Home plate umpire John McSherry dies during Reds Opening Day game in 1996

[@dahillbillynews5923]

I almost suffered the same thing during a Little League game I wasn't feeling well and they were having a problem getting a replacement and I told them I would work till they could get a replacement I lasted and actually worked 3 innings and walked off. I went to the hospital and was told I was in the midst of having a heart attack and I was diagnosed with CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) and transferred to another hospital and they put in a Pacemaker. As soon as I was told I was having a heart attack my thoughts came back to this incident. I thank god this didn't happen to me in front of the kids, not for myself but for the kids not having to watch something like this.

[@davidlafleche1142]

"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after that the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27, KJV).

[@antoniodelrio1292]

Glad you made it through and like you said, glad the kid didn't see the worst that could have happened.

[@herbjergens6350]

Gladyou pulled through it, God bless!! 🙏

[@fightrrrrr]

Take care! Glad u muscled through

[@Slinger43]

Good thing you recognized that something wasn't right & went to hospital! 💪 I ump'd my then 11yr old son's little league once, had to call strike 3 on my own son! It was a horrible experience & something I never did again. That was 10yrs ago & it still ratchet's my hillbilly soul for doing it 😖

[@judahslion5611]

Very sad but surely he died in a place where he belonged while doing what he loved. Although, it's a shame he didn't have his family with him. I'm sure the view of the stadium was delightful as his spirit soared above it.

[@onlythewise1]

@@Mr.Jtea3 correct only idiots like what he say it cheap and trash to talk like he did

[@judahslion5611]

@@Mr.Jtea3 Wow, how surprising. Another random, angry, anonymous person who lashes out at people online in comment threads who wouldn't dare speak to someone face to face in such a way. Actually, I wrote the entire comment in less than a minute and I wasn't thinking hard at all, nor did I care how many people liked it but it's nice to see that over 50 people agree with my sentiments. I died on a hospital bed and had an encounter with God which led me to start watching stories of NDE's on youtube. Watch some of those stories and you'll learn that people actually do view their surroundings after they die from a birds eye view. As for his last few seconds on earth, what he felt during that time doesn't matter anymore cause he'll never experience that pain ever again and it pales in comparison to the delight he experienced as he was leaving his body. I pray God softens your hard heart that you'd eventually start treating people more kindly especially when you don't even know the person your verbally attacking. It doesn't speak very highly of a person's character to act out in such a way. God bless you.

[@brainszzz364]

@@Mr.Jtea3 such a hater bro holy shit 😭

[@Barraka125]

@@Mr.Jtea3 he wrote it and nearly 120 people liked it, you were just about 100 off

[@felipeamaral8061]

@@Mr.Jtea3 damn people really put you in your place and your staying silent that’s a shocker. O wait it’s not

[@SuperJHarper2]

This is a memory my dad and I still talk about to this day. I was in 5th grade, my dad pulled me from School to take me to game. I still remember some of the fans yelling “drag his ass off the field and get on with the game”. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.

[@MrPogiBalut]

Sick people.

[@Immortal_BP]

@@MrPogiBalut sick world

[@Nick_Taylor.]

Peasants

[@caruser4]

@@Sikeslikescars Today? This was 25 years ago

[@charlespaolino7881]

@@caruser4 Yes it was. And it's WORSE now!

[@grayace4556]

How awful for people to witness that and for his family to no doubt see that over and over. That poor man.

[@mrivard81]

Well, let's be fair.... Big John McSherry wasn't exactly in good health.

[@xavierharding8938]

It's not awful it's a good learning experience.

[@victorblock3421]

@@mrivard81 such empathy you show for the man. I suppose you'll live forever. Good luck with that thought.

[@inconnu4961]

@@victorblock3421 He's dead, sir! He has been dead for almost 30 yrs now. Our sympathy serves no help now. If he was hurt or injured, you would make a good point. All we can do is mourn the loss. If you are a believer of an afterlife, we believe people go to a better place. So, death isnt the final frontier. But if you have different beliefs, i will understand.

[@victorblock3421]

@@inconnu4961 How long have you been institutionalized?

[@bruceacphoto5240]

had the privilege of spending several weeks with him as he was Chief Instructor at Bill Kinnamon Umpire School . Without question...his magnetism, presence & authenticity were VERY uniquely his. ..and his sense of humor, second to none. Everyday was just so great with him leading the show. People just really, REALLY enjoyed sharing time with him. Thank You & Bless You, John Mc Sherry.

