Retired (and Un-Retired) Umpire Uniform Numbers

Most major-league teams have retired one or more numbers worn by the best players in franchise history. The New York Yankees have retired 19 numbers, the Cardinals 12, and the White Sox, Braves, and Dodgers have each retired 10. Only the Seattle Mariners are yet to retire a number. The Marlins retired the “number” of their first president, Dave Barger, but not one of an actual player.

Major League Baseball retired player #42 across baseball in 1997. Several umpires elected to wear #42 on Jackie Robinson Day in 2007 and 2008, and effective 2009 all umpires also wear #42 that day.

When the two leagues were separate, the National League and American League had each retired three numbers. When the two leagues merged, the retired numbers were, in effect, un-retired. Current major-league umpires wear each of the previously-retired numbers (though Major League Baseball recognizes the umpires whose numbers had previously been retired by presenting them with a page in its annual Media Guide.

National League

1 — Bill Klem

Nicknamed “The Old Arbitrator.” Umpired from 1905 to 1940 and then served as chief of National League umpires. Holds the record for World Series appearances with 18 and consecutive appearances with five. Originated arm signals to coincide with verbal calls. In a rare tribute to an umpire, he was honored with gifts on “Bill Klem Night,” September 2, 1949 at the Polo Grounds. He is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

2 — Jocko Conlan

Umpired in the National League for 24 years (1941-64). Umpired four World Series and six All-Star Games. Played in 128 major-league games as a member of the Chicago White Sox (1934-35). Became the fifth umpire elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Conlan on umpiring: “You’ve got to have thick skin and a strong heart. You’ve got to have and command respect. Without them, you’re nothing.”

3 — Al Barlick

Umpired at the major-league level for 33 years (1940-72). Worked a record seven All-Star Games. At age 25, he became one of the youngest umpires to reach the major leagues. Known for his booming calls and distinctive hand signals. Started umpiring sandlot games after a coal mining strike forced him to earn extra money. Was a World War II Coast Guard veteran. Became the sixth umpire inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.

Major League Baseball’s Vice President for Communications Mike Teevan explained the retirement of the three National League umpires: “Umpires did not wear numbers in the era of Klem, Conlan, and Barlick, but in 1995, National League President Leonard Coleman took the step of honoring them – posthumously for Klem and Conlan, while Barlick passed away later that year. The ceremony was held at Wrigley Field on September 10, 1995. Conlan was born in Chicago, while Barlick was an Illinois resident after his career.”1

American League

2 — Nick Bremigan

Umpired in the American League from 1974 to 1989. He tragically died of a heart attack on March 28, 1989 at the age of 43. He was a member of the AL umpire staff when he passed away. Worked the Florida State, Eastern, International, Florida Winter Instructional, and Puerto Rican Winter Leagues before joining the AL. Called the 1980 World Series, four AL playoffs, and two Midsummer Classics.

9 — Bill Kunkel

Became an American League umpire in 1968 and served for a time as referee for the National Basketball Association. Also a pitcher for the New York Yankees and Kansas City Athletics, where he compiled a lifetime record of 6-6. Died in 1988 at the age of 48, after a long battle with cancer. His son Jeff was an infielder with the Texas Rangers (1984-92).

16 — Lou DiMuro

Umpired in the American League from 1963-82. Worked two World Series, three League Championship Series, and four All-Star Games. His son Mike is currently a major-league baseball umpire. Died tragically on June 8, 1982, at the age of 51, when he was struck by a car as he was crossing a street in Arlington, Texas.

The write-ups for the above umpires are as written for the 2015 MLB Umpire Media Guide, edited by Michael Teevan and Don Muller.

 

Notes

1 Mike Teevan e-mail August 31, 2015.