Barlick was the youngest guy on that crew, but quickly rose to crew chief over some of the older, more experienced men. Ballanfant for one seems to have not minded at all, feeling Barlick deserved it.
It amazes me to imagine an umpire who retired in 1971 began his career working with Bill Klem, who started umpiring in 1905.
It's neat how there are multiple generations of Killer B's. Mine is Lance Berkman, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, and Carlos Beltran of the Houston Astros, who tormented me in the mid-2000s. But yours is equally valid--I just hope they didn't torment you.
Ha! My wife is from Philly & this how their fans are. We attended a game few years back where I wore my Yankees jersey. I got lotsa attitude from fans & even the ticket taker who I said, “You should thank me, I’m paying your salary.”
Later on I go to the men’s room where 3 guys approach me with their BS. Now I’m only 5’ 6”… so I say to the them, “different league, American not National so what’s the problem.” “And besides, where’s the brotherly love.” All this while I’m eyeing the exit mind you.
PS - She gets really upset when I remind her the time the fans threw snowballs at Santa at an Eagles game. But they clinched the Superbowl I bite my tongue. At least til next year.
I've got a lovely little anecdote coming next time that builds on the legend. It's from 1949, and I was kind of amazed to see that Philly fans have a reputation going back that far, probably even farther. It's reality and it's history, too.
Cool piece, Paul - I see Al Barlick retired in 1971, which is why I actually remember him umpiring.
Barlick was the youngest guy on that crew, but quickly rose to crew chief over some of the older, more experienced men. Ballanfant for one seems to have not minded at all, feeling Barlick deserved it.
It amazes me to imagine an umpire who retired in 1971 began his career working with Bill Klem, who started umpiring in 1905.
Hahaha, Paul, your “Caller B’s” made me think of Bonilla, Bonds, and Bream, which I think was your intent! Looking forward to part 2 next week. Meg
It's neat how there are multiple generations of Killer B's. Mine is Lance Berkman, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, and Carlos Beltran of the Houston Astros, who tormented me in the mid-2000s. But yours is equally valid--I just hope they didn't torment you.
Great read! Thanks!
Ha! My wife is from Philly & this how their fans are. We attended a game few years back where I wore my Yankees jersey. I got lotsa attitude from fans & even the ticket taker who I said, “You should thank me, I’m paying your salary.”
Later on I go to the men’s room where 3 guys approach me with their BS. Now I’m only 5’ 6”… so I say to the them, “different league, American not National so what’s the problem.” “And besides, where’s the brotherly love.” All this while I’m eyeing the exit mind you.
PS - She gets really upset when I remind her the time the fans threw snowballs at Santa at an Eagles game. But they clinched the Superbowl I bite my tongue. At least til next year.
I've got a lovely little anecdote coming next time that builds on the legend. It's from 1949, and I was kind of amazed to see that Philly fans have a reputation going back that far, probably even farther. It's reality and it's history, too.
Glad you made it out of there in one piece!