June 05, 2006
Eric Gregg Critical
Former Umpire Eric Gregg suffered a stroke and is in critical condition:
Eric Gregg, 55, worked as a National League umpire for 23 seasons before losing his job as part of a failed mass-resignation tactic by umpires during a 1999 labor dispute.
Gregg was one of the most recognizable umpires ever. During his time on the field, he was affectionately known as the "Plump Ump" for his hefty size, which was matched by a 100-watt smile and a gregarious personality that made him a favorite of baseball people and ballpark workers throughout the big leagues. He worked the 1989 World Series along with several championship series and All-Star Games.
Posted by David Pinto at
09:23 AM
|
Illnesses
|
TrackBack (0)
Thank you for this post, David. Eric's a very, very nice man and a real gentleman. I'll be praying along with all those who were blessed to come in contact with him over the years.
PLEASE guys PLEASE check your blood pressure and take your medicine.
i know that checking blood pressure and taking medicine is not macho (or something - i do not understand the testosteroned brain) but there are people who love you and need you and do not want you gone too soon.
- eric gregg was a bad ump, but he sure seemed like a nice guy. i hope he recovers.
in september 1991 i had the privilege of sitting next to eric in first class on a DELTA flight from cvg to ord. consequently my daughter, kirsten, and our family spent the next day, her 16th birthday, at CUBS PARK. eric mad sure her name and birthday wishes rolled across the scoreboard. we'll never forget his kindness. he was a dear guy....we'll miss him.
mrs richard l. swedberg, DELTA FLIGHT ATTENDANT, wilmette, il.
Being a long time fan & former Pirates & present Phillies Season Ticket I always went to every Sunday Game Which I Have a ticket for & talked to Eric Gregg about everything Life, Baseball, etc. he always had a smile on his face every time I saw him. God Speed Eric, I'll Miss You!!!!!!!!
Eric Gregg was a wonderful human being, but as Earl Weaver said of ump Ron Luciano, on Luciano's demise: "He was a lousy umpire". Gregg created Livan Hernandez's 15 K playoff record in 1997 by his rediculous calls of pitches 8 to 10 inches off the plate as strikes. Ask Mike Hargrove or the Indians that were rung up that day.
Bob, first of all, Livan Hernandez's 15 K game came against the Braves, not Cleveland. And secondly, he may not have been the best in the world at his job (which is completely open to interpretation), but there are more important things than that. Like, say, death and remebering someone respectfully.
