Dutch Rennert, was a National League umpire from 1974 to 1992, has passed away at the age of 88. He had a rather distinct way of calling a strike. You could hear him clearly in the background when watching a game or listening on the radio. At the ballpark, his voice boomed through the stands.
My other favorite umpire was Philadelphia native Eric Gregg. I've never watched an umpire work a game with such joy. He clearly loved what he did and was thrilled to be on the field every game. He battled weight problems throughout his life and died in 2006 at the age of 55.
He was a good-natured official who was known for dancing with the Phillie Phanatic between innings. And he had a great sense of humor. Check his reaction to this prank when someone left a cheeseburger for him on third base.
Rennert and Gregg were part of the game without becoming part of the game, if that makes sense. Some current umpires seem to think the fans have paid to see them work. Yes, Joe West, I'm talking about you.
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