[ChuckElias]

I'd been in contact with him through his illness. In typical Woody-fashion, he never told me what he was battling. Over the last couple weeks, I was trying to get in touch and didn't get any replies. So, sadly, this news is not a surprise.

But it is deeply saddening to me. His contributions here were tremendous. His knowledge of the game had few peers. Catching him in a rules error was a rare accomplishment. Our Yankees/Red Sox skirmishes were a source of great fun. Additionally, he was helpful to me personally in my officiating career.

I have been missing him over the last few weeks and now I miss him even more. I mean, who's going to mail unbelievably tasteless, inappropriate wife-jokes to me? Rest in peace, buddy.