Revised April 2002

 

This paper contains two different articles: Article 1:  Major League Umpiring, Chronology (10 pages) and Article 2: A Brief History of the Strike Zone (1 page)

 

                               Major League Umpiring, Chronology

 

from: UMPIRES by John C. Skipper, Appendix B: Chronology of Major League Umpiring.  The  italicized print contained in “ ”  are my comments (Note:-italicized print does not show up in my E-mail; that’s the reason for the “ ” or from other sources, notably - baseballlibrary/chronology/19XX.

 

1876  -  Billy McLean umpires first National League game. UMPIRES by Skipper

1877  -  1877 was the first year that gave umpires the right to declare a baserunner OUT if that baserunner was struck by a batted ball (a forerunner of the present rule). (“The Great Encyclopedia of 19th Century Major League Baseball by D. Nemec”)

1879  -  In 1879, umpires were authorized to fine a pitcher a much as $50 or as little as $10 if that umpire judged that the pitcher deliberately hit a batter with a pitched ball.  Although, few umpire had the courage to fine head-hunting pitchers because the umpires’ jobs depended upon their relationship with the teams for which the pitcher played. ( “... 19th Century Major League Baseball by D. Nemec”)

1883  -  In 1883,  the National League allowed the umpires to call for a new ball at any times.  The American Association still required an umpire to wait until the close of a complete inning before replacing a ball that was damaged or water-logged. ( “... 19th Century Major League Baseball by D. Nemec”)

1887  -  In 1887, a new rule stated that the batter could no longer be permitted to call for either a “high” or “low” pitch and that the “Strike Zone” now encompassed the entire area between the knees and shoulders. ( “... 19th Century Major League Baseball by D. Nemec”)

1889  -  In 1889, the rules committee shaved the number of called balls needed for walk to four (4) and with the 1888 rule change to three (3) strikes, it was like magic, after tinkering with the number of balls and strikes, suddenly ended up with four (4) balls for a walk and three (3) strikes for an out! (it has been that way to the present day). ( “... 19th Century Major League Baseball by D. Nemec”)

1895  -  In 1895, the rulesmakers authorized umpires to impose heavy fines on players who kicked unduly at their decisions; these rulesmakers expected that would curb rowdyism; (however, as stated in 1879, few umpire had the courage to fine players because the umpires’ jobs depended upon their relationship with the teams) concerning pitcher’s fines, most umpires chose not to levy fines.  Because many umpire chose not to levy fines, the game grew all the more raucous. ( “... 19th Century Major League Baseball by D. Nemec”)

1896  -  In 1896, the rulesmakers gave the umpires a freer rein for ejecting offending players but even with umpires tossing players the “rowdy-ball” continued.   The chief promulgators of “rowdy-ball”were the Baltimore Orioles and the Cleveland Spiders and both teams continued to have success. ( “... 19th Century Major League Baseball by D. Nemec”)

 

1897  -  In 1897, the roughhouse style of play had grown so pervasive that Boston Sportswriter Tim Murnane, himself an early-day player, commented that, ‘The time will soon come when no person above the rank of garrotter can be secured to umpire a game.’  The league president still had to constantly fill the vacancies caused by this roughhouse style of play.( “... 19th Century Major League Baseball by D. Nemec”)

1897  -  In 1897, the rulesmakers, in their fight against rowdyism, made a rule authorizing an umpire to fine any player who deliberately defaced or discolored a ball in play five dollars.( “... 19th Century Major League Baseball by D. Nemec”)

1901  -  In 1901, Thomas H. Connolly umpires first American League game.  Because of rain-outs, the first game was played on April 24th, 1901 between the Chicago White Stocking and the Cleveland Blues. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1901  -  On May 2nd, 1901, Umpire Tom Connolly calls the AL first forfeit because the White Sox were intentionally slowing down the game trying for a washed-out; Detroit was the winner by forfeit.

