» July 2, 1999: Umpire Tom Hallion is suspended for three games for his actions during an argument with Colorado catcher Jeff Reed and pitching coach Milt May on June 26th. The dispute began when Rockies pitcher Mike DeJean, while walking to his dugout complained to third base umpire Terry Tata about a check-swing call, and home plate ump Hallion, told DeJean to get in the dugout. Officials couldn't recall another suspension of an umpire for an on-field dispute. In 1990, National League president Bill White was prepared to suspend umpire Joe West for slamming Philadelphia pitcher Dennis Cook to the field, but commissioner Fay Vincent intervened and no discipline was imposed.

» July 14, 1999: In an ill-conceived move, umpires union-chief Richie Phillips announces that 57 umpires will resign on September 2. Among other things, the umps reportedly are upset at the 3-day suspension Tom Hallion received for bumping Rockies C Jeff Reed on July 2.