By Mark Gonzales
Umpire Eddie Montague is retiring after 34 years of major-league service.
Montague, 61, announced his retirement in a letter he e-mailed to fellow umpires, MLB officials and friends.
''I would like to thank MLB and the many great umpires and partners I learned from over the years, and all the fans that make this game the greatest game in the world,'' wrote Montague, who also thanked his family and administrative assistant Cathy Davis.
Montague worked six World Series, four All-Star games and has served as a crew chief since 1996.
Umpire Eddie Montague is retiring after 34 years of major-league service.
Montague, 61, announced his retirement in a letter he e-mailed to fellow umpires, MLB officials and friends.
''I would like to thank MLB and the many great umpires and partners I learned from over the years, and all the fans that make this game the greatest game in the world,'' wrote Montague, who also thanked his family and administrative assistant Cathy Davis.
Montague worked six World Series, four All-Star games and has served as a crew chief since 1996.
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Ed Montague was one of the best MLB umpires of all time. I did not know the story about his father being a scout and signing Willie Mays. I love the history of baseball and that's a great story. This is my first year of umpiring at the high school level here in western North Carolina. I hope I can one day be even close to as good an umpire and professional as he was. Congratulations upon your retirement.
Ed Montague was always a terrific umpire. His father was a scout who signed Willie Mays for the Giants, so the Montagues have been a true baseball family. We fans owe Ed Montague a debt for his service to baseball.
Eddie Montague thanks for the service that you gave to baseball and all the years that you gave to call the greatest game in the world. You will always be remembered.
John