1901  -  On June 1st, 1901, in the Reds 4‑3 win at Pittsburgh, umpire Bert Cunningham calls out Kitty Bransfield at 1B on disputed call in the 9th that would've tied the game.  2,000 fans then chase the ump who is shielded and escorted to safety by manager Fred Clarke and Hans Wagner. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1901  -  On June 4th, 1901, in a 4‑2 loss to the host Reds, Brooklyn's Jimmy Sheckard is called out at 2B by umpire Bert Cunningham and Sheckard curses him so vehemently that he is slapped with a $5 fine by the ump.  Umpire Cunningham returns to home plate and Sheckard follows, spitting in his face.  Cunningham calls the cops and Sheckard is removed by the police.  Cunningham later says, "I don't know what kept me from pitching into Sheckard but if a player ever does that to me again I'll pick up a bat and smash him.  That's the limit and the players can take warning." (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1901  -  IN THE NEWS: On Sunday, June 9th, 1901, overflow crowds ringing the outfields of small parks is a frequent occurrence.  At Cincinnati on this Sunday afternoon, the first‑place Giants lead 15‑4 after six innings before 17,000 fans.  Ground‑rule doubles multiply, and 19 more runs score in the next two 1/2 innings.  When the crowd edges onto the infield with two outs in the 9th and the Giants leading 25‑13, umpire Bob Emslie forfeits the game to New York, the 2nd of two forfeits this year. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1901JUNE”)

1902 -  In 1902, G. Edward White notes a quote, “An experiment increasing the number of umpires from one to two had ended in 1902, and would not be revived until 1911.”  Quoted from G.Edward White’s book - Creating the National Pastime:Baseball Transforms Itself, 1903-1953 (noted in an E-mail message on 3/27/2002 from Mike Foster, a Deadball Era member of SABR)

1903  -  In 1903, Hank O’Day and Tom Connolly become first World Series umpiring crew. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1904  -  IN THE NEWS: On May 14th, 1904, in Chicago's 12‑4 win over visiting Philadelphia, Chicago outfielder Jack McCarthy sprains an ankle by stepping on the umpire's long‑handle broom at home plate.  NL President Pulliam orders arbiters (the umps) henceforward to use pocket‑sized whisk brooms for housekeeping at home.  The AL will comply next year.  (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1904MAY”)

1905 -  In 1905, Cy Rigler, while working in minor leagues, raises his right hand to signify called strikes, a practice that will catch on. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)  Further info: IN THE NEWS: On Sunday, April 30th, 1905, at Evansville, IN, future ML umpire Cy Rigler begins the practice of raising his right arm to indicate strikes, so that friends in the outfield can distinguish calls. (“IN THE NEWS info: baseballlibrary/chronology/1905APRIL”)

1905  -  IN THE NEWS: On Sunday, April 30th, 1905, at Shreveport (Southern League), Harold Smith makes a strikeout‑HR against Memphis, when the catcher misses the ball and it goes into the grandstand.  The umpire could do nothing because there were no ground rules to limit the runner's advance. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1905APRIL”)

1906  -  In 1906, Billy Evans (AL) becomes a Major League umpire at the age of 22  - still a record as youngest umpire. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1906  -  In 1906, because of the speed and dexterity of the athletes, the American League begins using two umpires in games instead of one. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1906  -  IN THE NEWS: On Sunday, April 26th, 1906, a new rule puts the umpire in sole charge of all game balls including when a new ball was introduced.  The home team manager previously had some say as to when a new ball was introduced. (“ baseballlibrary/chronology/1906APRIL”)

1906  -  IN THE NEWS: On May 7th, 1906, umpire Tim Hurst strikes New York Highlander manager Clark Griffith in the mouth.  Hurst is suspended for five days. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1906MAY”) 