[@markdonovan2753]

Screwed up a call at Kinnamon's and he sent me home. He was a good guy.

[@victorblock3421]

I had a heart attack at 53. Doctors were surprised I survived. Well that was 10 years ago. I'm so thankful and feel good.

[@lemonlime8949]

Please take care of yourself

[@victorblock3421]

@@lemonlime8949 Thank you. I have not been careful the last few years but retiring in mid June and already putting together a schedule that is focused on getting very healthy. I've been always a 6 day+ a week working and it's a recipe for death. No vacation since 2007 except a handful of long weekends.

[@lemonlime8949]

@@victorblock3421 wow, since 2007?! I was one years old then! Please do take breaks when necessary.

[@EJHayes-qo4qi]

@@victorblock3421 Glad you’re still here with us man. I lost my father to a heart attack in 2014. Not a day goes by I don’t think about it. Please don’t overwork yourself and get the vacation you need. RELAX!! Glad you’re doing better💯

[@FranktheDachshund]

I had one at 59, 3 years ago, I just retired after realizing continuing work was go to lead to another heart attack. How are you doing today.

[@garymorris1856]

i got to know John when I was a student at umpire school in 1975. He was one of the instructors.

[@6figureceleryjfs378]

Umpire school lmaooooo. Losers

[@darrenruben4108]

How was umpire school

[@garymorris1856]

@@darrenruben4108 It was very interesting. I thought i really knew baseball, and I discovered there was a great deal I did not know. Among the instructors were Frank Pulli, Nick Bremigan, Steve Palermo, Richie Garcia, McSherry and a few others.

[@nymike06]

Remember this like yesterday. Only 51. How sad. R.I.P. John McSherry

[@mikek5958]

Yeah me too. I'm not sure where I saw it (most likely on ESPN) but I remember watching him turn around to walk, take a few steps and then just drop. It was just awful to see.

[@nymike06]

@@mikek5958 Same here. Remember that ESPN broadcast. Must of been a massive heart attack. He didn't have a chance. R.I.P. John McSherry

[@METALITHrevetments]

I remember it like it was yesterday too. I can remember John McSherry in the '70s when I was a kid. I visited him at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Westchester, NY 4 years ago and said a prayer for him. Everyone liked him and never said a bad word about the man.

[@nymike06]

@@METALITHrevetments That's very kind of you. McSherry was known to stop by the bars in Riverdale and Yonkers when he was in the area or off season. Babe Ruth and Billy Martin are also buried there.

[@METALITHrevetments]

@@nymike06 You are correct sir. Also buried at Gate of Heaven are the composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, the reporter Dorothy Kilgallen, the great vaudevillian and radio star Fred Allen and the newspaperman Heywood Broun. Among many others. Mr. McSherry is in good company!

[@Dan-di9jd]

You never know when your last day is. You could clock out any time and anywhere. So just enjoy what you got, what time you have left and whatever that may come your way.

[@45scienceproject]

You feel for Mr. McSherry but I also appreciate this news piece acknowledging how hard it was for other members of the crew to carry on the next day. I'm sure it was indescribably difficult for them but also good to have a game to focus on and distract yourself with. Baseball heals where life cuts deep. That said, postponing the game after that incident was definitely the right thing to do.

[@stephanielaurenbounds4958]

As was the case when the Cubs/Cardinals game in the summer of 2002 was postponed after learning of Cardinals pitcher Darryl Kile’s passing. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@stephanielaurenbounds4958]

I remember the day after Cardinals pitcher Darryl Kile passed away the Cardinals elected to continue with their series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. I watched that game and it was as if BOTH teams seemed to be going through the motions in regards to playing the game. That being said and it’s CERTAINLY TRUE where the Reds and Expos were concerned in April 1996 the day after McSherry’s passing, life has to go on. 🥲🥲🥲🥲🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@stephanielaurenbounds4958]

@Praise Jesus, Repent or Likewise Perish AMEN!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ajreyes9742]

to the Umpires....this was their Brother in Arms.....Glad the game was suspended.....and no doubt...tough to play the next day with your crew member with you......RIP John McSherry.....you called a good game....McSherry....his name is a baseball name to remember.

[@keeganmurray789]

Lol he dead af

[@misplacednewyawker8320]

He was too fat. Obesity is NOT a game, we should not normalize it.

