Former umpire Gregg passes away
Former major league umpire Eric Gregg, who struggled with weight problems that saw him reach almost 400 pounds, died Monday night, a day after a massive stroke. He was 55.
“I want him to be remembered as someone who loved the game of baseball, someone who was determined to make it no matter what,” said his son, Kevin Gregg, who confirmed the death to the Associated Press.
Gregg had complained to family members Sunday morning at his home in Ardmore, Pa., that he couldn’t feel anything on his left side. He was hospitalized and died at 6:45 p.m. Monday.
Gregg was among 22 umpires who lost their jobs in 1999 when their labor plan of mass resignations backfired. Known for his large strike zone, he worked the 1989 World Series, four championship series, two division series and one All-Star game.
“He was so determined to be in the game and he got there,” Kevin Gregg said.
Gregg called his first game in 1975 and became a member of the N.L. staff in 1978. He was left jobless after union head Richie Phillips called for mass resignations as a way of forcing an early start to contract negotiations.
MRI sheds little light for Pujols
The timetable for Albert Pujols’ return was uncertain after an MRI exam of a strained muscle on his right side was inconclusive.
The St. Louis Cardinals, who placed Pujols on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, had hoped the MRI would give them some indication of when he can play again. Instead, they are still wondering when Pujols, last year’s N.L. MVP and the major league leader in home runs and RBIs this season, will be back.
Team doctors have told La Russa that Monday’s MRI established only base data and that a future MRI, perhaps in a few weeks, would be more helpful in determining how long Pujols would be sidelined.
Griffey third in All-Star voting
Cincinnati center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. moved into third place among National League outfielders in the All-Star voting results, and Philadelphia’s Chase Utley grabbed the top spot among second basemen.
Griffey, a 12-time All-Star selection, has received more fan votes than any player in major league history. He has 479,963 votes, pushing him past St. Louis Cardinal center fielder Jim Edmonds. Atlanta’s Andruw Jones was No. 1 among N.L. outfielders with the Mets’ Carlos Beltran second. The top three vote-getters among outfielders are eligible to start the All-Star on July 11 in Pittsburgh.
Clearing the bases
The Baltimore Orioles activated right-hander Daniel Cabrera from the 15-day disabled list and designated seldom-used catcher Raul Chavez for assignment. … The Pittsburgh Pirates placed Ryan Doumit on the 15-day disabled list with a torn left hamstring and recalled utility player Yurendell DeCaster from Triple-A Indianapolis to take Doumit’s roster spot.