Springstead

There's really no secret to being a good umpire, Springstead said.

USATODAY.com - Men in blue have gotten job done all along 2001

Gradually, Springstead overcame any awe he may have felt to become one of the most respected umpires in the game.

USATODAY.com - Men in blue have gotten job done all along 2001

Former major league umpire Marty Springstead was born in the Bronx and made it to the majors in 1965 at the age of 26.

USATODAY.com - Men in blue have gotten job done all along 2001

Springstead was behind the plate for Games 1 and 7 as the A's won their second of three straight titles.

USATODAY.com - Men in blue have gotten job done all along 2001

Just as hitters have their favorites, Springstead enjoyed seeing pitchers Jim Perry, Catfish Hunter and Mickey Lolich on the mound "because they always threw around the plate."

USATODAY.com - Men in blue have gotten job done all along 2001

After retiring in 1985, Springstead took a position the following year as supervisor of umpires for the American League, a position he held for 15 years.

USATODAY.com - Men in blue have gotten job done all along 2001

Several years ago, Springstead said a video review of plays at first base showed major league umpires were right 97.3% of the time.

USATODAY.com - Men in blue have gotten job done all along 2001

'' They made mistakes that umpires make and they're man enough to admit it, '' said Marty Springstead, the AL's executive director of umpiring.

Bad timing for bad calls from umps 1999

The way I heard it, it was an argument between Lou Piniella, then managing the Yankees, and umpire Marty Springstead.

Baseball’s Even Greater Insults Kevin Nelson 1993

Upset at how Springstead was calling the balls and strikes, Piniella came running out of the dugout to protest.

Baseball’s Even Greater Insults Kevin Nelson 1993