John McSherry
Encyclopedia
John Patrick McSherry (September 11, 1944 — April 1, 1996) was an American
umpire
in Major League Baseball
who worked in the National League
from 1971
to 1996
. Although McSherry originally wore uniform #9 when he entered the National League, he switched to #10 in 1979 when the league reorganized the umpires' numbers and he wore that number for the rest of his career. A respected arbiter, he was one of several umpires who were noticeably overweight. The 6'-2" (188 cm) McSherry was officially listed at 328 pounds (149 kg), but some sources place his true weight possibly close to 400 pounds (180 kg); it was generally accepted to have been a major factor in the massive, fatal heart attack
he suffered on the field during the opening game of the 1996 major league season in Cincinnati
, Ohio
on April 1, 1996.
, McSherry umpired in the World Series
in 1977
and 1987
. He also officiated in the National League Championship Series
in 1974
, 1978
, 1983
, 1984
, 1985
, 1988
, 1990
, and 1992
, and in the National League Division Series
in 1981
and 1995
.
, 1982
, and 1991
All-Star Games
, for which the umpiring crew consisted of three American League
umpires and three National League umpires during the years 1949 to 1999.
, the Reds had traditionally played the first game of the major league season at home. For this particular Opening Day
game, the Reds were playing the Montreal Expos
, and McSherry was assigned to work home plate. Seven pitches into the game, McSherry called a time-out, spoke briefly to Reds
catcher
Eddie Taubensee
, and walked slowly towards the Reds' dugout. Moments after signaling for the second base umpire to come in and replace him McSherry stumbled and collapsed. Despite all efforts to resuscitate McSherry, he was pronounced dead, at age 51, at University of Cincinnati
Hospital within the hour.
It was later revealed that McSherry had actually been scheduled for a medical examination the following day. As the Reds' Opening Day in Cincinnati is seen as a special occasion, McSherry likely didn't want to risk missing out on an assignment he felt was an honor. Third-base umpire Tom Hallion
followed the ambulance to the UC medical center, leaving umpires Steve Rippley
and Jerry Crawford
to decide how to proceed regarding the game. Shaken and tearful players on both teams consoled the grieving umpires, and ultimately it was decided that it would be best to postpone the game.
Reds manager Ray Knight
said: "Barry
(Larkin, the Reds' shortstop), told me very quietly and with very much emotion: 'Ray, I've had a lot of deaths in my family. In good conscience, out of respect for life, I can't go out there.'"
Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott
, considered a controversial and polarizing figure in the sports world, was quoted as having said: "Snow this morning and now this. I don't believe it. I feel cheated. This isn't supposed to happen to us, not in Cincinnati. This is our history, our tradition, our team. Nobody feels worse than me."
Her many critics saw it as yet another public gaffe; her supporters contended that she was thinking of the some 50,000 fans who had expected to see a baseball game, and that some would be unable to attend a makeup game. The next day, the Reds defeated the Expos 4-1. The remaining umpires in the crew worked the game, with Rich Rieker
as an emergency replacement at third base.
McSherry's funeral was held at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Church in the Bronx, and he was interred in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
A story published in the Dayton Daily News
after the funeral stated that the flowers Marge Schott sent to the service were actually flowers given to her on the day of the game by WLWT
, the Reds' television affiliate in Cincinnati. According to the story, Schott hastily wrote a sympathy note and attached it to the flowers.
, who was likely as heavy as McSherry, made an effort to lose excess weight via exercise and diet. Gregg resigned after the 1999
season in a dispute with Major League Baseball. Any weight Gregg lost was gained back in his retirement. He died at age 55 on June 5, 2006 after suffering a stroke
.
