This week I am going to discuss the tragic death of John McSherry.

McSherry, 51, was the National League umpire who died at Riverfront Stadium on the Cincinnati Reds’ opening day.

I was truly saddened and suprised to hear about the death and the turmoil that has occurred since.

First, let me say that Reds majority owner Marge Schott decided to open her big trap and spill out another inhumane statement.

Schott, in no uncertain terms, asked why the game was delayed after the first seven pitches.

Schott wanted to see the game continue, despite the high emotions.

That, in my opinion, is the most insulting thing, to date, that she has uttered.

Granted, she has said some demeaning things in the past about players clothing, jewelry and race, but the death of an umpire during a game is very saddening.

She had no right saying that; it not only shows me that she is a racist and a bigot, but also a very, very insensitive human being.

Schott should lose her franchise for all of the stuff that she has said in the past few years.

But, let’s turn back to the death and stop focussing on the wicked witch of Cincinnati.

Despite the tragic consequences, the death may be a blessing in disguise. Fellow National League umpire Eric Gregg has now asked to take a leave of absence in order to better control his weight.

In an article published in the Wednesday, April 10, version of USA Today, Gregg said that he and McSherry have discussed their weight problems in the past on many occassions.

Gregg, 44, has been a major league umpire for 19 years.

The story, which was actually a commentary piece by Hal Bodley (page 5C), was very touching in nature, in fact so touching that it may be the inspiration for others to motivate themselves.

As the commentary piece wrapped up, Bodley appropriately finished the story with the following quote: “Big John got through to me.”

Gregg has been suffering from high blood pressure for awhile and has now been shocked and scared back into reality with the death of his friend.

After the death, National League president Len Coleman and the umpires union chief has made several suggestions that need to be looked at very carefully.

The umpires have begun to suggest that maybe they should stay in a city for a week rather than changing after every series.

The umpires have also asked for the addition of stairmasters and other exercise equipment, along with the assignment of a personal trainer at each major league city.

I hereby suggest something else, though. I suggest that two umpires be assigned to a major league team.

Under this assumption, the umpires have the right to use their equipment, and their training staff, but in return the umpires must have as little contact as possible with the major league players and coaching staff.

The umpires must be evaluated by an executive of the team after each series in order to prevent any bias towards the team that is assigned.

In order to better assign the umpires, the evaluations will then be tabulated at the all-star break and the umpires will then be allowed to change teams in the order of the highest rating. But only the top two umpiring duos would be allowed to choose, and then the rest would be assigned to respective teams.

Ryan Harvey is a junior in journalism from Badger, Iowa.