Stories from the Field
Don't Overlook The Unsung Umpire; Referees Can Be Pretty, Too
by Frank DeFord, May 28, 2014
Not so long ago, while enjoying a libation in a decorous saloon, the proprietor — who happened to hail from the fabled Windy City — suddenly jarred the genteel assembled by turning on the Cubs game. Just at that moment, a Cubby was heading toward the plate when the throw came in, and the runner (spoiler alert!), being a Cub, was tagged out.
Visualize the tableau: The runner. The catcher. But also a third figure: the umpire. And see him now: feet spread well apart, solidly grounded, mask off in his left hand, and his right arm flies up, thumb to the heavens. You don't even have to hear him shout, "Yer out!"
It made me think how sometimes the action of an official is every bit as memorable and as stylish as what a player does.
That's how Frank DeFord begins a wonderful commentary about umpiring.
Read and listen to the whole piece here.
We think you will especially like the part that goes, "Referees always say it's best not to be noticed, but the fact is that an official who makes his call with vigor and elan is really a beautiful part of the game."
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