Tom Hallion was born on May 9, 1956 in Kingston, New York. He spent his childhood in Saugerties, New York, where he developed a love for baseball. Hallion attended the University at Buffalo, where he studied and also began his journey into the world of umpiring.
His umpiring career started in an unconventional way when he took on his first job as an umpire for the Saugerties Athletic Association softball league. This experience sparked a passion in Hallion, leading him to attend the prestigious Bill Kinnamon Umpiring School in 1979 to further hone his skills.
Hallion officially began his Major League Baseball umpiring career in 1985, working exclusively in the National League until 1999. He gained recognition for his signature strikeout signal, a dramatic 180-degree twist of his body that became iconic in the baseball world.
In 1999, Hallion was among the umpires who resigned as part of a failed union bargaining strategy. However, he was re-hired by MLB in December 2004 after reaching a settlement. Throughout his tenure in the National League, he wore uniform number 20.
In 2005, Hallion returned to umpiring in both major leagues and continued to impress with his professionalism and expertise. He was eventually promoted to Crew Chief in 2010, a title that reflected his leadership and dedication to the sport.
Off the field, Hallion is a devoted husband to Elizabeth "Betsy" Carnright and a loving father to their three children: Corey Nicholas, Kyle Matthew, and Jacob Carnright. His family has always been a source of support and strength throughout his umpiring career.
Hallion's parents, Alice Golding Hallion and Francis Joseph Hallion, instilled in him the values of hard work and integrity. He also has two sisters, Kathy Cotich and Maribeth, as well as a brother, Francis Joseph Jr.
Throughout his career, Hallion has encountered various challenges and triumphs. In 2013, he was fined by MLB for an incident involving pitcher David Price, highlighting the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being a professional umpire.
One of the memorable moments in Hallion's career came in 2018 when a video of him arguing with then-New York Mets manager Terry Collins went viral. While disagreements are common in baseball, this particular exchange showcased Hallion's passion for the game and his commitment to upholding the rules.
As the 2022 season drew to a close, Hallion announced his retirement, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in his life. His impact on the world of baseball will always be remembered, and his legacy as a respected umpire will endure for years to come.
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