[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

This picture of Durwood is probably around the time he left the game in 1999. Why would he be wearing a protector from the seventies?

Okay Einstein, let me educate you. Durwood Merrill joined the American League in 1977. This was the year in which the American League joined the 20th century and made it mandatory for any umpire joining the AL starting that year to wear the inside chest protector.

Any umpire who worked the AL prior to 1977 was grandfathered in and allowed to continue with the balloon or pad until retirement.

So, in conclusion, Durwood Merrill wore an inside protector from the minute he joined the AL.

I also said that Billy Williams wore a similar protector to the one Durwood Merrill wore. I never said when the photo was taken. They both wore similar chest protectors.

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

I forgot Durwood had passed away. It's a shame because those Augie stories were hilarious (ROTFLMAO).

Yeah, they must have been some rib-ticklers if you are still laughing about them. Liar. Tell me...are your pants really on fire?

You just think it's cute to bad mouth August Donatelli, who was a fine, well-respected umpire, regardless of whatever your fake stories that you never really heard because a man like Durwood Merrill would never give you the time of day much less engage in playful banter on his front porch with you. Why would he pull out stories about a deceased umpire who he hardly even knew just to amuse you? This is how I know you are making it up, you liar.

You are just thinking that I would somehow take any offense to this because I use that screen name on another umpire site. How pathetic.

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

You must have been the inspiration for the title of his book, "You're Out and You're Ugly, Too"

Wow, you are so funny! Yob vas. I am not an ugly person, BTW, so you are way off base. You also must be extremely jealous of me. How sad for you.