271. Former MLB Umpire John Hirschbeck (Part 1)

Former American League and Major League Baseball Umpire John Hirschbeck joins the show four years after his extraordinary umpiring career came to a close in the 2016 World Series between the Cubs and Indians. Hirschbeck was an American League umpire from 1984 to 1999. When Major League Baseball combined the two league umpires he continued as an MLB ump from 2000 to 2016. He’s called five World Series, three All-Star Games, and over 15 other playoff series.

Hirschbeck recently started a sports memorabilia auction to benefit Hirschbeck’s The Magic of Michael Foundation, in honor of his son Michael who passed away from a rare, neurological disease called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). He lost his younger son John to the same disease in 1992.

The Magic of Baseball Auction from CollectibleXchange.com is underway and features a treasure-trove of memorabilia from John Hirschbeck’s stellar career.

This first half of this extended interview discusses his early years in the American League. He talks about the art of arguing with managers, and some of the nuances that he loves about baseball.

They also talk about Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 756th home run, as Seth was introduced to John that day in San Francisco.

John also tells the story of his two sons and the rare ailment that claimed their lives.