Jocko Conlan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jocko Conlan
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| Born | December 6, 1899 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Died | April 16, 1989 (aged 89) Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
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| Years active | 1941–1965 | ||
| Spouse(s) |
Ruth Anderson
(m. 1941) |
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| Children | 2, including John Bertrand Conlan | ||
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Baseball career |
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| Outfielder / Umpire | |||
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| debut | |||
| July 6, 1934, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 29, 1935, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .263 | ||
| Hits | 96 | ||
| Runs batted in | 31 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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 Baseball Hall of Fame |
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| Induction | 1974 | ||
| Election Method | Veterans Committee | ||
John Bertrand "Jocko" Conlan (born December 6, 1899 – died April 16, 1989) was an American baseball umpire. He worked in the National League (NL) from 1941 to 1965. Before becoming an umpire, he played briefly as an outfielder for the Chicago White Sox.
Jocko umpired in five World Series and six All-Star Games. He was chosen for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.
Contents
Early Life in Chicago
Jocko Conlan was born in Chicago. He grew up with eight brothers and sisters. His father, a police officer, passed away when Jocko was only three years old. Jocko went to De La Salle Institute in Chicago for school.
Playing Baseball
Jocko Conlan started his professional baseball career in 1920. He spent 13 years playing in the minor leagues. He played for teams like the Rochester Tribe and the Newark Bears.
In 1934, Jocko began playing in the major leagues. He was a center fielder for the Chicago White Sox.
From Player to Umpire
In 1935, something unusual happened during a game. The umpire, Red Ormsby, got sick because of the heat. Back then, only two umpires usually worked a game. If one couldn't continue, an honest player might be asked to help.
Jocko Conlan was asked to fill in as an umpire. He did a great job! The next year, Jocko decided to become a full-time umpire. He started in the minor leagues.
Umpiring in the National League
Jocko Conlan umpired in the National League from 1941 to 1965. He was a very important part of many big games.
He umpired in:
- Five World Series (1945, 1950, 1954, 1957, and 1961)
- Six All-Star Games (1943, 1947, 1950, 1953, 1958, and the first 1962 game)
Jocko also umpired in important playoff games. These games decided the NL champions in 1951, 1959, and 1962.
He was the home plate umpire for two special games. In 1950, he was there when Gil Hodges hit four home runs. In 1961, he umpired when Willie Mays hit four home runs.
Jocko retired after the 1964 season. But he came back to umpire 17 more games in 1965.
Jocko's Unique Style
Jocko Conlan was known for a few special things:
- He always wore a neat bow tie instead of a regular necktie.
- When he called a player "out," he used his left hand, not his right.
- He was one of the last NL umpires allowed to wear an outside chest protector. Most other umpires used an inside protector by then.
Manager Casey Stengel admired Jocko. He said Jocko was brave as a player and a great umpire.
Argument with Leo Durocher
Jocko Conlan and manager Leo Durocher were both known for being colorful. They sometimes had arguments. Durocher once told a funny story about a game in 1961.
He was arguing with Jocko after being kicked out of the game. Durocher tried to kick dirt on Jocko's shoes. But he slipped and accidentally kicked Jocko in the shins! Kicking an umpire is a serious offense. But Jocko "kicked him right back." A photographer captured this moment, and the picture became famous. Jocko was wearing shin guards, so he wasn't hurt.
Later Life and Hall of Fame
After retiring, Jocko Conlan moved to Arizona. He enjoyed playing golf there.
When Jocko retired, the NL president, Warren Giles, praised him. He said Jocko was very dedicated and loyal to baseball.
Jocko Conlan was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. He was the fourth umpire to be chosen. He was the first NL umpire since Bill Klem in 1953.
Jocko never had an umpire number. This was because umpires didn't get numbers until after he had already officiated.
Jocko had heart surgery after getting sick while watching the 1974 World Series. He passed away in 1989 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
His son, John Bertrand Conlan, became a U.S. representative for Arizona. He served from 1973 to 1977.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball umpires