The New York Mets
honored McSherry's memory by embroidering "J.M. N.L. Umpire 10" in a homeplate crossed by two baseball bats on the right-sleeves of their 1996 game jerseys. In memory of McSherry, the Reds dedicated Riverfront Stadium's umpires' dressing room to him.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
umpire
Umpire (baseball)
In baseball, the umpire is the person charged with officiating the game, including beginning and ending the game, enforcing the rules of the game and the grounds, making judgment calls on plays, and handling the disciplinary actions. The term is often shortened to the colloquial form ump...
in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
who worked in the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
from 1971
1971 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:National League: Pittsburgh PiratesAmerican League: Baltimore Orioles1971 World Series: Pittsburgh def. Baltimore , 4 games to 3.Inter-league playoff: Pittsburgh declined challenge by Tokyo Yomiuri Giants....
to 1996
1996 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves ; John Wetteland, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Bernie Williams**American League Division Series*National League Championship Series MVP: Javy López...
. Although McSherry originally wore uniform #9 when he entered the National League, he switched to #10 in 1979 when the league reorganized the umpires' numbers and he wore that number for the rest of his career. A respected arbiter, he was one of several umpires who were noticeably overweight. The 6'-2" (188 cm) McSherry was officially listed at 328 pounds (149 kg), but some sources place his true weight possibly close to 400 pounds (180 kg); it was generally accepted to have been a major factor in the massive, fatal heart attack
Myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction or acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die...
he suffered on the field during the opening game of the 1996 major league season in Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
on April 1, 1996.
Post-season games
Born in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, McSherry umpired in the World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
in 1977
1977 World Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 11, 1977 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkThe Dodgers drew first blood off Don Gullett in the first when Davey Lopes walked and scored on a Bill Russell triple. Ron Cey made it 2–0 on a sacrifice fly...
and 1987
1987 World Series
The 1987 World Series pitted the Minnesota Twins versus the St. Louis Cardinals.Minnesota was victorious in a World Series that was the first in which the home team won every game...
. He also officiated in the National League Championship Series
National League Championship Series
In Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series is a round in the postseason that determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to Major League Baseball's championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. The reigning...
in 1974
1974 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 5, 1974 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaThe Dodgers had been winless in six games played a Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Stadium during the regular season but they remedied that situation in postseason play. In the opening game, Don Sutton was opposed to...
, 1978
1978 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Wednesday, October 4, 1978 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaBecause of having to start an NL East-clinching game a few days earlier, Phillies ace Steve Carlton wasn't available for the start of the series, leaving the task to Larry Christenson...
, 1983
1983 National League Championship Series
The National League Championship Series was a best-of-five matchup between the Western Division champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the Eastern Division champion Philadelphia Phillies...
, 1984
1984 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 2, 1984 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IllinoisBob Dernier led off the game for the Cubs with a homer, and things went steadily downhill for the Padres as Chicago romped to a crushing 13–0 win in their first postseason game since 1945. Gary Matthews also homered in the first...
, 1985
1985 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Wednesday, October 9, 1985 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe opening contest in Los Angeles pitted Dodgers screwballer Fernando Valenzuela against the Cardinals' twenty-game winner, John Tudor. The pitchers matched zeroes through the first three innings, but in the bottom of...
, 1988
1988 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 4, 1988 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe series opened with a classic pitching matchup, pitting the Dodgers' Orel Hershiser, who had won 23 games during the regular season and carried a Major League record 59 consecutive scoreless innings into the game,...
, 1990
1990 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Thursday, October 4, 1990 at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, OhioBob Walk was the starting pitcher for Pittsburgh and José Rijo was on the mound for the Reds. The Reds had two doubles in the bottom half of the first inning and scored three runs. This would prove to be the only runs they...
, and 1992
1992 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 6, 1992 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, GeorgiaA rather uneventful opening to what would prove to be a memorable series, Game 1 was an easy win for the Braves. Atlanta scored four early runs, highlighted by Jeff Blauser's fifth-inning homer, and coasted to...
