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"While MLB avoids the word "fired", there have been several instances of umpires being asked to retire. And, they did."
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NEW YORK (AP) -- Al Clark, a major league umpire since 1977, was terminated by the commissioner's office this week for improperly using plane tickets in violation of his union's contract, baseball officials said.
Sandy Alderson, executive vice president of baseball operations in the commissioner's office, confirmed Clark's termination but would not get into details.
"My only response is that he is no longer employed by major league baseball," Alderson said Friday.
News of the Clark's departure was first reported Friday by the New York Post, which said Clark was under investigation for issues related to memorabilia.
However, three baseball officials familiar with Clark's departure, speaking Friday on condition they not be identified, said the termination was due to the improper use of plane tickets.