[@tonyvelasquez6776]

@@misplacednewyawker8320 get fat hit the mat

[@davidgibbons2996]

@@misplacednewyawker8320 being a moron should not normalize it

[@redjoker8640]

Just replace the umpire, no need to stop. Hold the funeral ceremony after the game.

[@erichutzel8369]

You never know when your time is, make the best of your life before ya go.

[@kennethbailey6634]

Most people don't understand the greatness of the heart. Anybody that has had even a murmur will tell you stories. There is nothing that gets your attention faster than ❤️ and lung issues. It can be sudden or gradual. But you know one thing,I can be outta here instantly.

[@KirbyScuff]

Ya said it best. But baseball keeps us young am I right?

[@Bluegrassriver8]

Make the best of your life and do the same for others...

[@inconnu4961]

@@KirbyScuff Unless your team stresses your heart like mine tends to do! LOL But yes it can! Fun sport!

[@gmcneoplan84]

I was in seventh grade way over in San Diego, California when I heard about this. News outlets in San Diego, national news outlets, and ESPN showed John McSherry collapsing over and over again. You just couldn't get that image of him collapsing out of your head at the time, shit, even to this day. That was some heavy stuff for me at the time as a 13-year-old football and baseball fan.

[@Joseph-lz5er]

I was a sophomore student at a high school when this happened. I remember very well and how eerie it felt watching the news about this incident. On the side note, I skipped school to watch my Yankees opening day game on TV. Little did I know, my Yanks will win the WS that year.

[@TheEDFLegacy]

I miss the media back then. Very well done with the coverage when this happened. It's good to know that John is still being remembered today through this upload. It's good that medical technology has gotten better since then, though even today some heart attacks are unrecoverable. It sounds like his heart literally gave out, and there was nothing they can do. Sad. 😢

[@kennethandrews8460]

He was apart of my childhood because he umpired many Mets games

[@terminat1]

A part.

[@georgeoy932]

The man was a living legend and will never be forgotten I will say inshallah in his honour

[@markniemeier4811]

If I remember correctly, he was umpiring the game between the Padres and Braves in 1984 that had multiple brawls by both players and fans. He and the umpiring crew handled that extremely well I thought.

[@Stormsfury777]

You are correct.

[@Martin_L478]

John McSherry earned the same level of respect that a fallen first responder would haven gotten. RIP John McSherry

[@jtsharp6129]

What is shocking is that 50,000 people saw a man die. Right in front of their eyes. What's even more bad is that there were more than likely children at that game and how do you explain to a child that a man died right in front of them. Good of them however to release the news after about an hour. Better to notify his family first before the general public.

[@hydrated9291]

It ain’t that deep man ppl die everyday day in much more tragic ways

[@ynotttt]

That’s not even going be on the map of the worst things those kids would experience. It’s not that deep pal.

[@davidlafleche1142]

@@ynotttt I saw my sister get killed by a hit-and-run driver. She was 13, I was 8.

[@ynotttt]

@@davidlafleche1142 ….thats for sure tragic, that’s certainly a worse thing to cope with.

[@FunGamerFever]

@hydrated9291 Grow up kid. You cowards behind screens typing nonsense until it happens to your relatives

[@williamstalvey6920]

RIP to a Great Umpire

[@misplacednewyawker8320]

Well he did COVER all the bases.

[@fitness4life67]

@@misplacednewyawker8320 😁💀

[@darbyvolk7948]

Sorry about the loss. But, its nice to see solidarity among all players, coaches, fans, and his colleagues! This is what sportsmanship is

[@parkerperkins6584]

my grandpa was in a suite with the owner when this happened, told me the story a few weeks ago. still crazy to think about, rip john.

[@robertcroxtonjr2025]

i send my condolances to john's family. what a sad moment. god bless mr mcsherry. rest in peace.

[@keeganmurray789]

He dead

[@jaden2790]

most of his immediate family is in a nursing home rn. This was 24 years ago...

[@ldr513]

26 years

[@donjennings9034]

Yes, I agree. However, you get an F in writing. Have you ever considered using capitalization?

[@terminat1]

God.

[@georgesouthwick7000]

I remember Marge Schott’s reaction was not expressing sympathy for McSherry, but being angry because the game was canceled.

[@mikelavin9704]

Talk about a swing and a miss at his overall point! Your focus on a relevant but not indispensable point is noted, however. Here is to hoping no one asks you to develop a priority list!

[@basilmarasco1975]

Marge Schott was not known for possessing the qualities of tact and discretion.

[@josecarranza7555]

She was a racist bitch too, and a hitler sympathizer.

