Gary Darling, Sacramento's Umpire

Gary Darling

Although born in San Francisco, Gary Darling grew up in the baseball talent-rich South Sacramento area where he played for Parkway Little League and went on to Luther Burbank High School. Under the guidance of Coach Mike Inchausti, Gary was a steady right-handed first baseman for the Titans, graduating in 1975.

Some of his best baseball memories were playing American Legion Baseball for Joe Gill’s Southside squad, along with teammates Chris Gandy and Rod Zanze. They won the area title in 1975.

With his baseball career winding down, after two years at Cosumnes River College playing for Jerry Conway, Gary decided to stay in the game via sports officiating, and enrolled in umpire school.

Gary has rich memories of his days umpiring in the minor leagues, specifically in the Class A Northwest League. He remembers having terrific partners, sharing hotel rooms, and trying to make $900 stretch for a month. Sometimes it was just a hotdog for dinner.

Gary didn’t have to toil in the minors very long. On June 3^rd, 1986 he made his Major League debut in Montreal, working third base, as Vida Blue’s San Francisco Giants defeated the Expos 7 to 6. The veteran crew of umpires that night included Lee Weyer, Dutch Rennert, and Ed Montague. Gary would go on to enjoy a 28-year career as a Major League Umpire.

There is a famous book about umpires called, “The Best Seat in Baseball, But You Have To Stand”, and for all the great baseball moments that Gary witnessed, one weekend stands alone. It was during the great home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa in 1998. Gary and his crew were on the field when McGwire hit his 60^th, 61^st, and 62^nd home runs. Roger Maris’ family was there, along with hundreds of other baseball dignitaries. For the first time, the league was using a special ball with holograms on them. It felt like a World Series atmosphere. Gary recalled how close that crew was and how much they enjoyed being a part of such a historical series of games.

Gary’s last game was on September 29^th 2013. He retired the following year. Gary was a part of the World Series in 2003 and 2010, and also worked the All Star Game in 1993 and 2003. He is credited with 111 ejections including Sacramento’s own Dusty Baker, Tommy Lasorda, and Bruce Bochy (3 times)

He is currently behind the helm of Umps Care, a fundraising group comprised of major league umpires who stage a number of activities throughout the country to benefit at-risk kids and adopted children, often in partnership with Major League Baseball.

Comments

Corned Beef on La Caja China

Corned Beef on La Caja China Although often shrouded in myth and legend, St. Patrick was a real guy and many scholars have documented his life and his travels. Patrick committed himself to converting Ireland to Christianity, a herculean task, leaving little time for anything else. Life in 4th Century Ireland must have been rough, and after a tough day of dealing with Druids, Patrick would certainly have craved something to eat and perhaps a refreshing beverage. I am certain that he would be baffled by the way society celebrates his life today with the block parties full of loud and drunk people dressed in every imaginable shade of green. At times I am baffled by it. Yet, there are still wonderful tributes, parades, and dinners held in his honor every year where that gorgeous Irish trait of hospitality is showcased. I would like to think my house keeps his memory alive every year when I invite 150 of my closest friends over for an afternoon of food, spirits,

Dion James

Dion James If you grew up around Land Park in the mid to late 70’s, it was impossible not to be familiar with Dion James. Legions of neighborhood kids would ride their bikes around town looking to see where Dion was playing that day. Under the great youth coach Al Simas, in the Fruitridge Babe Ruth League, Dion was already attracting scouts. Coach Simas said: “He’s only 16-years old, but the pros would sign him right now if they could.” Dion attended McClatchy High School and from the moment Coach Bernie Church saw him play, he knew that he had a special player. Comparisons were made to Rowland Office, a former McClatchy standout, who spent 11 seasons in the big leagues. Coach Church remembers that Dion possessed everything that a scout looks for: speed, arm strength, and the ability to hit for power. Dion’s senior year at McClatchy was spectacular. He hit .397, leading the Lions to a Metro title and a deep playoff run. Dion not only made the All-Metro team in Sacramento,

Robert "R.J." Reynolds

Robert “R.J.” Reynolds More interested in basketball, Robert Reynolds never played a high school varsity baseball game. While attending community college in 1979, Robert’s coaches talked him into baseball, and two years later he was the starting center fielder and most valuable player for Jerry Weinstein’s Sacramento City College Panthers. He was the Los Angeles Dodgers’ second round draft pick in 1980 and was signed by the great Ronnie King who drove him to his first rookie ball game in Lodi. The following year he was given the nickname “R.J.” in Vero Beach by his manager because of the multitude of Roberts on the team. He will answer to Robert, Bob, or “R.J.”, just don’t call him Bobby. 1983 was a great year for Robert as he tore through Texas League pitching, batting .337 with 18 home runs, 89 RBI’s, and 43 stolen bases. The Dodgers called him up, and he joined fellow Sacramento residents Steve Sax and Dusty Baker for the stretch run. Robert played three eventful year

McNamara's Blog

Search This Blog