Larry's Blog

The lowdown: In his 44th season as an umpire, Reed, 67, will be inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame next month. He estimates he has officiated more than 4,100 games, from high school to pro. He has worked 21 state semifinal or state championship games. He attended the Bill Summers Umpire School in Daytona Beach, Fla., in 1969, and nearly became a professional ump. He has worked with the Summit Umpires Association for years and has trained more than 600 umpires. A little-known fact: He has carved 6 5/8-inch wooden replicas — complete with drivers, colors and numbers — of every Soap Box Derby’s winning car, and some of the second- and third-place finishers, dating to 1934. The winners are on display at Derby Downs in Akron. He also gives a replica to each Derby winner. Reed also officiated football (32 years) and basketball (22 years). A retired steel worker, he and his wife, Sandra, have been married 47 years and live in Mogadore.

Talk about the beginning: “In 1967, we were in a recession and I was only working about four days a week. I made a phone call and was told on a Monday to get a rules book and that the test would be on Wednesday. I barely had time to study, but I somehow passed.”

What’s the toughest call for a home plate ump? “The checked swing.”

What’s the most common mistake young umpires make? “Trying to make the call too fast.”

What rule would you change? “The appeal rule on a missed base. I liked it better with a live ball, where the fielder had to tell the umpire they were appealing a missed base and actually touch the base or runner.”

Are you a fan of the re-entry rule and the designated hitter? “The only good thing about the re-entry rule is that it gets more kids into the game. But, it’s a nuisance for umpires. I am a fan of the DH. Nobody likes to watch pitchers bat.”

What percentage of high school players would you say could pass a quiz on baseball rules? “Probably 10 percent. Coaches, probably a little higher.”

Biggest thrill while umpiring? “I worked an Eastern League game in Canton once. Bartolo Colon was the pitcher. The ball looked like it had a circumference of about one inch. Einar Diaz was the catcher. Richie Sexson was at first.”

— Tim Rogers Cleveland Plain Dealer

Click to Enlarge

The Baltimore Orioles had just come out of the dugout to watch the game.  Rick Sutcliffe is the tall shadow to my left.

Click to Enlarge

Olympic Baseball at Cleveland Municipal Stadium