[@Rastus03]

On the local news that evening (Cincinnati) they interviewed some of the people who booed and threw things on the field, and they were whining about traveling from a distance or taking the day off work ... they thought the game should have been played anyway. It WAS played the next day (a scheduled day off) and the game tickets from Opening Day were still valid. Regardless of why they were upset, there's no way their behavior is acceptable in a civilized society.

[@bradsullivan2495]

Not to mention the fact that she sent flowers to the other umpires "in sympathy"--the same flowers that she'd received prior to the game.

[@robertcrist5747]

I remember watching this live. He was well respected amongst the player's. RIP 🙏

[@terminat1]

Players.

[@tonyvelasquez6776]

@@terminat1 can I ask u something

[@terminat1]

@@tonyvelasquez6776 Of course.

[@robrunstedler6953]

I was watching this game live as well, with my father. It was so disturbing to see. My memory had the game at the big O, how the mid can remember this like yesterday but change location of the game in my head idk.

[@patrickpowers8912]

That’s very sad, but at least he died doing what he loved.

[@ssj2camaro21]

Exactly

[@HelloooThere]

Ughh

[@terminat1]

Such an annoying cliche.

[@davidharrison7014]

@@terminat1 Still rings true. How else would you phrase it?

[@rapman5363]

If you died at your job, could we say the same for you. Umpiring was his job,he did it well and was well respected all around. That doesn’t change the fact that he died doing his job,if he got off the field and went and volunteered his time umpiring little league or college games than maybe he “loved it” Somehow I don’t think that’s what he did. Now if he died fishing,,,,then yeah ,maybe he died doing something he loved.

[@Skunkgravy]

i was 9. will never forget this moment. My school had the day off for opening day. I was at home watching it on tv. i remember calling my mom into the room when it happened and she prayed for him.

[@MrDan708]

I remember seeing coverage of this on ESPN that day; you feel sorry for his family more than anyone. They did the right thing to postpone the game.

[@davidharrison7014]

Marge Schott would've disagreed with you.

[@MrDan708]

@@davidharrison7014 Yeah, she was a piece of work!

[@imarriedabrkfsttaco3737]

@@davidharrison7014 lol! That greedy incompetent witch probably cursed his corpse. It was a Reds game FFS! Cancelling it is doing the world a favor.

[@johnnyg2049]

I think the game should've been called immediately, and not wait around and keep the fans in flux. Everyone on the field knew. Had they called it immediately there definitely should've been no mention of him dying on the field. He was one of the best personal and game calling umpires ever.

[@eyeseverywhere8246]

there's always a whining complainer...no matter the story. even when it's 26 years later....sorry you were so terribly "Inconvenienced"....wow.

[@johnnyg2049]

@@eyeseverywhere8246 it's not a complaint. I just thought it would've been best just to call it immediately. No sane person would play a game after what happened. Marge Schott was a POS, and as being the owner at the time was too selfish to know better.

[@johnhunter2294]

I agree. They should've called it immediately; it was going to be all over the news, so it wasn't like people weren't going to find out what had happened.

[@imarriedabrkfsttaco3737]

The MLB brass ain't the brightest.

[@Burps___]

Umpire McSherry would have told them to allow the 40,000 ticket holders to stay and play the game. ⚾️

[@moth_luvrr]

my mom was at this game, she was 20 at the time. i was shocked when i heard this, even though this was a while ago i hope hes resting well. RIP John McSherry

[@donaldhall4823]

And now the untimely situation with Demar Hamlin 💯🙏🏽

[@moth_luvrr]

@@donaldhall4823 yep, i actually got here from talking to my parents about serious sports injuries. i hope Hamlin is doing well and i hope he recovers safely 🙏🏻

[@donaldhall4823]

What's so ironic is that both happened in Cincinnati

[@Marcuswelby-nx2te]

Hamlin was a faked storyline

[@HisNameIsJoeyAndILovehim]

The people that complained that the game was postponed, just because they didn’t know what happened & even saw him collapse, they don’t know what being a true baseball fan really means. R.I.P. John McSherry. I was born in the year 1996 & no one ever told me about this. Idk about this until now.

[@robsimpson6537]

I remember him very well. Growing up hearing his name. Also remember this day as a sad one Godspeed mr John

[@brandtmanning1084]

I was working as an electrician on a service call at USA Foods in Over-the-Rhine that day when this happened. The counter clerk said "oh shit....." and we watched it unfold on a 12" black and white tv set.

