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McGowan, Bill
William Aloysius McGowan
Born:
January 18, 1896, Wilmington, Delaware
Died:
December 9, 1954, Silver Spring, Maryland
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee:
1992
Biography:
Bill McGowan was nearly an exception to the old adage that says fans don't pay to see the umpire. He introduced a colorful umpiring style with aggressive gestures that bordered on the pugnacious. Yet, he ejected very few players. His enthusiasm never waned over 30 American League seasons while his hustle and skill commanded the players' respect. He was an iron man among umpires - not missing an inning for 16 years (2,541 consecutive games).
Did You Know:
that Bill McGowan was the home plate umpire in the first-ever American League pennant playoff game, in which Cleveland defeated Boston, 8-3, on October 4, 1948, behind player/manager Lou Boudreau?
I liked Bill to work the plate on games I pitched on the road. I'd always get a fair shake.
John Ogden
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This Day in Baseball History
On September 2, 1972, Milt Pappas of the Chicago Cubs pitches a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres and comes within one strike of hurling a perfect game. With two outs in the top of the ninth, Pappas runs the count to 1-and-2 on pinch-hitter Larry Stahl, but then throws three consecutive balls. Pappas argues with home plate umpire Bruce Froemming after the last ball, then settles down to retire pinch-hitter Garry Jestadt on a lazy pop-up. The Cubs win the game, 8-0.