Former national league umpire dutch rennert dies at 88

He was Augustine, Florida, confirmed Monday night that Rennert died on Sunday. A cause of death wasn't given. Laurence "Dutch" Rennert Jr. Respected by players, Rennert was known for his distinctive strike calls. He would step back from the catcher, turn toward one dugout in a crouch or on one knee, extend his right arm and often yell loud enough to be heard on a television or radio broadcast.

Rennert was born on June 12, , in Oshkosh. After graduating from Oshkosh High School in , he headed west, where he got into recreational umpiring before catching the eye of a former major league umpire who saw talent in him and convinced him to go to umpire school.

Old umpires

After working the minor leagues, along with a second job with the post office, Rennert broke into the majors in , patrolling second base for a game between the Montreal Expos and New York Mets. He went on to umpire all-star games, league championships and finally the World Series. The money goes, but you always got the rings," Rennert said of his three World Series rings awarded to umpires.

Umpiring is the same way. That's a great feeling. Home Sports Varsity Colleges. Associated Press, Oshkosh Northwestern. Facebook Twitter Email.