[@douglaslowe5]

explanation or not, it was obvious why the game was cancelled. shame on the fans who booed.

[@TripleFourSC]

In hindsight sure, but they had no idea what was happening and they spent a lot of money on their food and tickets only for the game to be cancelled with no explanation, they deserved that atleast. They had no idea he had died so you can't really blame them at the time.

[@bernieudo4399]

Can understand the position the Reds were in. You'd like to notify the fans officially, but maybe hands tied because authorities (MLB, Cincinnati Police) said to say nothing until his family notified. Who knows? Just so sad. Still, you can see more were understanding.

[@weirdfan88]

I would've booed too. Spending all that money for not a even half a game

[@Kevin-jt6zy]

And shame on you for your comment

[@VandelayIndusties]

I can’t believe I’ve never heard about this until now. I was only 7 when it happened but i assuredly had no interest in baseball at that time .. it’s actually pretty crazy we don’t see more incidences like this throughout sports

[@codypriceYouTubeAddednumbers]

because its not a very common thing.

[@boxwi]

There have been tragic baseball fan incidents over the last several years.

[@chiefchimp3g922]

Happening a lot in soccer now because of the vaccine. Look it up. They dropping like flies

[@jbcfamily4802]

1:34 "The game of baseball is so insignificant to the game of life"

[@joevasquez6375]

It was sad to see, and wish they would've kept the fans posted. He was a good guy.

[@deemariedubois4916]

We need more umpires like Mr McSherry. RIP sir.

[@EdsterIII]

This was tragic. I've seen two family members pass away both in my arms. Both from terminal illnesses that you can come back from. Baseball was something my Dad wanted to share with me and it was always a great experience. This I can imagine how much it affected the kids. Prayers for him, his family, and his friends. Umpires may not always be loved by fans, but they are just people. Decent wonderful people. God Bless them all and RIP.

[@bethbogue3742]

This game happened 6 days before my nephew was born, and I am now older than John McSherry was when he died. It's an uncomfortable reflection on my own mortality. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

[@sdsmt99]

Lighten up Francis

[@DavidSanchez-ev2yo]

Of course they booed, no one is getting their money back. RIP to that umpire and may God give his family and friends peace during this moment of grieving.

[@bubbo5714]

this moment? this happened 26 years ago

[@tylerholley3863]

“Rip but god damn can I get my 27 dollar bleacher tickets back?” Poor people probably call you poor.

[@LukeBCtown]

The game would have been rescheduled I'm sure all tickets would have been honored or a different game would have been offered in their place

[@nedwart]

@@LukeBCtown Google the Reds' old owner Marge Scott, who was running the team when this happened. Safe to say she probably didn't give the fans their money back.

[@jwilhite12357]

@@nedwart All she cared about was that she didn’t get to see the game. She stated publicly that she felt cheated.

[@Slinger43]

Big Mick was one of the GOAT's of his difficult & honorable profession, no other Blue did it better than he 💪 RIP JPM ✝️ for you have been greatly missed ever since your departure from this life to the next 🙏

[@bruceragland6394]

They postponed the game and Marge Schott lost her mind. Worst sports team owner ever.

[@MrPunkforlife]

Schott is roasting in Hell NOW ! 8D

[@df5295]

Before the games she use to let her dog Shotzie run all over the field taking craps!

[@PolishEnforcer]

​@@df5295like Biden does his diaper

[@ravingircey]

I was an Expos fan and saw that game live. Will never forget McSherry walking to the backstop and just collapsing. Opening day!

[@jakesmith6233]

I heard about this, I also heard that Marge Schott was mad because that game was postponed. AN UMPIRE DIED, BUT SHE WANTED THE GAME TO CONTINUE? HOW WAS SHE ALLOWED TO BE THE OWNER OF THE REDS FOR AS LONG AS SHE OWNED THEM?

[@davidharrison7014]

Your Caps lock is on.

[@jakesmith6233]

@@davidharrison7014 Thanks

[@davidharrison7014]

@@jakesmith6233 You're welcome. 😃

[@reallifelebowski4732]

I remember when this happened and I thought to myself he was old and now I'm almost 10 years older than he was.

[@suestabile1262]

The years fly by, right?😔

[@Seroxm13]

Ugh. I'm getting there too. About to be 34... 😞

[@suestabile1262]

@@Seroxm13 Just a kid!😀

[@Seroxm13]

@@suestabile1262 I still feel and look like a kid, but I know I'm not in my 20s anymore and that I'm not really a kid anymore. The 40s are just around the corner 😣 Hoping my 30s last and feel long.