1907  -  IN THE NEWS: On April 11th, 1907, on a cold day in New York, the Giants open against the Phillies before 16,000.  A late snowstorm had to be cleared, but there are large piles of snow surrounding the field. In the 8th inning, with Frank Corridon pitching a one‑hit 3‑0 shutout over the Giants when fans, who have been pelting the players with snowballs, begin jumping from the stands and running around the outfield.  There are no police on duty at the park, as required by the league, so umpire Bill Klem, in his ML debut, forfeits the game to the Phils.  (www.baseballlibrary/chronology/1907APRIL)

1907  -  On May 21st, 1907, mobbed at the Polo Grounds after a loss to the White Sox, umpires Hank O'Day and Bob Emslie require police protection.  The crowd is egged on by John McGraw, who will be thrown out of games seven times this year.  The next day AL ump Billy Evans needs a police escort after argumentative Hugh Jennings incites a riot.  Jennings will be suspended.  UMPIRES by Skipper

1907  -  IN THE NEWS: On May 21st, 1907, National League president Pulliam dismisses the Opening Day protests of Pittsburgh manager Fred Clarke over Roger Bresnahan's shin guards.  As yet, Bresnahan is the only catcher (or umpire) using them.  (baseballlibrary/chronology/1907MAY)

1908  -  In 1908, two-man umpiring crews are used for the first time in the World Series. UMPIRES by Skipper

1908  -  IN THE NEWS: On April 20th, 1908, the National Commission learns that an effort to bribe umpires Bill Klem and James Johnstone was made before the Giants‑Cubs playoff game in 1908. The identity of the alleged briber is not disclosed, but all clubs are notified of the results of the investigation.  Klem reveals that the alleged briber was Dr. James Creamer.  Creamer, who served as the Giants' team physician last season, will be barred for life from all major league ball parks. (baseballlibrary/chronology/1908APRIL)

1909  -  In 1909, umpire Tim Hurst was barred from Professional Major League Baseball for spitting at Eddie Collins (“This was in a Sports Illustrated letter to the editor when the Robbie Alomar spitting situation occurred.  Also, in a Wayne McElreavy E-mail dated 8/31/2001").

1909  -  IN THE NEWS: On Sunday, May 16th, 1909,  NL President John Heydler calls a meeting with the league's umpires to discuss ways that the new two‑umpire system can prevent fighting by the players.  A serious incident occurred several days earlier in Boston when Reds catcher Frank Roth attacked umpire Steve Cusack after a play at home.  Several other Reds players threatened the umpire with baseball bats.  (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1909MAY”) 

1909  -  In 1909, baseball begins using four-man crews in the World Series, a practice that would continue for 37 years (“until the six-man crew evolved”). (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1911  -  IN THE NEWS: On April 17th, 1911, National League President Lynch orders his umpires to stop catchers, especially Roger Bresnahan, from verbally attacking batters. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1911APRIL”)

1912  -  In 1912, the National League adopts the American League practice of using two umpires. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1912  -  IN THE NEWS: On April 12th, 1912, the NL has a small box installed in the ground near home plate in each park to supply umpires with baseballs, eliminating the possibility of home team ballboys influencing  which balls are used for each team's turn at bat. (“ baseballlibrary/chronology/1912APRIL”)

1912  -  IN THE NEWS: On April 20th, 1912, after hitting the game‑winning home run in the 11th inning to beat the Reds, 5–4, Cubs outfielder Jimmy Sheckard forgets and heads for the clubhouse after touching 2B. Teammates yell to him to complete the circuit, which he does.  The manager of the Reds is Hank  O'Day, who was the umpire that day in 1908 when Fred Merkle failed to touch 2B. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1912APRIL”)

1917  -  In 1917, in possibly the most famous ejection in baseball history, umpire Brick Owens ejects Boston pitcher Babe Ruth after Ruth walked the first batter of the game.  Relief pitcher Ernie Shore picked off the baserunner and retired the next 26 batters. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1918  -  IN THE NEWS: On June 22nd, 1918, it's a hot day in New York, and umpires George Hildebrand and Billy Evans don't show up, so Giants coach Mike Donlin and Browns trainer Bits Bierhalter take their places.  The game takes 15 innings to reach an inconclusive 4‑4 tie. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1918JUNE”)

