Retired umpire Jim Joyce joined us to share his memories of the late John McSherry. A Bronx native, McSherry served as a National League umpire for 25 years. His parents, Owen and Ana (O’Rourke), hailed from County Leitrim. McSherry was posthumously inducted into the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Meeting John McSherry
Joyce first met John McSherry in 1978 at umpiring school. At that time, John was one of the instructors, alongside notable umpires like Joe Brinkman and Richie Garcia. Fresh out of college where he was a pitcher, not an umpire, Jim recalls not knowing much about umpires or umpiring, but John’s booming voice and engaging personality made an immediate impact.
The Impact of John McSherry as an Umpire Instructor
Jim recalls John’s soft-spoken delivery and attention to detail during classroom discussions about baseball’s rule book. But it was out on the field where John truly shone.
During fieldwork sessions, John would engage with the students by taking on various roles, such as that of an irate manager. John’s sense of humor and booming voice made learning enjoyable. “You didn’t know whether to laugh or take it seriously,” remembers Jim.
John McSherry’s Reputation and Legacy
One standout memory for Jim was the time he worked a spring training game with John in Bradenton, Florida. Jim vividly recalls how John insisted on taking first base and made it clear that he would not switch positions. This light-hearted moment showcased John’s strong personality and his ability to bring humor to the game.
After the game, John took the time to offer feedback to Pam Posta, another umpire. Jim emphasizes that not many umpires were willing to engage with female umpires during that era, but John treated her with respect and kindness, reinforcing his reputation as a genuinely good person.
The legacy of John McSherry is evident in the memories he left behind. Jim describes a poignant moment when he learned of John’s passing while driving. The shock of the news hit him hard, especially when he witnessed the media coverage of the incident. “I broke down,” Jim admits, revealing the profound impact John had on his life.
John’s legacy is also symbolized by a chair reserved for him at a bar in New York called Runions. This chair, marked with John’s name and umpire number, became a cherished memory for many. After his passing, the chair was retired and moved to the Mets’ locker room, ensuring that his spirit would live on for future generations.