[@suestabile1262]

@@Seroxm13 Enjoy every year. You have many, many ahead. I wish my forties were right around the corner! But as I get older, I appreciate each day more & more & realize what a gift time is.💝

[@Calrad]

I saw this live on TV when this happened. Knew from get-go was heart attack. John was respectful of everyone around him. 🙏🙏RIP.

[@markkenny5799]

Keyboard doctor🙄!

[@WhiteWolf-lm7gj]

@@markkenny5799 Guessing that a 51 year old who collapsed is having a heart attack is not exactly the prediction of the century

[@fitness4life67]

@@markkenny5799 The dude was probably 120+lbs overweight.

[@TryPuttingItInRice]

@@markkenny5799 kind of obvious it's a heart attack

[@Peter-f1z]

We’re all so glad that you were there to give your diagnosis. Your keen insight was given us a new understanding of what happened.

[@jacobrichardson1952]

25 years of this sadness.

[@b.whisky9438]

What the heck do fan's need an explanation? They all saw McSherry collapse. They all saw the emergency medical unit on homeplate. Something very serious happened to McSherry. Does he want the stadium announcer to say McSherry suffered a massive heart attack or he had an medical emergency? Come on use some common sense.

[@stephenkammerling9479]

It should have seemed obvious to anyone with a brain that they had to notify his family first. This is somewhat similar to what happened in Chicago in June, 2002 when Cardinals were playing Cubs in an afternoon game. The night before a Cardinal player died of a heart attack in his motel room, but no one knew until the next day. A packed house was present for a Saturday Cubs vs. Cardinals game which is really a big deal in both St. Louis and Chicago during summer weekend series regardless of how the teams were playing(Cardinals were good, but Cubs stunk). Eventually, Cub players, with Joe Girardi as the spokesman, along with the umpires came out on field to announce game was canceled(it was made up later in season, so actually postponed, not canceled) due to a "tragedy in the Cardinals family." The teams were desperately trying to notify the player's(pitcher Daryl Kile) family before the media broke the story. The teams would play the next day, a nationally televised Sunday night game. In keeping with the somber atmosphere, there was no organ music or anything extra at the game. The Cardinals obviously weren't into the game, and the Cubs won easily. Daryl Kile, the deceased Cardinal player was scheduled to pitch the Sunday night game.

[@WaltGekko]

@@stephenkammerling9479 And this was right after Jack Buck, legendary Cardinals voice and father of Joe Buck had passed away. That Saturday game was supposed to be on FOX and be Joe's first telecast since his father's death. He actually was more disturbed by Kile's death than that of his own father as I remember.

[@stephenkammerling9479]

@@WaltGekko That's an interesting update. Thank you. I do recall Jack Buck dying around that time.

[@terminat1]

Fans.

[@rileygoodread3415]

I remember hearing about it on the radio that night when I got back from work around midnight.

[@markieffmorris9263]

This is incredibly sad. Can’t help but be annoyed that Angel Hernandez is still very much with us

[@KAYSL1FEXO]

This literally happened today at my little brothers game , the umpire was just walking and tripped on smth he’s like 71 years old and his knee popped out of its socket my brother won but it was so bad the ambulance came 😢

[@nymike06]

How sad

[@MissAmazanda]

I remember watching this back in 96 on tv and trying to figure out what happened because it was so fast, it was a strange start to the season

[@thomasayer7511]

Me too.

[@trishferris7355]

John must have lived a good life. What grace to die doing what you love until the last minute. Condolences to Mr McSherry family.

His last minute alive was in the hospital. I highly doubt he wanted to be doing that the last minute before he died.

[@Michael-gu5kl]

I had the honor of meeting John in 1992 at Wrigley Field and he was one of the nicest people who was happy to give advice!

[@robwahl6288]

Still miss this fabulous umpire. I grew up seeing him umpire and he was so good at what he did.

[@ss_whole]

You've got to take care of yourself, he looked like he was pushing 350, unbelievable he made it to 51

[@NemeanLion-]

Yeah, I believe there were even umps in the future that were let go because of their weight. Real Sports did a special on how the MLB didn’t want to see something like this happen again.

[@sportsdude2damax]

John McSherry & Eric Greg...two of the best MLB officials. Both gone much too soon, God Rest them both!

