MLB umpire Eric Gregg, 55
Posted: Tuesday, June 6th, 2006 12:47 pmEric Gregg, who umpired in the major leagues for more than two decades while battling a craving for food and drink that spotlighted health concerns surrounding overweight umpires, died yesterday in Philadelphia. He was 55.
His death was announced by his son Kevin, who said he had a stroke on Sunday, The Associated Press reported.
Gregg was a full-time National League umpire from 1978 to 1999 and worked the 1989 World Series, four League Championship Series, two Division Series and an All-Star Game. He was the third black umpire in the major leagues…
One of Gregg’s best-remembered moments came in Game 5 of the 1997 National League Championship Series, when his generous strike zone helped the Florida Marlins’ Liván Hernández strike out 15 Atlanta batters. Braves players were angry, but Gregg maintained that his strike zone was in line with the way he always judged pitches. … Read full obituary