1920  -  IN THE NEWS: On June 8th, 1920, the Reds' Edd Roush falls asleep in centerfield during a long argument in the infield.  Heinie Groh goes out to wake him, but the ump ejects Roush for delaying the game. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1920JUNE”)

1921  -  IN THE NEWS: On May 28th, 1921, the league‑leading Pirates protest their 4‑3, 10‑inning loss to the Reds.  When hot‑tempered Reds pitcher Dolf Luque throws the ball into the Cincinnati dugout, Clyde Barnhart tries to take 3B and is thrown out.  The Pirates claim the ball was dead when it went into the dugout.  NL president Heydler will sustain the protest and order the game continued with the score 3‑3 in the last of the 8th.  The Pirates win the replay 4‑3 on June 30th. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1921MAY”)


1921  -  IN THE NEWS: On June 13th, 1921, umpires in both leagues begin the practice of rubbing dirt into the balls before each game, using a special clay supplied by A's coach Lena Blackburne from his New Jersey farm. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1921JUNE”)

1922  -  IN THE NEWS: On May 25th, 1922, Babe Ruth is suspended one day and fined $200 for throwing dirt on ump George Hildebrand after being called out at 2B while trying to stretch a single into a double.  Babe then goes into the stands after a heckler and is restrained by GM Ed  Barrow.  On his way to the centerfield clubhouse Ruth gestures to another heckler in rightfield. Babe gets stripped of his title as team captain as a result of this act.  NY beats the visiting Nationals, 6–4.) (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1922MAY”)

1922  -  IN THE NEWS: On June 17th, 1922, the Yankees lose at Detroit, 9–8 as both teams combine for a modern AL record nine triples.  Detroit has six three‑baggers.  Huggins protests the game in the seventh when umpire Hildebrand refuses his claim for a triple on Ward's drive that Cobb went back into the crowd to make a catch. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1922JUNE”)

1922  -  IN THE NEWS: On June 18th, 1922, in the Yankees eighth straight loss, a 3–2 decision to the Indians, Babe Ruth explodes at umpire Bill Dinneen and gets tossed.  When he continues to complain the next day about the umpire, he will receive a two day suspension, his fourth suspension of the year. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1922JUNE”)

1924  -  IN THE NEWS: On Friday, June 13th, 1924, the first‑place Yankees come to Detroit with the Tigers close on their heels.  New York leads 10‑6 in the top of the ninth.  Bob Meusel takes a pitch in his back, hurls his bat at pitcher Bert Cole, and charges the mound.  Players from both teams start swinging.  Fans rush out of the stands, eager to mix it up with players, police, and  each other.  The fight goes on for nearly 30 minutes while umpire Billy Evans, unable to clear the field, forfeits the game to New York.  Cole and Meusel are suspended for 10 days;  Meusel is fined $100, and Cole and Ruth $50 each. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1924JUNE”)

1925  -  IN THE NEWS: On Sunday, April 26th, 1925, with the Indians leading 7‑2 at Chicago, the umps forfeit the game to Cleveland when the crowd storms onto the field and refuses to get off. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1925APRIL”)

1928  -  IN THE NEWS: On April 16th, 1928, for the first time, a pitcher is deprived of his glove when the Brooklyn captain complains and the ump removes Boston's Charlie Robertson's glove.  The New York Times reports, "The Robins detected Robertson doing odd stunts with the ball with  the aid of his glove.  They reported it to umpire Moran who made Robertson change his glove." Robertson still wins 3‑2. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1928APRIL”)

1930  -  IN THE NEWS: On May 12th, 1930, umpire Brick Owens calls five balks against Cleveland's Milt Shoffner and three against Philadelphia's George Earnshaw.  Philadelphia wins 13‑7. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1930MAY”)

