John McSherry

The Game is Over for Umpire John McSherry

By Kirk Goldman

Senior Editor

n Opening Day, in Cincinnatti, a tragedy occurred. Umpire John McSherry collapsed behind home plate and died on the field. McSherry, a crew chief, was one of the most respected officials in Major League Baseball. Due to anguish among players on both teams, the Reds and Montreal Expos, the game was abruptly postponned. McSherry, who was listed at 6'2" and 328 pounds, has now inspired a great deal of concern among his fellow umpires. According to ESPN analysis, almost half of Major League Baseball's umpires are overweight.
Baseball, unlike all of the other major sports, only requires an annual physical for its umpires. National Football League referees go through an intensive physical mini-camp during the pre-season. Likewise, National Basketball Association officials also go through physicals and a mini-camp during the pre-season. National Hockey League referees and linesmen are continually checked on their physical condition. This includes frequent on-ice skating drills. With McSherry's death in mind, Major League Baseball will undoubtedly follow suit and establish some kind of manditory conditioning for its umpires.
All those who love the national pastime are mourning the loss of John McSherry. We at the Journal hope that McSherry's fellow overweight umpires have learned a great lesson from this tragedy.
Major League Baseball released the following...click here.