Tim McClelland | |
|---|---|
 McClelland in 2012 | |
| Born | December 12, 1951 Jackson, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation | MLB umpire |
| Years active | 1981–2013 |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
Timothy Reid McClelland (born December 12, 1951) is an American former umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1983 to 1999 and throughout both leagues from 2000 through the 2013 season. He called many important games, from post-season games to the George Brett "Pine Tar" game in 1983. He was the plate umpire for the Sammy Sosa corked bat game on June 3, 2003, when the Chicago Cubs hosted the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Wrigley Field. He wore uniform number 36 after his promotion to the AL, and kept the number when Major League Baseball merged the American and National League umpiring staffs in 2000.
McClelland retired as MLB's second-most senior umpire (after Joe West), and was the second tallest major league umpire at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m)—Jordan Baker is 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). McClelland was originally known for working in a kneeling position behind the plate, but switched in 2006 to a "box position," a form of squat. He was also noted for his deliberate umpiring mechanics, which earned him the nickname "Rain Delay McClelland,"[1] and for his small but consistent strike zone.[2] Pitcher Zack Greinke said of McClelland's tight strike zone, "For some reason, he's the one umpire that scares me. I have nightmares about him."[3]
- ^ Lindsay (May 19, 2011). "Polls: Strike Mechanic". Close Call Sports. Archived from the original on May 25, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ^ Weinstock, Josh (January 11, 2012). "Which umpire has the largest strike zone?". Fangraphs. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved June 22, 2012.
- ^ Kaegel, Dick (May 8, 2008). "Royals apply manager's advice in win". MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2008.