Bruce Froemming dies at 86 after 37 years as MLB umpire

Froming died after a fall at her home in Macon on Wednesday. Wisconsinhis son Steven told The Associated Press. He fell and hit his head on the hardwood floor just after midnight Tuesday and was taken to Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee.

Doctors were unable to stop the brain bleed because Fromin was taking blood thinners, his son said.

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By the time he retired in 2007, Fromin had played 5,163 games: second most in MLB history at the time, behind only Bill Klem.

Both were eventually surpassed by Joe West, who played 5,460 games before retiring in 2021.

Shortly before leaving the field, Froming reflected on his early years in an interview with The Associated Press, saying, “I thought I was in heaven, on the field, a professional athlete, and I was starting my career.” He noted that reaching the major leagues once felt so far away because “you had to go through the minor leagues to get your chance.”

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He also talked about patience being a key quality for referees, adding, “You’re going to make mistakes early on.”

One of the most memorable was on September 2, 1972, when Milt Pappas of the Chicago Cubs nearly missed a perfect game after a late walk.

He also had a no-hitter for Nolan Ryan and others and went to the World Series five times.

After retiring, Froming served as special assistant to Major League Baseball’s vice president of umpiring.

He is survived by his wife Rosemary, two sons and grandchildren.