Larry Barnett

Lawrence Robert Barnett (born January 3, 1945 in Nitro, West Virginia) is a former umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1969 to 1999 before becoming the major leagues' supervisor of umpires in 2000-2001. His 32 years of AL service surpassed the record held by Tommy Connolly (1901-31), which was tied by Barnett and Don Denkinger in 1998; through the 2005 season, Joe Brinkman has umpired AL games in 33 seasons, although the major league umpiring staffs were merged in 2000. Barnett officiated in 4 World Series: 1975, 1981, 1984 and 1990 (Games 1-2), serving as crew chief in 1981. He also umpired in a record 7 American League Championship Series (1972, 1976, 1979, 1982, 1986, 1991, 1996), and in 4 All-Star games (1973, 1980, 1988, 1997), calling balls and strikes for the last contest.

Related Topics:
January 3 - 1945 - Nitro, West Virginia - Umpire - Major League Baseball - American League - Tommy Connolly - Don Denkinger - 2005 - Joe Brinkman - World Series - 1975 - 1981 - 1984 - 1990 - American League Championship Series - 1972 - 1986 - All-Star

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Perhaps the most controversial call of Barnett's career came in Game 3 of the 1975 World Series, in which he was working behind home plate. In the 10th inning, Cincinnati Reds hitter Ed Armbrister laid down a sacrifice bunt, but didn't immediately run from the batter's box; Boston Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk committed a throwing error on the play after colliding with Armbrister, which led to the Reds' winning run. Barnett declined to make an interference call on Armbrister, despite Boston's pleas.

Related Topics:
Cincinnati Reds - Ed Armbrister - Sacrifice bunt - Boston Red Sox - Carlton Fisk

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