, and in the National League Division Series
National League Division Series
In Major League Baseball, the National League Division Series determine which two teams from the National League will advance to the National League Championship Series...
in 1981
1981 National League Division Series
-Philadelphia Phillies vs. Montreal Expos:-Game 1, October 6:Astrodome in Houston, TexasFernando Valenzuela faced Nolan Ryan, a matchup worthy of a pitcher's duel. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the sixth. Tony Scott singled home Terry Puhl to score the game's first run, but Steve...
and 1995
1995 National League Division Series
-Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers:-Game 1, October 3:Coors Field in Denver, ColoradoGame 1 was a match-up between aces: Greg Maddux for the Atlanta Braves and Kevin Ritz for the Colorado Rockies. Ritz and Maddux worked their way out of minor trouble early on, but, in the top of the third,...
.
All-Star Games
McSherry worked the 19751975 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1975 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 46th midseason exhibition between the all-stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was played on July 15, 1975 at Milwaukee County Stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, home of...
, 1982
1982 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1982 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 53rd midseason exhibition between the all-stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was played on July 13, 1982 at Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, home of the...
, and 1991
1991 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1991 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 62nd playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 9, 1991 at SkyDome in Toronto, Ontario, the home of the Toronto...
All-Star Games
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
, for which the umpiring crew consisted of three American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
umpires and three National League umpires during the years 1949 to 1999.
Other notable games
- Home plate umpire during the game on May 4, 19751975 in baseball-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Cincinnati Reds over Boston Red Sox ; Pete Rose, MVP*All-Star Game, July 15 at County Stadium: National League, 6-3; Bill Madlock and Jon Matlack, MVPs-Other champions:...
, where Houston Astros1975 Houston Astros seasonThe Houston Astros season was a season in American baseball. The team finished last in the National League West with a record of 64-97, 43½ games behind the Cincinnati Reds. The Astros' .398 winning percentage is, as of 2010, the worst in franchise history...
first baseman Bob Watson scored MLB's one millionth run in a game against the San Francisco Giants1975 San Francisco Giants seasonThe San Francisco Giants season was the franchise's 93rd season and 18th season in San Francisco.- Offseason :* October 14, 1974: Ken Rudolph and Elias Sosa were traded by the Giants to the St...
at Candlestick Park. Watson reached the milestone by scoring on a three-run homer from Milt MayMilt MayMilton Scott May is a former professional baseball player and coach who played in the Major Leagues from to for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, and San Francisco Giants. May was a catcher who hit for a fairly high batting average during the era in which...
. - Home plate umpire for no-hitter thrown by Houston Astros1976 Houston Astros seasonThe Houston Astros' 1976 season was a season in American baseball. The team finished third in the National League West with a record of 80-82, 22 games behind the first-place Cincinnati Reds.- Offseason :...
right-hander Larry DierkerLarry DierkerLawrence Edward Dierker is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and manager. During a 14-year baseball career as a pitcher, he pitched from 1964–1977 for the Houston Colt .45s/Astros and the St. Louis Cardinals...
on July 9, 1976 at Houston. - Home plate umpire for the sixth game of the 1977 World Series1977 World Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 11, 1977 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkThe Dodgers drew first blood off Don Gullett in the first when Davey Lopes walked and scored on a Bill Russell triple. Ron Cey made it 2–0 on a sacrifice fly...
, in which Yankees1977 New York Yankees seasonThe 1977 New York Yankees season was the 75th season for the Yankees in New York and the 77th season overall for the franchise. It culminated in the 21st World Series championship in franchise history, and its first under the ownership of George Steinbrenner...
slugger Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
belted three home runs on three swings of the bat off three different Los Angeles Dodgers1977 Los Angeles Dodgers seasonThe Los Angeles Dodgers season saw Tommy Lasorda take over the reins as Manager from longtime skipper Walter Alston. The Dodgers coasted to a 10-game victory in the National League West and beat the Philadelphia Phillies in four games in the NLCS, only to lose to the New York Yankees in the World...