1931  -  IN THE NEWS: On June 17th, 1931, Tom Connolly, who had umpired the first AL game in 1901, retires as an active arbiter (ump) to become supervisor of AL umpires. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1931JUNE”)

1932  -  IN THE NEWS: On April 27th, 1932, Cardinals manager Gabby Street is fined by the NL for breaking the rule prohibiting talking with spectators.  On May 19th, 1932, NL rescinds its unpopular rule prohibiting players or coaches from talking to fans.  (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1932APRIL”)

1932  -  IN THE NEWS: On May 30th, 1932, umpire George Moriarty fights with White Sox players under the stands after Cleveland wins a doubleheader.  Chicago claims the umpire deliberately made wrong calls.  Moriarty breaks his fist knocking down Milt Gaston, but he is pummeled by manager Lew Fonseca and catchers Charlie Berry and Frank Grube. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1932MAY”)

1933  -  In 1933, a third umpire is added to Major League crews. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1933  -  IN THE NEWS: On April 20th, 1933, umpire Charlie Pfirman officiates in his 1,700th consecutive NL game, as Carl Hubbell pitches the Giants to a 1‑0 victory over the Braves. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1933APRIL”)

1933  -  IN THE NEWS: On June 29th, 1933, in the top of the 2nd, Ethan Allen of the St. Louis Cardinals races around the bases for an inside‑the‑park home run at the Polo Grounds, but is out for batting out of turn.  Joe Medwick was the correct batter.  Allen then bats for himself and grounds out.  St. Louis wins, 7–3.  (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1933JUNE”)

1933  -  In 1933, Bill Dineen, Bill Klem, Bill McGowan, and Cy Rigler become the first All-Star umpiring crew.(“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1934  -  IN THE NEWS: On June 6th, 1934, the Cubs get six runs in the 13th inning to beat the Cards 12–6.   In a row with umpire Cy Rigler, Frank Frisch is hit in the jaw by the ump's mask.  Both the player and the umpire are fined $100. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1934JUNE”)

1934 -  In 1934, American League umpire George Hildebrand retires, taking with him a record that still stands.  He umpired in 3,510 consecutive games, a span of nearly 23 years. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1935  -  In 1935, when umpire Red Ormsby becomes ill in a game between the Chicago White Sox and the St. Louis Browns, both managers agree to use a reserve Chicago player as a substitute.  His name is Jocko Conlan.  Fourty years later, he will get selected to the Hall Of Fame as an umpire. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1935  -  On June 2nd, 1935, pitcher George Pipgras is released by the Red Sox and will later become an AL umpire.

1935  -  IN THE NEWS: On June 17th, 1935, recently released pitcher Fred Marberry joins the AL umpiring staff.  (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1935JUNE”)

1935  -  George Barr opens the first umpire training school. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1936  -  IN THE NEWS: On April 15th, 1936, the Giants Harry Gumbert defeats the Dodgers Van Lingle Mungo, 5–3, in a game the features a fine brawl between Mungo and Dick Bartell.  On an unassisted ground out to first-baseman Buddy Hassett, Mungo comes over to cover the bag and gives a hard block to the batter Bartell, Rowdy Richard goes flying and comes up swinging. Umpire Beans Reardon races over and pries the two combatants apart, then tosses them. Tomorrow they get a fine from Frick. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1936APRIL”)

1937  -  In 1937, umpires’ pay is raised to a minimum of $4,000 and maximum of $10,000. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1937  -  IN THE NEWS: On May 19th, 1937, Dizzy Dean instigates another donnybrook following a number of knockdown pitches in a game with the Giants.  The Giants score three runs in the 6th inning after Dean is called for a balk by ump George Barr.  Losing 4–1 to Carl Hubbell in the 9th, Dean knocks down Jimmy Ripple with a pitch.  Ripple follows with a bunt on the first base side in a effort to make Dean field the ball.  The bunt, however, bounces to second-baseman Jimmy Brown, who prepares to throw to Johnny Mize at 1B.  Dean, who had started toward the ball, keeps running and barrels into Ripple.  The two benches empty, and when the field is cleared by the umpires and policemen, the batter Ripple, who was never put out at first base, is credited with a single.  Catchers Gus Mancuso and Mickey Owen are ejected after staging their own private boxing match.  The only player who doesn't leave the bench is Hubbell, who wins his 6th straight game of the year and 22nd regular‑season decision in a row.  The Cards scoreboard attendant counts pitches in the game: 172 by Dean and 93 by Hubbell (70 strikes, 23 balls).  King Carl uses five pitches in both the 1st and 8th. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1937MAY”) 

