Bruce Froemming, veteran MLB umpire, passes away at 86

Longtime MLB Umpire Bruce Fleming Passes Away

Bruce Fleming, an MLB umpire known for his long career and impressive record of 11 no-hitters, passed away Wednesday in Milwaukee at the age of 86, with his son Stephen by his side. This was confirmed by various news outlets.

Fleming suffered a fall at his home in Mequon, Wisconsin, on Tuesday night, which resulted in a head injury. Sadly, due to blood thinners he was on, doctors couldn’t stop the bleeding in his brain, as his son explained.

Fleming was distinguished by his unique and emphatic strike calls. He officiated for 37 consecutive seasons from 1971 to 2007, participating in a remarkable total of 5,163 games. This places him third on the all-time list, behind Bill Clemm and Joe West.

Initially, he dabbled in semi-professional baseball, but at just 18, he found his calling as an umpire, moving through the minor leagues before reaching the National League in 1971. For reference, his early salary was around $250 a month.

“Every game is important to me,” he once shared with NPR. He believed that, regardless of the level of play, how one approaches the sport as an official is what truly matters. Every game holds significance for the players involved, according to him.

His nearly four-decade career found him at the center of many famous moments and controversies in baseball history. One of the most notable incidents occurred on September 2, 1972. In a game between the Cubs and Padres, he called ball four on a close pitch that would have completed a perfect game for pitcher Milt Pappas. This decision was controversial and ignited discussions about umpiring perceptions.

Fleming handled a total of 10 no-hitters over his career, and had some noteworthy encounters as an umpire. He felt that being subjective was part of the job, as reflected in a comment he made regarding the “close” nature of pitches during the Pappas game.

He was never shy about enforcing discipline on the field, having ejected 125 players throughout his career. An unforgettable moment came when he tossed Yankees manager Billy Martin during the 1976 World Series, a scene that has been discussed over the years.

In 2007, during his final season, he faced criticism from Yankees owner George Steinbrenner for not delaying a playoff game due to midge infestations at Jacobs Field. The MLB backed Fleming, stating that every individual has the right to voice their opinion.

Stephen, his son, reflected on how Fleming cherished the camaraderie of baseball, emphasizing how, despite heated moments, they were left on the field after the game. After retiring, he took on a role as a special assistant to the MLB vice president for officiating.