pitchers at Yankee StadiumYankee StadiumYankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
. The 8-4 Yankees victory earned the "Bronx Bombers" their first World Series championship under owner George SteinbrennerGeorge SteinbrennerGeorge Michael Steinbrenner III was an American businessman who was the principal owner and managing partner of Major League Baseball's New York Yankees. During Steinbrenner's 37-year ownership from 1973 to his death in July 2010, the longest in club history, the Yankees earned seven World Series...
and their first title since 19621962 New York Yankees seasonThe New York Yankees season was the 60th season for the team in New York, and its 62nd season overall. The team finished with a record of 96-66, winning their 27th pennant, finishing 5 games ahead of the Minnesota Twins. New York was managed by Ralph Houk. The Yankees played at Yankee Stadium...
. After Jackson's first home run off Burt HootonBurt HootonBurt Carlton Hooton , nicknamed "Happy" , is a coach and former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball...
, Dodgers manager Tommy LasordaTommy LasordaThomas Charles Lasorda is a former Major League baseball player and manager. marked his sixth decade in one capacity or another with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers organization, the longest non-continuous tenure anyone has had with the team, edging Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully...
came to the mound to make a pitching change. Lasorda asked McSherry who he should summon from the bullpen; McSherry suggested that Lasorda go with right-hander Elias SosaElias SosaElías Sosa Martínez , is a former right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was signed by the San Francisco Giants as an amateur free agent on March 4, 1968. He played for the Giants , St...
. Sosa would give up Jackson's second home run in the fifth. KnuckleballKnuckleballA knuckleball is a baseball pitch with an erratic, unpredictable motion. The pitch is thrown so as to minimize the spin of the ball in flight. This causes vortices over the stitched seams of the baseball during its trajectory, which in turn can cause the pitch to change direction—and even...
er Charlie HoughCharlie HoughCharles Oliver Hough is a former Major League Baseball knuckleball pitcher. He is currently a senior adviser of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers.-Playing career:...
gave up the third shot in the eighth inning. - Home plate umpire during June 23, 1986 Chicago Cubs1986 Chicago Cubs season-Offseason:* November 9, 1985: Ced Landrum was signed as an amateur free agent by the Cubs.* December 11, 1985: Dave Owen was traded by the Cubs to the San Francisco Giants to the Chicago Cubs for Manny Trillo....
/Philadelphia Phillies1986 Philadelphia Phillies seasonThe Philadelphia Phillies season was the 104th season for the Phillies. Under second-year manager John Felske, the Phillies stayed just below the .500 mark for roughly two-thirds of the season, until a charge after the All-Star break pushed the club past the St. Louis Cardinals and Montreal Expos...
game at Veteran's StadiumVeteran's StadiumVeterans Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in New Britain, Connecticut. Opened in 1982, it is dedicated to the soldiers of the city who lost their lives in various U.S. wars, particularly Vietnam....
, where the Phillies set an NL record with fifteen extra base hitExtra base hitIn baseball, an extra base hit , also known as a long hit, is any base hit on which the batter is able to advance past first base without the benefit of a fielder either committing an error or opting to make a throw to retire another base runner...
s in a 19-1 rout of the Cubs. The hits were four home runHome runIn baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s and eleven doublesDouble (baseball)In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
. Second basemanSecond basemanSecond base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base...
Juan SamuelJuan SamuelJuan Milton Samuel is a retired second baseman who spent sixteen seasons in Major League Baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies , New York Mets , Los Angeles Dodgers , Kansas City Royals , Cincinnati Reds , Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays...
had a pair of three-run home runs. - First base umpire during a Cubs1986 Chicago Cubs season-Offseason:* November 9, 1985: Ced Landrum was signed as an amateur free agent by the Cubs.* December 11, 1985: Dave Owen was traded by the Cubs to the San Francisco Giants to the Chicago Cubs for Manny Trillo....
