In a 1986 TSN poll of its 26 correspondents, Froemming was voted the best all-around umpire in the NL and also the umpire with the quickest thumb. On September 2, 1972, the Cubs ' Milt Pappas was one pitch away from a perfect game. The 3-2 pitch
to the Padres' 27th batter was called a ball by Froemming. Pappas pitched his no-hitter,
but sulked for years that the call cost him a perfect game. Froemming simply explained
that he had to call it a ball or he would have no integrity. The rotund arbiter was
behind the plate when Nolan Ryan pitched his record fifth no-hitter.
(RTM)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»June 1, 1997: Whoops. Rookie 2B Wilton Guerrero of the Dodgers is ejected from game in St. Louis for using a corked bat. Guerrero shatters his stick while grounding out to lead off the game. Umpire Steve Rippley sees that the bat has been altered and shows it to crew chief Bruce Froemming, who then ejects Guerrero. Guerrero will earn an 8-day suspension and a $1,000 fine. The Dodgers end their eight-game road losing streak with a 6–1 win when Mike Piazza, Eric Karros and Todd Zeile hit consecutive home runs in the 4th inning. Chan Ho Park (4-2) allows one run in six 2/3 innings for the victory.
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