Books and articles about Ed Runge

RELATED LINKS » 1956: Larsen Was Perfect Submissions » The Game Lost Many Lives In 2002 by Bruce Markusen Ask The Experts » Who umpired Don Larsen's perfect game?

An AL umpire for 17 years, Runge won the Cardinals' Tim McCarver's respect in the 1967 WS: "Most umps won't publicly reveal their [strike zones]. But ... [he] was fair-minded enough to tip me on how he preferred to see them. When I came to bat, Ed said to me, `I don't know if you know my strike zone; it's a wide plate.' I stored away the knowledge not only for batting purposes, but to guide my own pitchers." Runge threw out the ceremonial first ball to begin Game Two of the 1984 WS, a game in which his son Paul, a NL ump, worked third base. (RTM)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » May 21, 1955: In a game marked by a fight between Maury McDermott and Jackie Jensen, the Senators top the Red Sox, 1–0, in 12 innings. In the 12th, Jensen is trapped off 1B but his way back to the bag is obstructed by first baseman Mickey Vernon: it is called by 2B ump Ed Runge but he makes no gestures and Jensen continues back to 1B. McDermott, waiting to put the tag on, is knocked over by Jensen, and Hank Soar at 1B calls the runner out. Soar is overruled and then the fight starts between Jensen and the pitcher and both are tossed. Pedro Ramos, who succeeds McDermott, draws a walk and scores the winning run. » July 3, 1970: In Boston, a Yaz homer in Game One and an unearned run in the nitecap provide the Red Sox with 2–1 and 5–4 wins over Cleveland. In game 2, Indians reliever Dean Chance is told to remove a tiny flag pin on his cap by umpire Ed Runge in compliance with a rule prohibiting glass buttons and metal objects on uniforms because of their glare.