there’s a conspiracy afoot Mr. Woodward!

Mr. Frank correctly points out that MLB umpires are not constrained by the Canons of Judicial Conduct. I say, “Thank goodness!” But since we have all stumbled into the wonderful land of Frank-dom, maybe it would be a good idea to impose the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct on journalists. Especially Rules 3.3 and 3.4 which involve candor and fairness.

Even if the worst has happened here and Gerry Davis asked David Ortiz to pose for a photo with his son, so what? Gerry Davis has failed to maintain an appearance of impartiality? Get over yourself! I wonder how many times all star David Ortiz has been asked to pose for pictures by opposing players. Oh, wait! There he is on the same team as Derek Jeter! I bet that makes a BoSox fan's skin crawl. Yes, fraternization is generally prohibited, but ultimately we are dealing with people interacting with people at a place of business. Just like a judge may have interaction with attorneys both inside and outside the courtroom, umpires may have interaction with players away from the field. For instance, MLB reports that Russ Ortiz, Matt Herges and Will Ohman participated in the Umps Care golf charity during the off season. No doubt they were angling for preferential calls on check swings!

I suppose the worst part of the publication of this biased and unprofessional piece is that it is purely an act of bullyism. Gerry Davis will not defend accusations that are obviously trivial and beneath him. Umpire bashing is a national pastime and Gerry Davis is a public figure, so fire away Mr. Frank. I'm sure it makes for a funny fluff piece for your rag. Gerry Davis will not respond to your speculation and character assassination – its all part of the job as a professional umpire.

Remember on Memorial Day

Sometimes when the national anthem plays and I’m standing at home plate I think of Jesse Carpenter.

A Destitute Veteran Buried With Honors

From The New York Times, Published: December 29, 1984
Family and friends of Jesse Carpenter at Arlington National Cemetery, where the World War II veteran, winner of a Bronze Star for bravery under fire, was buried yesterday with full military honors. Mr. Carpenter froze to death in Lafayette Park, across from the White House, three weeks ago. He had left his family in 1962 and had lived on the streets ever since. Mr. Carpenter's daughter, Mildred Hamilton, above, was presented with the flag that draped his coffin. Among the mourners was John Lam, in wheelchair, a homeless man Mr. Carpenter had cared for. The two were together when Mr. Carpenter died.
The New York Times/ Ken Heinen

Carpenter's Bronze Star award certificate states that his division was advancing with an observer party when enemy troops opened fire. Carpenter, who was not injured, made three trips carrying the wounded to an aid station 400 yards from the fighting, "braving the unabated fire."

The life and death of Jesse Carpenter should remind us of two important civic duties: first, to remember those (and their families) that have sacrificed for the privilege of freedom we all enjoy; and second, to continually recognize that for some veterans, like Jesse Carpenter, that sacrifice is sometimes hard to discern. These vets deserve our gratitude and, in some cases, our assistance to enjoy and participate in the country and ideals they helped defend.

This Memorial Day remember Jesse Carpenter and Thank a Vet.

Baseball Builds Character

"Sport, properly directed, develops character, makes a man courageous, a generous loser, and a gracious victor; it refines the senses, gives intellectual penetration, and steels the will to endurance. It is not merely a physical development then. Sport, rightly understood, is an occupation of the whole man, and while perfecting the body as an instrument of the mind, it also makes the mind itself a more refined instrument for the search and communication of truth and helps man to achieve that end to which all others must be subservient, the service and praise of his Creator." (Pope Pius XII, "Sport at the Service of the Spirit," July 29, 1945)

We're into May, and for many of us that is a very busy time. It is also often a trying time for an umpire. High school and college teams are fighting to advance in their post-season tournaments and players, coaches, and fans expect the officiating to be perfect, or at least perfectly in their favor.

Last night my partner behind the plate was not perfect. He struggled with consistency and both teams were not bashful in showing their displeasure. Late in the game there was a play at third and I punched out the runner. The third base coach, already frustrated with my partner, came unglued. I calmly explained that the runner was tagged on the shoulder as he attempted to go around the tag and reach for the base with his hand. The coach contended that the runner reached the bag with his foot. After some discussion I returned to my position and the game continued, although the base coach continued to jaw about the play with his bench coaches. The third out was quickly made.