[@claude122]

eric gregg you kidding me? rip but he wasnt even close to be the best umpires oof

[@donjennings9034]

Greg, may have been a great man, but he was a terrible umpire.

[@philipcillo6659]

Yes there IS crying in baseball.

[@adublbeatz8656]

Man...I remember this like it was yesterday. I was just getting started the year before this. As a young umpire trying to not just make the money, but also gain the experience. So I was working every tournament. Summer heat, not always properly hydrating myself. Mr. McSherry name came up a lot when discussing umpires to mirror. This happened and I was shook. I didn't know him, and I wasn't on that level, but it was the Umpire Brotherhood. Rest on Mr. McSherry.

[@yahuahisgod]

Wow, I was watching this live, will never forget this? Tragic moment, McSherry was a good one.

[@MovieMakingMan]

I wish his family well. I know it’s been 3 years but their pain is probably still great. What a sad story.

[@stiben718]

This happened in 1996

[@michaelleroy9281]

The Reds had the worst owner in the history of the game in 1996

[@michaelleroy9281]

@Mark Stewger Not George, the Yankees were beginning a period where they won 4 World Series in 5 years

[@indycastletonjonahinarizon8380]

@Mark Stewger What? Lol Steinbrenner won titles. I can tell you're a bit of a lose screw

[@philipmurray7307]

I remember watching that on TV as it happened. That's an opening day I'll never forget.

[@snikkerr1949]

You aren't owed an explanation...you want them to make a public announcement potentially before his family knows so that it canspread all over the news....get over yourself.

[@greasedog]

Exactly! The arrogant, self importance of too many people is astounding!

[@alwillk]

All you have to do is go over the loud speaker and say there has been an tragedy in the baseball family and todays game has been postponed. Much like the Cubs did when Darryl kile died before a game in 2002. How simple.

[@kevinmiller6380]

@@alwillk I just don't understand why MLB hires umpires that are grossly overweight in the first place? Why can't they hire ones that are in better shape, and at a decent weight, like 175 lbs?

[@jdtractorman7445]

True. Self-righteous people at their finest.

[@FloridaManRacer]

@@kevinmiller6380 Angel Hernandez is one of the more in shape umps and he sucks ass. i'd take the out of shape guy who actually gets calls RIGHT thank you very much...

[@psychopathyoutubeemployees280]

WCPO 9 was just two months away from becoming ABC since I'm sure you've noticed the CBS logo on the 9 microphone in this video.

[@williamoleary9330]

I remember this, just terrible for John and his family. RIP John

[@TheDevnul]

As an Expos fan, I still remember him collapsing to the ground. I can still remember it like it was yesterday.

[@totalrobot]

You know there is no God when good guys like him get taken but Angel Hernandez lives on for decades

[@ishmaeldarjean2757]

Respect to Mr McSherry. I was 18 when it happened. Remember it like yesterday.

[@pernamore1978]

When it's your time, it's your time.

[@terminat1]

Being obese didn't help.

[@eandsm4620]

He died while doing something that he loved. RIP.

[@GeorgeWolfeIV-ir6de]

I lost my grandfather from my father’s side 9 months after John McSherry died. My grandfather died of a heart attack in Athens, Greece on January 2, 1997 (January 1, 1997 in the United States).

[@Rastus03]

I was in Cincy that day at the game with some friends. When he first went down I thought he'd just gotten nicked by a foul tip, but the longer he stayed down, it was obvious that it was much more serious than that. Some of the fans booed and threw things on the field when the game was suspended. Not the best look for Queen City folks.

[@naturalpro2003]

I remember learning about that terrible tragedy. What a loss for Major League Baseball.

[@christolbert4628]

I remember this. He was overweight and sweating profusely. Rip 🙏

[@davidharrison7014]

Why didn't this man go on a diet? You'd think his doctor would've told him to have done so. Jeez!!!

[@jefarrell2]

My Uncle Tex was a close friend of John.They went to school together John was a regular customer at my uncles bar in Dobbs Ferry NY.I met John there at the bar as well.Great guy.John and my Uncle Tex are together again in Heaven.God Bless them,and we'll all meet once again. But not yet

[@barbt.9211]

My uncle Gus own D&N auto body shop in Dodds Ferry N.Y.

[@jackmeyhoffer5107]

Unfortunately, when you weigh in excess of 300 pounds and you don’t take care of yourself, having a fatal heart attack at relatively young age isn’t surprising.

[@fitness4life67]

this is true. why did he let himself go so badly is my question? he had to have known he was playing russian roulette with his health.