1939  -  IN THE NEWS: On April 20th, 1939, in a New York win over Boston four umpires work the game including third-base ump George Pipgras, the starting pitcher for the Yankees in the 1929 Opener; his opponent for the Red Sox that day was Red Ruffing who was the Opening Day starter in the 1939 game. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1939APRIL”)

1939  -  IN THE NEWS: On May 30th, 1939, in an attempt to spruce up their appearance, National League umpires wear white gabardine trousers with blue jackets. (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1939MAY”) 

1939 -    In 1939, Bill McGowan opens second umpire training school. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1940  -  IN THE NEWS: On May 13th, 1940, in a replay of their washed‑out game of April 23rd called on account of darkness, the Reds and the Cards neglect to inform the league office, and no umpires are assigned to Crosley Field.  Coach Jimmy Wilson and pitcher Lon Warneke are pressed into service as umpires before umpire Larry Goetz, at home in Cincinnati on a day off, arrives to officiate.  Warneke will later become a full‑time umpire, while Wilson will return to active duty at the end of the year and star in the World Series.  Johnny Mize of the St. Louis Cardinals hits three home runs, and the Reds Bill Werber has five hits and collects four doubles in a 14‑inning, 8–8 tie with the Reds.  Mize has his 3rd 3‑homer game, breaking the tie for the National League record he shared with George Kelly.  After 1910, there will be only five games this century in which active players umpire:  Besides today, these are: 1912: Ham Hyatt (Pit‑N) and Ed Phelps (Bro‑N); 1935: Jocko Conlan (Chi‑A); 1941: Johnny Cooney (Bos‑N) and Freddie Fitzsimmons (Bro‑N); and 1978: Don Leppert (coach, Tor‑A) and Jerry Zimmerman (coach, Min‑A). (as noted by historian Wayne McElreavy) (“baseballlibrary/chronology/1940MAY”)

1941  -  In 1941, Bill Klem retires after a record 37 years as an umpire in the Major League, a career that included 18 World Series appearances in 108 World Series games, both also records. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1941  -  In 1941, Tom Connolly becomes the American League’s first umpire in chief. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1942  -  In 1942, umpires’ pay is raised to a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $12,000. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1945  -  In 1945, Ernie Stewart (AL ump), accused of trying to organize umpires, is fired by American League president Will Harridge.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1946 -  In 1946, Bill McKinley (AL ump) becomes first graduate of umpiring training school to make the Major Leagues. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1947  -  In 1947, six-man crews are used for the first time in the World Series. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1949  -  In 1949, umpires have to adjust to a new strike zone ---- shortened to between the batter’s armpits and the top of his knees. (previously strike zone was everything between the top of the batters shoulders & the bottom of the knees & dated from 1887; so between 1887 until 1949 the strike zone was the top of shoulders to the bottom of knees.)  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1949  -  In 1949, six-man crews are used for the first time in the All-Star game. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1950  -  In 1950, Henry S. “Steamboat” Johnson, a minor league umpire for 40 years, starts an umpire school.  It exists for only a year, but one of its graduates, Jerry Neudecker, eventually makes it to the Major Leagues.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1951  -  In 1951, Bill Valentine, who was 18 years old, becomes professional baseball’s youngest umpire. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1951  -  In 1951, Emmett Ashford becomes the first black umpire in professional baseball, signing with the Southwestern International League.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1951  -  In 1951, umpire Ed Hurley asks to see the player’s contract, then allows midget Eddie Gaedel to bat in a Major League game. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1952  -  In 1952, a fourth umpire is added to Major League crews. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1953  -  In 1953, Tom Connolly (AL) and Bill Klem (NL) are elected to the Hall Of Fame. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1953  -  In 1953, umpires’ pay is raised to a minimum of $6,000 and a maximum of $16,000. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1954  -  In 1954, Bill McGowan retires, ending an American League career that included a stretch of 2,541 games without missing an inning. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1956  -  In 1956, Babe Pinelli works behind the plate for the last time in his career ---- Don Larson’s perfect game in the World Series. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1957  -  In 1957, Al Somers takes over Bill McGowan’s Umpire School which had been run by McGowan’s son since McGowan’s death in November 1954.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1959  -  “Vic Delmore was the plate umpire in that famous play in which 2 balls were in play at once with Stan Musial at bat.  Delmore was not rehired after that season, with that play being a main reason.”  (“Wayne McElreavy E-mail dated 8/31/2001")

