Red Jones (umpire)
| Red Jones | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Nicholas Ittner Jones April 16, 1905 Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Died |
March 19, 1987 (aged 81) Miami, Florida |
| Occupation | Umpire |
| Years active | 1944–1949 |
| Employer | American League |
Nicholas Ittner Jones (1905–1987) was an American baseball umpire in the American League between 1944 and 1949. Jones worked in 889 major league games during that stretch.[1]
Umpiring career
From 1936 to 1943, Jones was a minor league umpire with the South Atlantic League, Piedmont League and Southern Association.[2] He made his major league debut as third base umpire in a twelve-inning contest between Philadelphia and Washington on April 18, 1944.[1]
Notable games
In a 1946 game at Fenway Park, Jones was behind the plate when he received heckling from the Chicago White Sox bench. Jones was called a "meathead" and someone made "whoopee-cushion noises". Unable to pinpoint the culprits, Jones ejected fourteen from the Chicago bench. For many years, legend had it that the razzing came from a ventriloquist in the stands, but at least one player has identified Chicago coach Mule Haas as the source.[3]
Later life
After retiring from umpiring, Jones worked in public relations for the Associated Brewing Company.
Death
Jones died on March 19, 1987 in Miami, Florida.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 Retrosheet: Red Jones, retrieved July 18, 2012
- ↑ The Sporting News Umpire Card: Nicholas Jones, retrieved July 17, 2012
- ↑ Branch, John (July 6, 2006). "60 Years and 1,000 Tales Since 14 Were Ejected". The New York Times. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
