Strange how life takes turns and twists. When I was in the 6th grade, I used to go to Waterford High School basketball and baseball games. My first local hero was a point guard and shortstop by the name of Fred Miller, who at the time was bigger than life to me! Years passed, and paths crossed again, when a sister umpire group asked me in to conduct a clinic. The Umpire In Chief for that group was Fred, and rekindled a long association working together when Fred joined our group at Schenectady Baseball Umpires Organization and Eastern New York Umpires. Fred was the consumate professional, with outstanding rules knowledge and mechanics. He progressed with our group to become our Trainer. Fred impacted many of us making us all better umpires under his tutelage. Always ready to laugh, and with his catch phrase of "Hey Bud", it was a privilege and pleasure to work many (but yet not enough) games. As good as he was as an umpire, he was even a better man and friend, Fred was always there whether baseball or personal matter related with genuine concern, like a big brother. Sadly, we won't get another game together, as he passed away on Sunday. I know I will think of him often, and every time I take the field now. I will miss you, but God must have needed a great plate guy at that higher up league. Fly high Fred, and Godspeed. RIP Bud.
Jim -I'm sorry to read this, and equally sorry for your loss. Fred sounds like a fine fellow.
One thought it raises: how lucky we all are. I don't recall meeting Fred, but I do know that I chatted with at least six or eight umps last season after Pirates' games, and to a person, they were friendly, polite, often funny. The same is true of players on other teams.
There must be something in the culture of baseball that brings out such qualities in people. I suspect those qualities and attitudes may be connected to how hard the game is to play, and then how fine it is when it is played well.
I'm guessing that Fred, and people like him, understood that and it helped shape them. In that way, we're all the game's and each others' beneficiaries.
You write a very nice eulogy, Jim. I hope you send it to his family. It will be a lift for them.
Fred did a couple of our Matinee games this year and did a great job each time. He was one of the few umpires that we all knew by name and he will be definitely missed. RIP Fred.
I still am in denial. I umpired with him and he worked many of our team's games. JD, your words are spot on. Mac and I loved it when we saw him approach the field for our Matinee games. He wanted to work all of our games. I hope he knows how much he was respected and is missed. RIP, Fred. Your heart set an example for humanity.
He was that guy that knew most of the managers and players in every league. He would make sure he talked to you before, during and after the game.
I had him as an umpire this year for a few games that I coached my summer team. He went out of his way to let me know that he liked the fight and determination my players displayed each and every time we stepped on the field.
The little things he provided to a game by being personable always stood out in my mind about Fred.
