OFFICIAL's "HONOR ROLL"

John McSherry collapsed at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Just seven pitches into a ballgame, McSherry backed away from the plate, waved to the other umpires, took a few labored steps and collapsed at 2:11 p.m. EST.

Although the other umpires were willing to continue out of respect to McSherry, the Expos and Reds were too emotional to play. The game was canceled and rescheduled.

A medical crew bolted from the stands and tried to revive him, but he was pronounced dead about an hour later at University of Cincinnati Hospital at 2:40 pm EDT. According to physicians at University Hospital the cause of death was sudden cardiac death.

John McSherry, a 25-year veteran umpire, worked 3 All-Star games (1975, '82, & '91), one Division Series (1995), 7 NLCS (1974, '78, '83, '88, '90, '92) and 2 World Series (1977 and 1987).

Sherry K. Trexler
sktpj1@aol.com

Ed Trexler, dean of Arizona officials, died on January 31st at age 73 of a heart attack at half time of a high school girl's basketball game. "Trex" worked as an official for over 50 years. In football, he worked the ACCAC (Arizona Community College Athletic Conference), WAC, Big Sky and USFL. He conducted many officiating camps throughout the US.

Last summer Trex and I conducted the first AIA (Arizona Interscholastic Association) Football Officials Camp at Phoenix College. Based upon the tremendous success of the camp, we had scheduled the second annual camp for August 15-17th. We have decided to dedicate the camp in his memory.

This man trained many officials in football and basketball. Recently Trex was commissioner of officials for the ACCAC. Officials who worked in this league have gone on to work in the WAC, Big Sky, Pac 10 and NFL.

He was a devoted family man and life long official. Trex died with his stripes on. As Ed always said before leaving, Cheers! See you around the league.

By Hank Mancini
hankm@goodnet.com

Ed the bald headed ref as it was said in a school paper once, was a mentor, a teacher, and a father figure to most sports officials in the state of Arizona. Having known Ed for most of my officiating "life" I know he will be missed. He was from Indiana but it never held him back, or anyone not from Indiana Well Ed just one more "Gorilla" move for us. Bye Ed

By Dave Pottinger
Davepott@aol.com

Locklear made an attempt to raise his hand in front of the scorer's table, but collapsed across the midcourt stripe. CPR was performed and a request was made over the PA for doctors in the stands to report to the floor. Two doctors, including a heart specialist, went to Locklear's assistance. Paramedics arrived and additional treatment was provided included "shocking" Locklear. This caused his heart to beat on its own and he was transferred to a stretcher.

The tournament site coordinators visited Locklear later in the day before being airlifted to Birmingham, and he recognized them and in true 'referee' fashion asked who won the ballgame. He was listed in critical but stable condition.

On Monday, Feb. 24th, Bobby was scheduled for quadruple heart bypass surgery.

If you want to send a message to Bobby, e-mail me at:

Gary McGriff
gmcgriff@hiwaay.net

He was on his way back from a State Association meeting in LA on a Sunday afternoon in early November, and experienced car trouble on the freeway. Evidently, he stopped and raised the hood to see what was the matter, and went into the passengers side to retrieve something in the glove compartment. He had a heart attack and died while leaning into the car. The highway patrol found him about two hours later after motorists reported the scene.

Thank you.

Phil Hawkins
amigo@madnet.net

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