Legendary MLB umpire 'Dutch' Rennert dies at 88
They say the best officials in sports are the ones you never notice.
But occasionally there is the rare gem of a great official who is also worth watching.
Dutch Rennert was one such example.
One of Major League Baseball’s most identifiable umpires for nearly two decades, Rennert passed away Sunday at age 88.
A cause of death wasn’t given.
A native of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Rennert spent 16 years honing his skills as an umpire in the minor leagues.
He worked 2,693 regular-season games, in addition to six National League Championship Series, three World Series — in 1980, 1983 and 1989 — and two All-Star Games.
Rennert’s style certainly stood out from other umpires, particularly when he was working behind the plate.
His distinctive style of turning away from the plate, going down on one knee and yelling out a prolonged strike call with a booming voice captured the attention of fans at the stadium, watching on television or even listening on the radio.
Gods speed Laurence "Dutch" Rennert. We always knew if it was a ball or strike. @MLB @MLBNetwork @KaatJim @Buster_ESPN https://t.co/pbg2dmQneS pic.twitter.com/5IrG8v48bf
— Chris Urbanski (@Urbs23) June 19, 2018
Dutch was a show all by himself. His voice boomed through the radio and TV on strike calls. You could be sitting anywhere in the stadium and hear him bellow “Striiiiiiiiiiike Twooooo!” RIP
Longtime umpire Rennert dies at 88
Sent with @MLB At Bat https://t.co/qSSTV8USjo— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) June 19, 2018
While Rennert might be accused today of being a showboat, players respected the fact he had one of the most consistent strike zones of any umpire in the game.
When asked about his unique style, Rennert credited Hall of Fame umpire Al Barlick, who was also known for his booming calls, and fellow longtime NL umpire August Donatelli with inspiring his unique style.
“[They said] ‘You’ve got to add something to your work. You’ve got to be a little bit more colorful.’ But I think I got carried away,” Rennert joked during a 2015 television interview. “It wasn’t an act. It just came natural.”
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