Today in History Today is Sunday, Dec. 26, the 360th day of 2021. There are five days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 26, 1799,
GO WEST
Joe West is set to break the record for most games as a major league umpire with No. 5,376 when he works the Cardinals-White Sox matchup in Chicago.
Now 68, West started out in 1976 the first time he worked the plate, knuckleballing Hall of Famer Phil Niekro was throwing to Braves catcher Dale Murphy.
West will break the mark set by Bill Klem, who worked from 1905-41 and was known for his complete control in making running games. âIt ainât nothinâ till I call it,â he supposedly said.
A college quarterback who led Elon to the NAIA championship game in 1973, West became the best-known ump in the bigs for all sorts of reasons. Never shy about speaking his mind or singing, earning the nicknames of âCowboy Joeâ and âCountry Joeâ for his music West has drawn plenty of praise and criticism over the decades.