/Astros1986 Houston Astros season-Regular season:* Kevin Bass had a twenty game hit streak during the season.* Dave Smith set a club record with 33 saves in one season.* September 24, 1986: Jim Deshaies set a record for the most strikeouts to start a game...
game that saw a record 53 players used in an eighteen-inning game that began on September 2, 1986 and ended the next day. The Astros eventually notched an 8-7 win. The winning manager was Hal LanierHal LanierHarold Clifton Lanier is a former infielder, coach and manager in Major League Baseball. From through , Lanier played for the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees...
, the losing manager was Gene Michael, and Danny DarwinDanny DarwinDaniel Wayne "Danny" Darwin , known as the "Bonham Bullet" and "Dr. Death," is a former pitcher of Major League Baseball. He amassed 171 wins and 182 losses over his career for 8 different Major League teams with a 3.84 earned run average...
earned the save. - Started off behind the plate of Game 7 of the 1992 National League Championship Series1992 National League Championship Series-Game 1:Tuesday, October 6, 1992 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, GeorgiaA rather uneventful opening to what would prove to be a memorable series, Game 1 was an easy win for the Braves. Atlanta scored four early runs, highlighted by Jeff Blauser's fifth-inning homer, and coasted to...
but had to leave in the early innings because of dizziness.
Death
As Cincinnati was the home of baseball's first professional team, the 1869 Cincinnati Red StockingsCincinnati Red Stockings
The Cincinnati Red Stockings of were baseball's first fully professional team, with ten salaried players. The Cincinnati Base Ball Club formed in 1866 and fielded competitive teams in the National Association of Base Ball Players 1867–1870, a time of a transition that ambitious Cincinnati,...
, the Reds had traditionally played the first game of the major league season at home. For this particular Opening Day
Opening Day
Opening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball and most of the minor leagues, this day falls during the first week of April. For baseball fans, Opening Day serves as a symbol of rebirth; writer Thomas Boswell once penned a book...
game, the Reds were playing the Montreal Expos
1996 Montreal Expos season
-Offseason:*October 13, 1995: Butch Henry was selected off waivers by the Boston Red Sox from the Montreal Expos.*December 1, 1995: Wally Whitehurst was signed as a Free Agent with the Montreal Expos....
, and McSherry was assigned to work home plate. Seven pitches into the game, McSherry called a time-out, spoke briefly to Reds
1996 Cincinnati Reds season
The Cincinnati Reds' 1996 season consisted of the Cincinnati Reds attempting to win the National League Central.-Offseason:*December 7, 1995: Chris Sabo was signed as a Free Agent with the Cincinnati Reds....
catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Eddie Taubensee
Eddie Taubensee
Edward Kenneth Taubensee is a former catcher in Major League Baseball.Taubensee played for three different ballclubs during his career: the Cleveland Indians , Houston Astros , and Cincinnati Reds . He made his major league debut on May 18, 1991, and played his final game on October 7, 2001...
, and walked slowly towards the Reds' dugout. Moments after signaling for the second base umpire to come in and replace him McSherry stumbled and collapsed. Despite all efforts to resuscitate McSherry, he was pronounced dead, at age 51, at University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a part of the University System of Ohio....
Hospital within the hour.
It was later revealed that McSherry had actually been scheduled for a medical examination the following day. As the Reds' Opening Day in Cincinnati is seen as a special occasion, McSherry likely didn't want to risk missing out on an assignment he felt was an honor. Third-base umpire Tom Hallion
Tom Hallion
Thomas Francis "Tom" Hallion is an American umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the National League from 1985 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues since 2005. He is currently a crew chief. Hallion is well known for his exciting and demonstrative strikeout signal in which he...
followed the ambulance to the UC medical center, leaving umpires Steve Rippley
Steve Rippley
Thomas Steven "Steve" Rippley is a former professional baseball umpire. He worked in the National League from 1983 to 1999, and throughout both major leagues from 2000 to 2003....
and Jerry Crawford
Jerry Crawford
Gerald Joseph Crawford is a former umpire in Major League Baseball. He first umpired in the National League in 1977, from 2000 through 2010 worked in both major leagues. He was a crew chief from 1998 through 2010...
to decide how to proceed regarding the game. Shaken and tearful players on both teams consoled the grieving umpires, and ultimately it was decided that it would be best to postpone the game.
