Eric Gregg
Eric Eugene Gregg (May 18 1951 – June 5 2006) was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the National League from 1975 to 1999. He was known as a pioneering black umpire as well as for his longtime weight problems.
Umpiring career
Gregg was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and upon his debut at the age of 24 he was was the third black umpire in the big leagues, following Emmett Ashford and Art Williams, and among the youngest in major league history. He officiated in the 1989 World Series, and was the third base umpire for Game 3, which was postponed due to the Loma Prieta earthquake; he also worked in four National League Championship Series (1981, 1987, 1991, 1997), the 1995 and 1996 National League Division Series, the 1986 All-Star Game and three no-hitters. He was the third base umpire for Tom Browning's perfect game on September 16, 1988, and was behind the plate for Terry Mulholland's no-hitter in Philadelphia on August 15, 1990, in which he faced the minimum 27 batters.
One of Gregg's most noteworthy games was his performance as home plate umpire in Game 5 of the 1997 NLCS between the Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves. Rookie Florida pitcher Liván Hernández recorded 15 strikeouts, tying a League Championship Series record. Hernandez' preformance, however, received a major assist from Gregg who, already known for having a large strike zone, was heavily criticized following the game for calling several pitches that appeared to be well off the plate as strikes.
Resignation
Gregg was one of 22 umpires who resigned in 1999 as part of a labor action. Richie Phillips, executive director of the umpires' union, felt that by doling out millions in severance pay Major League Baseball might reconsider its stance in contract negotiations with the union. However, MLB chose to accept the resignations, though they later rehired several of those who had resigned.
Weight problems
The "Plump Ump" battled weight troubles throughout his career. His weight was generally listed in the 315-325 pound area, but Gregg admitted that this was often an understatement and that he frequently approached 400. In 1996, fellow umpire John McSherry died in Cincinnati of a heart attack; the two had planned for a long time to try to lose weight together, but McSherry's death motivated Gregg to take a leave of absence from umpiring and enter a program at Duke University.
His frame, still hefty and recognizable despite the weight loss, encouraged publicity for Gregg. He was honorary commissioner of the Wing Bowl, an annual decadent binge-eating event in Philadelphia, and also umped at various celebrity softball events; his autobiography is titled Working the Plate. He also occasionally worked a Chickie's and Pete's stand at Citizens Bank Park. Aside for his girth, he was also well-known for his jocular personality and wide smile, which had a disarming effect on game participants who took issue with his signal-calling.
On December 31 1974 he married Ramona Camilo, with whom he had four children; his hobbies included soap operas. One of his children, son Kevin, has been active in Philadelphia area sports; he worked ironicaly with the Philadelphia Phillies as an intern while a student at James Madison University, and in 2005 was hired by the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers in the communications department.
Gregg suffered a massive stroke on June 4 2006, and died the following day.