Former Umpire Gregg Dies After Stroke

abcnews ^ | Jun 5, 2006 | DAN GELSTON

[lunarbicep]

Former major league umpire Eric Gregg, who struggled with weight problems that saw him reach almost 400 pounds, died Monday night, a day after a massive stroke. He was 55.

"I want him to be remembered as someone who loved the game of baseball, someone who was determined to make it no matter what," said his son, Kevin Gregg, who confirmed the death to The Associated Press.

Gregg had complained to family members Sunday morning at his home in Ardmore, Pa., that he couldn't feel anything on his left side. He was hospitalized and died at 6:45 p.m. Monday.

Gregg was among 22 umpires who lost their jobs in 1999 when their labor plan of mass resignations backfired. Known for his large strike zone, he worked the 1989 World Series, four championship series, two division series and one All-Star game.

"He was so determined to be in the game and he got there," Kevin Gregg said.

Gregg called his first game in 1975 and became a member of the NL staff in 1978. He was left jobless after union head Richie Phillips called for mass resignations as a way of forcing an early start to contract negotiations.

In December 2004, Gregg and five other umpires whose resignations were accepted in 1999 received severance pay and health benefits for themselves and their families. Gregg received $400,000 under the deal.

[lunarbicep]

[Tribune7]

ping

[RightWingAtheist]

So young, too. Best wishes to his friends and family.

[Lawgvr1955]

Saw a lot of games that he called. Sorry to see this news.

[gathersnomoss]

He came from a strict household. His wife should sue his parents.

[nutmeg]

Sad... 55 is far too young to die. Prayers to his family...

[nutmeg]

ping

[NapkinUser]

I remember the "plump ump" mostly for that 1997 Braves-Marlins game where everything the Marlins pitcher, Livan Hernandez, threw was a strike.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

disaster!

[misterrob]

That was the epitomy of Richie Phillips' arrogance where the umpires had become bigger than the game.

[atomicpossum]

I remember someone leaving a cheeseburger at second base for him...

[CARDINALRULES]

Terry Pendleton of the Cards left it at 3rd base.

[fatima]

I met him.My husband knew who he was at the restaurant and he was by the front door with everyone coming in and high fiving him,God bless him for not giving up and his family.

[raccoonradio]

1996 (via Wikipedia):
April 1 - Seven pitches into the first game of the season, at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, home plate umpire John McSherry collapses on the field and dies of a massive heart attack. The game between the Cincinnati Reds and Montréal Expos is postponed, along with the rest of the games scheduled for that day. Reds owner Marge Schott later comes under fire for wanting the game in Cincinnati to continue despite the tragedy (and against the wishes of the players on both teams), saying that she felt "cheated" when it was canceled.