Legendary umpire, who witnessed Key Blue Jays moment, passes away at 86

The former major league umpire Bruce Froemming, who is one of three men in history to work more than 5000 games, passed away at his home in Wisconsin on Wednesday. He was 86.

He had suffered a fall the previous day.

Froemming spent 36 years as a major league umpire, beginning in 1971 until his retirement in 2007.

In his final season, he tied fellow umpiring legend Bill Klem for most seasons as an umpire and became the second man to have worked at least 5 000 games.

At the time his retirement, he stood second with 5 163 games. Former umpire Joe West passed both men and has the all time record at 5 460, as well as the record for most seasons, with 43.

Given the length of his career, it is unsurprising that Froemming was present for many key moments. Not only has he officiated a record 11 no-hitters, including Nolan Ryan's fifth career no-no, Dennis Martinezs perfecto in 1991, and Milt Pappas' controversial perfect game-turned no hitter in 1972.

He was one particular stand out memory involving the Toronto Blue Jays as well.

On June 28th, 2007, Froemming was working 1st base when Frank Thomas hit his 500th career home run. In an ironic twist, Thomas would be ejected later in the game by home plate umpire Mark Wegner.

Like virtually everybody associated with baseball, Froemming once earned the ire of former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who blamed him for not delaying the start of a game.

For many years, he also owned an umpiring school with fellow ump Joe Brinkman.

Blue Jays Central sends its condolences to Froemming's friends and family.

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