Reds manager Ray Knight
Ray Knight
Charles Ray Knight is a former right-handed Major League Baseball third baseman best remembered for his time with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets...
said: "Barry
Barry Larkin
Barry Louis Larkin is a retired Major League Baseball player. Larkin played shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds from 1986 to 2004 and was one of the pivotal players on the 1990 Reds' World Series championship team...
(Larkin, the Reds' shortstop), told me very quietly and with very much emotion: 'Ray, I've had a lot of deaths in my family. In good conscience, out of respect for life, I can't go out there.'"
Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott
Marge Schott
Margaret Unnewehr Schott was the managing general partner, president and CEO of the National League's Cincinnati Reds franchise from 1984 to 1999...
, considered a controversial and polarizing figure in the sports world, was quoted as having said: "Snow this morning and now this. I don't believe it. I feel cheated. This isn't supposed to happen to us, not in Cincinnati. This is our history, our tradition, our team. Nobody feels worse than me."
Rich Rieker
Richard Gregory Rieker is a former professional baseball umpire. He worked in the National League from 1992 to 1999, and throughout both major leagues in 2000 and 2001....
as an emergency replacement at third base.
McSherry's funeral was held at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Church in the Bronx, and he was interred in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
A story published in the Dayton Daily News
Dayton Daily News
The Dayton Daily News is a daily newspaper published in Dayton, Ohio. It is owned by Cox Enterprises. In the 2010 Associated Press Society of Ohio newspaper competition that takes place every year, DaytonDailyNews.com was named "the best large-newspaper web site in Ohio".-History:On August 15,...
after the funeral stated that the flowers Marge Schott sent to the service were actually flowers given to her on the day of the game by WLWT
WLWT
WLWT, virtual channel 5 , is an NBC-affiliated television station in Cincinnati, Ohio, the station is owned by Hearst Television...
, the Reds' television affiliate in Cincinnati. According to the story, Schott hastily wrote a sympathy note and attached it to the flowers.
Aftermath
After the incident, Major League Baseball compelled its umpires to be more physically fit. Another National League umpire with long-standing weight issues, Eric GreggEric Gregg
Eric Eugene Gregg was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the National League from 1975 to 1999...
, who was likely as heavy as McSherry, made an effort to lose excess weight via exercise and diet. Gregg resigned after the 1999
1999 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves ; Mariano Rivera, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Orlando Hernández**American League Division Series:*National League Championship Series MVP: Eddie Pérez...
season in a dispute with Major League Baseball. Any weight Gregg lost was gained back in his retirement. He died at age 55 on June 5, 2006 after suffering a stroke
Stroke
A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage...
.
The New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
honored McSherry's memory by embroidering "J.M. N.L. Umpire 10" in a homeplate crossed by two baseball bats on the right-sleeves of their 1996 game jerseys. In memory of McSherry, the Reds dedicated Riverfront Stadium's umpires' dressing room to him.
External links
- Retrosheet
- BaseballLibrary.com - career highlights
- "He was a fan - death of baseball umpire John McSherry" - tribute by Jerome HoltzmanJerome HoltzmanJerome Holtzman was an American sportswriter known for his writings on baseball who served as the official historian for Major League Baseball from 1999 until his death.-Newspaper career:...
in The Sporting News - Baseball Almanac - Cincinnati Enquirer article on his final game
- McSherry's grave at Find-A-Grave
- Behind the Plate with John McSherry, a training video McSherry made in 1990. It's now a tribute video
- USA Today: "Umpire's tragic death raises medical issue"