Harold Douglas Harvey (born March 13, 1930 in South Gate, California) is a former umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the National League from 1962 to 1992. Noted for his meticulous attention to the details of the rules, he was among the last major league umpires who never attended an umpiring school.
He umpired in 5 World Series (1968, 1974, 1981, 1984 and 1988) and 6 All-Star Games (1963, 1964, 1971, 1977, 1982 and 1992). He also officiated in the National League Championship Series 9 times: 1970 (Games 2-3), 1972, 1976, 1980, 1983, 1984 (Game 5), 1986, 1898 and 1991. He was the home plate umpire for the single game playoff to decide the Western division champion in 1980.
Harvey began officiating local basketball games in high school, later adding softball and baseball to his areas of expertise. He attended San Diego State University, where he played baseball and football, afterward returning to umpiring in the minor leagues while also officiating collegiate basketball and football games. Upon reaching the majors in April 1962, his greatest influences were Al Barlick, Jocko Conlan and Shag Crawford , each of whom gave him invaluable advice in developing his skills. He grew a mustache prior to the 1972 season, becoming the first umpire in several decades to sport facial hair. In the latter part of his career he became known for appearing in the "You Make the Call" segments on the televised Game of the Week. His goal of umpiring in 5,000 major league games was ended at 4,888, however, when knee problems necessitated his retirement. He nonetheless became the first NL umpire since Bill Klem to work for 30 years.
Among the notable games in which he worked was the 1972 game in which Roberto Clemente collected his 3,000th base hit. He was the home plate umpire on September 10, 1963, when brothers Jesus, Matty and Felipe Alou batted consecutively for the San Francisco Giants, and also on June 3, 1987, when the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs hit a combined three grand slams at Wrigley Field.
In August 1997, Harvey was diagnosed with oral cancer, which was attributed to his longtime use of chewing tobacco. He has since become active in speaking to ballplayers and students about the dangers of tobacco use.
In 2003, he was the leading candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame in voting by the Veterans Committee on the composite ballot for managers, umpires and executives; however, his total of 48 votes fell short of the 60 necessary for election.
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Last updated: 05-23-2005 06:02:07
Last updated: 10-29-2005 02:13:46
