Jocko

Umpire Jocko Conlan (1899-1989) describes his long career in baseball in this entertaining biography co-written with Robert Creamer. Growing up on Chicago's South Side Conlan dreamed of playing for the White Sox, and briefly did so (1934-35) after years in the minors. One day as the Sox were about to play the Browns in St. Louis an umpire was out, so Conlan went in to officiate (as occasionally happened then) and the rest is history. Conlan officiated in the minors from 1936-1940, then spent a quarter century as an umpire in the majors. Conlan describes many facets of umpiring, including getting into position, not anticipating the call, using your head, and maintaining your integrity and respect. We also learn about the spitball, bean balls, arguments, travel, plus the non-stellar pay and benefits. This valuable book should be read by anybody with an interest in umpiring at any level, be it the pro's, high school, or little league. There's also much baseball history in these pages, including anecdotes about people like Leo Durocher, Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, etc. This dated book remains a valuable read, given Conlan's upbeat, intelligent style and Creamer's easy-reading prose.

I've read the book over and over. Baseball means visiting the past in what we thought as kids as simpler times with heroes. Baseball players were my heroes. Jocko Conlan was a man behind the mask in control of the great game. I've related myself with a person's will without the GOD given gift to be a player but with the determination to find a place in the game. Jocko Conlan was just that. He found his way into the game through his determination and strength to be part of it. The stories depict the golden age of the time we considered the game our national pastime. What wonderful stories! What a wonderful baseball book!

Anyone who loves baseball will enjoy the stories Jocko relates in this book. A true baseball fan will appreciate the directness and honesty with which he went about his work--and wish that more of that were evident in the game today!

As a young amateur umpire in 1966, I had bought and read this book by former National League Umpire, Jock Conlan. Well, 33 years later, a little worn and a little tattered, I still have the book amongst my collection. I found it to be a wonderful inspriing book about a fine umpire. It was enjoyable then, just as I think the remake of this book will be enjoyable to your readers now. Truly a collectors' item.