1963  -  In 1963, National League Umpire’s Association was formed.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1963  -  In 1963, umpires have to adjust to a new strike zone, again; it is changed back to its original form ---- from the top of the batter’s shoulders to the bottom of his knees.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1966  -  In 1966, Emmett Ashford (AL) becomes first back umpire in the Major Leagues.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1968  -  In 1968, Bill Valentine and Alex Salerno (both of AL) are fired in mid-season by American League president Joe Cronin after they investigate possibilities of starting an American League umpires association.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1969  -  In 1969, after Bob Gibson finished with a 1.12 ERA, Dennis McLain won 31 Games, Don Drysdale pitched 58 consecutive scoreless innings, Jim “Catfish” Hunter threw a perfect game, and Ray Washburn of St. Louis and Gaylord Perry of the San Francisco threw no-hitters on consecutive days when their teams were playing each other, the Major League Rules Committee shortens the strike zone, and umpires have to adjust once again. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1969  -  In 1969, Bill Kinnamon, an American League umpire who was forced by an injury to retire in 1969, helps start an instructional program for umpires, subsidized by both the American and National Leagues.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1970  -  In 1970, umpires stage their first strike, which lasts one day, October 3rd, the day major league playoffs are to begin. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1970  -  In 1970, as a result of the strike, the Major League Umpires Association is recognized and a new labor contact assures umpires of a minimum salary of $11,000 and a maximum of $21,000.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1973  -  In 1973, Art Williams becomes the first black umpire in the National League.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1973  -  In 1973, Billy Evans (AL) is elected to the Hall Of Fame. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1974  -  In 1974, Armando Rodriguez becomes the first Latin-American umpire in the Major Leagues. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1974  -  In 1974, Jocko Conlan (NL) is elected to the Hall Of Fame.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1976  -  In 1976, Cal Hubbard (AL) is elected to the Hall Of Fame.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1977  -  In 1977, Harry Wendelstedt takes over Al Somers’ umpiring school and keeps Somers on staff.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1978  -  In 1978, a second umpires strike lasts one day and is ended by a court injunction.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1979  -  In 1979, a third strike, which lasts from opening day until May 18th, results in umpires receiving a minimum salary of $22,000, a maximum of $55,000, no-cut contacts, $77 a day per diem, and two weeks vacation during the season.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1983  -  In 1983, responding to a New York Times survey, Major League players rate Steve Palermo as the best umpire in the American League and Dutch Rennert as the best in the National League. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1983  -  In 1983, in one of the most famous disputed calls, umpire Tim McCelland takes a home run away from Kansas City’s George Brett for using an illegal batin what came to be known as “the pine tar incident.”  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)  (“Later that year, the decision to take that HR away from Brett was rescinded. Because the pine tar did not effect the flight of the ball.”)

