30 years ago, an umpire's death stopped Reds Opening Day

The Cincinnati Reds’ Opening Day game was called on account of tragedy 30 years ago after head umpire John McSherry suffered a fatal heart attack during the first inning. Seven pitches into the game between the Reds and Montreal Expos on April 1, 1996, McSherry staggered away from home plate and collapsed on the field. Team trainers and paramedics ran to help him while players and a hushed crowd of 50,000 at Riverfront Stadium could only watch and pray.

Less than an hour later, McSherry was pronounced dead at University Hospital. The 51-year-old had been a National League umpire since 1971, fondly remembered for his demonstrative calls of balls and strikes. He was known as “Big John” due to his size, 328 pounds, which had contributed to health problems for years, and his heart just gave out.

“He was a class guy, and a good umpire who loved his job,” said then-Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. The game was postponed, Marge Schott's comments were critcized The players asked to postpone the game until the next day. Reds manager Ray Knight told The Enquirer, “Barry (Larkin) told me very quietly and with very much emotion: ‘Ray, I’ve had a lot of deaths in my family.

In good conscience, out of respect for life, I can’t go out there. ’” The flag in center field was lowered to half-staff and the scoreboard flashed a message that the game had been canceled as word of McSherry’s death reached the crowd. Marge Schott, majority owner of the Reds at the time, was roundly criticized for her insensitive remarks after the game was postponed.