Bill Klem

Umpire
  • Card series: Diamond Heads '15
  • League: National League
  • Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame

William Joseph Klem (nee Klimm) (1874-1951) was the great founding-father of baseball umpiring. He brought a level of expertise and dignity that helped transform officiating and the game itself. And he was colorful: “It ain’t nothin’ till I call it;” “Gentlemen, he was out because I said he was out;” and “Son, when you pitch a strike, Mr. Hornsby will let you know.”

  • Joined the NL crew in 1905, worked a record 18 World Series (no one else did more than 10)
  • Was the longest-tenured and oldest umpire until exceeded in both by Bruce Froemming
  • Elected to Hall of Fame: 1953

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