Andy Fletcher (umpire)

49 – Andy Fletcher
Fletcher in 2011.
Born (1966-11-17) November 17, 1966
Memphis, Tennessee
MLB debut August 24, 1999
Umpiring crew
E
Crew members
Career highlights and awards

Andrew Jay Fletcher (born November 17, 1966) is an umpire in Major League Baseball, wearing number 49. Fletcher worked in the National League in 1999 and has worked across both major leagues since 2000.[1] Fletcher has appeared in one Major League Baseball All-Star Game and in one World Baseball Classic. He's been involved in just one postseason game, which is the worst postseason-to-regular season ratio for an MLB umpire.[2]

Career

Fletcher attended the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in 1989. He spent 10 years in the minor leagues before his MLB promotion in 1999. Fletcher worked in the Appalachian League in 1989, the Florida Instructional League and Midwest League in 1990 and 1991, the Carolina League in 1992, the Southern League from 1992 to 1994, and the Pacific Coast League from 1995 to 1999. He also worked in the Arizona Fall League in 1997.[3]

While in the Southern League in 1994, Fletcher was involved in two arguments with Michael Jordan, during the basketball star's lone season with the Birmingham Barons. One of the two confrontations ended with the ejection of Barons manager Terry Francona.[4]

After becoming a major league umpire, he officiated the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game as well as the 2009 World Baseball Classic and 2014 National League Wild Card Game.[3]

Notable games

Fletcher was the third base umpire for Félix Hernández's perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 15, 2012.[5]

On September 7, 2018, Fletcher was the home plate umpire in a controversial game between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers, in which his strike zone drew backlash from both teams and their commentating crew, including Jeff Huson of the Rockies and Orel Hershiser of the Dodgers. Fletcher ejected Colorado manager Bud Black for arguing a questionable balk call in the fifth inning of the game.[6][7]

Personal life

Fletcher attended Harding Academy of Memphis and the University of Mississippi. He lives in Olive Branch, Mississippi, with his wife and child.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Andy Fletcher". Retrosheet.org. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
  2. ↑ https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT201410010.shtml
  3. 1 2 3 "Andy Fletcher – 49". mlb.com. MLB Advanced Media, L.P. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
  4. ↑ "Jordan rules? Not in baseball". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. May 30, 1994. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  5. ↑ Felix Hernandez throws perfect game, overpowers Rays ESPN.com. Retrieved 16 August 2012
  6. ↑ https://www.denverpost.com/2018/09/07/dodgers-defeat-rockies-series-opener/
  7. ↑ https://www.denverpost.com/2018/09/07/rockies-bud-black-ejected-vs-dodgers/


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