STL All Sports

When Billy Evans, who was later a highly paid and highly respected baseball executive with the Detroit Tigers, made his debut as an umpire in the major leagues, the umpire-baiting brigade took a violent dislike to him because of the very first decision he made. It happened in the opening game of a new baseball season. Billy Evans called a close one against the home team. Down from the stands came a shower of garbage, overripe fruit and bottles. Frightened, the inexperienced young umpire quickly ran to the safety of the nearest dugout. Mter a lull, Billy Evans cautiously poked his head out and asked his umpire-mate, John Sheridan:

"Hey, John, is it safe to come out now?"

Snickering at the young umpire's timidity, the hard-boiled veteran roared:

"Come on out, you young squirt! This is only April. Wait until August, when these bums get the range."

At that moment, a bottle whizzed close to Billy Evans' head. Quickly, he ducked back into the dugout, as he screamed in fright:

"Th' hell you say! They're in condition right now. Those bums are pitching strikes."