[@GetOutsideYourself]

51 is too young.

[@HHIto]

RIP Mr. John McSherry.

[@steveburke1519]

I was watching this game live on TV in Covington, KY when this happened. Very sad.

[@friarfaithful2863]

1:24 who else wants to count how many fucking mics are being poked at him

[@buckeyeschmave]

I remember I was supposed to be there. It was the first Opening Day I'd missed in Cincinnati in several years; used to drive down from Columbus with my dad and his buddies, but I had to work that day. Glad I wasn't there.

[@Michelle-CA-USA]

🙏🏻 Rest In Peace ~ Absolutely the right decision to cancel the game, out of respect ❤️

[@Mr.Jtea3]

Yeah but people are selfish. Even if people feel bad about what happened, selfishly in their heads they want the show to go on.

[@tomdietz5070]

This is absolutely heartbreaking to watch a man knowing he is in trouble and seconds later dropping dead. At least he died doing what he loved.

Oh, FFS. Do you not even listen? HE DID NOT DROP DEAD SECONDS LATER! HE DID NOT DIE ON THE FIELD, SO I REALLY DOUBT WHEN HE LATER DIED AT THE HOSPITAL, THAT THAT WOULD BE WHAT HE LOVED DOING! I hate it when people make up a story to fit what THEY wanted to happen. That shows no respect to John McSherry, in this case, or to his family. Why comment if you never even bothered listening to the facts?

[@jonnydanger7181]

People in general seemed so much kinder back then.

[@TrinityTwo]

Did they?

[@jonnydanger7181]

@@TrinityTwo yes

[@eandsm4620]

@@jonnydanger7181 Yes, people were!

[@Jdwify]

This was such a shocking event. I didn't know what had happened as I was at work that day. When I got home, I put the news on and Channel 4 News Anchor Colleen Marshall said, "Snow and a tragedy cancelled Ohio's openers". The game didn't matter after that. A man's life is much more important than anything else. On May 5, 1978 Pete Rose got his 3,000th hit. There is a picture of Pete Rose at first base with Tony Perez and in the background umpire John McSherry. I just think that is an interesting coincidence.

[@thedoc1886]

RIP John your surely missed

[@rickpearson1349]

I really remember that game well like it was yesterday very sad and tragic 😔 to actually see it happening before your eyes

[@highnrising]

Obviously, there needs to be a fitness requirement for someone whose job is to stand on a field for hours, in all kinds of weather, in front of tens of thousands of people, and judge ball flyings and men running and sliding at high speed--while having to stay out of their way.

[@Ghostrider6A]

Dale Scott's book details the mentality of an umpire back then. It's a great read, highly recommend.

[@taytay8283]

Why would you post a comment like that …some things are not meant to be said you are very Cold hearted 👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾

[@nja3224]

Back then, fans knew umpires and umpiring crews almost as much as the players. I don’t know if it’s still that way or not, but big John was well known and part of the game.

[@jeffteyrosado9966]

Umpire heaven

[@georgeanthony7282]

I remember when it happened... such a tragedy. What upset me further was finding out some fans were actually booing when the game was called off... as if the death of a human being was some sort of afterthought. Real classy fans... made me sick!

[@WestCoastAthletic]

Wow.. 51 yrs.. yikes.. sad. Too young..

[@kiki4151]

He did not take care of himself. Very sad. Being overweight puts you at risk at heart failure.

[@bernieudo4399]

There was a time when umps smoked in between innings. When you could smoke in the stadium. Yes. We are in different times. 🤕🥃

[@claytonwade3570]

if we can find light in one thing here, he died on the field doing what he adored. what a way to go out, i hope it wasn't too truly painful for him

[@taytay8283]

RIP Mr Mcsherry 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@KenKocur-xs4md]

Rest in peace John Mcsherry. A great umpire doing what he loved. The umpires are all family!

[@Steve98NYy12550]

I am the same age as McSherry when he died, but he was grossly overweight and I am not.

[@hrjr5165]

Cool story

[@ChristopherPaulOder]

I was in attendance that day.. 8 years old. Had no idea what was happening at the time.. But I remember hearing the news on the radio on the way home.

[@shaofuchang515]

died doing what he loved to the very end. :(

[@RansomShindawakei]

He died right there on the spot. I heard about this the folliowing morning while catching sports scores on ESPN radio.

[@mikefinney423]

Yeah, we don't really need to be reminded of this. It was a horrible day.