[PAmedic]

Sad news from Philly- I always liked this guy, very personable. Remember seeing him at the Vet as a kid- sorta the stereotypical ump.

Former umpire Eric Gregg has stroke

Associated Press

Former major league umpire Eric Gregg, who spent his career trying to overcome weight problems, had a stroke and was unconscious Sunday night, his son said.

The 55-year-old Gregg was at Lankenau Hospital in Philadelphia, Kevin Gregg said.
"There's no sure sign how much better he can get from here," he said. "He has a large amount of blood in the brain right now."

Gregg was among 22 umpires who lost their jobs in 1999 when their labor plan of mass resignations backfired. Recognized for his 300-pound-plus frame and large strike zone, he worked the 1989 World Series, four championship series, two division series and one All-Star game.

Gregg said his father complained to family members on Sunday morning at his home in Ardmore, Pa., that he couldn't feel anything on his left side.

"It became apparent to them that it was a stroke and he was rushed to the hospital," Kevin Gregg said.

In early March, the former umpire had his right knee replaced. Kevin Gregg said his father was taking blood thinners to prevent clots.

"They think that triggered a leak in the vessels in the head," Kevin Gregg said.

Gregg called his first game in 1975 and became a member of the NL staff in 1978. He was left jobless after union head Richie Phillips called for mass resignations as a way of forcing an early start to contract negotiations.

In December 2004, Gregg and five other umpires whose resignations were accepted in 1999 received severance pay and health benefits for themselves and their families. Gregg received $400,000 under the deal.

The 6-foot-3 Gregg, once fined $5,000 for failing to report at 300 pounds, was widely criticized for having a wide strike zone as Florida's Livan Hernandez struck out a record 15 in Game 5 of the 1997 NL championship series against Atlanta.

[Rocketfan]

I remember seeing his there as well, sad news.