1984  -  In 1984, Major League umpires, seeking better pay for playoff and World Series games, strike at the start of the playoffs, causing replacement umpires to work several of the games.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1985  -  In 1985, another umpire strike is averted when an arbitrator awards umpires a 40 percent increase to work the expanded, seven-game playoff system.  That arbitrator is former President Richard Nixon.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1986  -  In 1986, both leagues adopt the INSIDE chest protector as standard gear.  American League umpire Jerry Neudecker’s outside protector , the last one used in the majors, goes to the Hall Of Fame.  (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1989  -  In 1989, Al Barlick (NL) is elected to the Hall Of Fame. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1990  -  In 1990, umpire Terry Cooney ejects Boston pitcher Roger Clemens from a playoff game against Oakland, stirring memories of the ejection of another Boston pitcher 73 years earlier ---- Babe Ruth. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1991  -  In 1991, American League umpire Steve Palermo is shot and seriously wounded in the parking lot of a Dallas restaurant, ending his Major League umpiring career. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1992  -  In 1992, Bill McGowan (AL) is elected to the Hall Of Fame. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

1996  -  In 1996, John McSherry (NL), umpiring behind the plate in Cincinnati, collapses on the field and dies of a heart attack on April 1st. (“UMPIRES by Skipper”)

2001  -  In 2001, umpires have to adjust to a new strike zone again.  (“After 1986 when both leagues adopt the INSIDE protector, the STRIKE ZONE became somewhat shorter and wider.  I think it was because umpires could see the outside corner much better and therefore started calling the upper strike zone about a ball to a ball & ˝ above the belt and the wider strike zone about 2 to 2˝ balls outside the plate.”)  Now in 2001, the Strike Zone shall be called as written in the rule book; and I’ll quote the rule:

The STRIKE ZONE is that area over 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 the batter’s stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Brief History of the   STRIKE   ZONE

                                                                        by Phil Gawthrop in September 2001

from UMPIRES by John C. Skipper, Appendix B: Chronology of Major League Umpiring.

 

_             From 1887 until 1949, the   STRIKE   ZONE   encompassed the entire area between the knees and shoulders.

 

_       In 1893, in an effort to lighten the pitcher’s burden, the rulesmakers allowed the pitcher’s plate to be implanted in an elevated area (called the mound) if teams so chose.    The mound became a standard elevation of 15 inches in the early part of the 20th Century.   

 

_             In 1949, the   STRIKE   ZONE   was shortened to between the batter’s armpits and the top of his knees. 

 

_             In 1963, the   STRIKE   ZONE   was changed back again to the entire area between the knees and shoulders. 

 

_             In 1969, after Bob Gibson finished with a 1.12 ERA, Dennis McLain won 31 Games, Don Drysdale pitched 58 consecutive scoreless innings, Jim “Catfish” Hunter threw a perfect game, and Ray Washburn of St. Louis and Gaylord Perry of the San Francisco threw no-hitters on consecutive days when their teams were playing each other, the rulesmakers shortened the    STRIKE   ZONE   (to between the batter’s armpits and the top of his knees) and lowered the mound specifications to 10 inches, so umpires had to adjust once again.

 

_             From 1969 to 1986, the    STRIKE   ZONE   evolved (or got smaller) because, in my opinion,  more umpires were going to the  INSIDE  PROTECT  and were able to get closer to the catcher.

 

_             In 1986, when both leagues adopted the  INSIDE  PROTECTOR,  the   STRIKE   ZONE evolved or became somewhat shorter and wider (again, I think it was because umpires could see the outside corner much better and therefore started calling the upper strike zone about A BALL ABOVE THE BELT and the wider strike zone  ABOUT  2˝  to  3  BALLS OUTSIDE  THE  PLATE.)

 

_             In 2001, the rulesmakers have dictated , the    STRIKE   ZONE   shall be called  AS WRITTEN  IN  THE  RULE  BOOK; and I’ll quote the rule book:

“The  STRIKE  ZONE  is that area over 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 the batter’s stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball.”