MR. UMP
By
What makes a good umpire? Especially one who had to overcome ""firecrackers"" in his blood stream in order to keep fireworks from the field as a wearer of the blue suit. Babe Pinelli tells all in a slangy, jocose yet level headed life story that takes him from sand lot days around San Francisco, through short short stop stints with the Pacific Coast League, season with the majors, marriage, the decision to try umpiring for a secure future. With a temper to overcome as a factor, his experiences as a major league referee carry some good innings and outs for the fans.