So I'm in the outfield grass watching the coaches and fuming and deciding which coach to send to the parking lot as they continue to discuss the "crap call" and the "horrible umpires" in the dugout. As I walk to my position to begin the inning, the first baseman quietly says, "Good call blue. I was out."

I swear I almost fell over. That kid's simple honesty hit me like a ton of bricks.

"Thanks. I appreciate that."

The pitch was called a ball and the coaches grumbled some more.

"That shows real character," I told him.

Well, we survived the game and no one was dumped. I think the final score was 8 to 4 or something and the honest kid's team lost. I can't help but think that someone in that kid's life was doing something right. Maybe it was his mouthy coaches. Maybe his parents or teachers. I dunno, but it reminded me that the game of baseball is teaching these kids, and like or not they are watching and learning all the time. Last night's game, with all of its frustration and poor sportsmanship, gave one kid an opportunity to demonstrate the virtues of honesty and generosity.

Baseball is a great game.

New Season Resolutions

Before the season began I resolved to do a couple things differently. I want to share those things here on the blog - just to remind myself, not to preach.

First, I resolve to relax more and let the game come to me. As Yogi Berra said, "You can observe a lot just by watchin'." I will continue to remind myself of the situation, my responsibilities, and to anticipate the play. However, I will go through this mental checklist before the pitch. Once the pitcher is ready I want to clear my mind and observe things by watchin'. I'm not going to eye-ball the pitcher's feet, sneak glances at the firstbaseman to see if he may cause an obstruction, or concern myself with any number of small matters that happen once out of two hundred times and are likely not seen by anyone else at the park. I can see these things just fine if I just relax and let the game happen.

Second, I resolve to let the fans be fans, coaches be coaches, and players be players. I had an issue last year during a high school softball game that made me really stop and think about the different roles at the ballpark. The fans of the offensive team didn't like my low strike call and began complaining after the call. Finally, I turned to the coach and said, "Coach! That's enough of the hooting! No more hooting!" The coach, without missing a beat, replied, "But blue, we're the Owls!" We all broke up laughing, but it reminded me that just as owls must hoot, fans must complain. So let 'em. Only when the game is disrupted should you ask game management to take action. Likewise coaches need to voice their concerns for a variety of reasons. Let 'em. Players are competitive, so let them be competitive. When a player or coach acts inappropriately, address the issue with the coach - professionally and discretely, if possible. Focus too much on nippin' it in the bud and you'll end up acting like Barney Fife.

Do you need a business license to umpire?

Apparently you need a business license if you umpire in San Diego! Here is an amazing story from San Diego about a municipal requirement for independent contractors to obtain business licenses in order to conduct business (i.e. officiate) within the city limits.

In many cities independent contractors are required to obtain a license. High school sports officials are considered independent contractors. That mostly results from an IRS determination in the 1960's, however many states including Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Virginia have enacted statutes that classify sports officials as independent contractors — at least for the purposes of workers' compensation. In other words, if you are seriously injured while umpiring, your employer owes you nothing. The school does not pay your medical expenses, lost wages, etc.

Now San Diego has added this insult - a level of bureaucracy that is uncalled for, unnecessary, and quite frankly asinine. It is also easily correctible through local legislation, although this local ordinance should have never been enforced against sports officials in the first place. What's next, arresting the six-year-old for violating health code ordinances by selling lemonade on the corner? Apparently San Diegans (San Diego-ites? San Diego-ins? San Diego-uns? San Dieg-ons? San Diegans? Done in my best Ron Burgundy voice) have no common sense.

You stay classy, San Diego.

Umpire Impressions

Umpire impressions from ex-pitcher Mark Grant. This video is a little dated, but it is a great sampling of strike calls. Ejoy!

Hall of Fame Manager Connie Mack on Umpire Baiting

UMPIRE BAITING DOESN'T PAY -- MACK; No Player of His Team Was Ejected from a Game During Last Season.
By BILLY EVANS,
American League Umpire.
January 3, 1915
New York Times

Does it pay to have your players constantly disputing with the umpire? Some managers are of the opinion that it does. Connie Mack, one of the greatest as well as most successful leaders the game has ever produced, regards it as a waste of time and effort. If you would take his team as an example, it would seem that it is wise to play ball and let the umpire do the umpiring.

The article by Hall of Fame umpire Billy Evans is here.