Big, loud and beyond intimidation, Durwood Merrill was an umpire with a thick skin. He will always be remembered as one of the most colorful characters in Baseball. Reggie Jackson called him “The Reggie Jackson of UMPIRES”. He brought showmanship and fun to the game of Baseball. He has his own following of fans.
In his book You’re Out and You’re Ugly Too he gives an in-your face attitude of umpiring. He is hilarious, hard-hitting on his opinions and reveals his love of America’s past time-Baseball.
No one knew the players better and Durwood assesses who he believes to be the best player according to his on-the-field observations.
In this book you will go on the diamond with Durwood and find out what goes on in the clubhouse, on the mound, behind the plate and in the Umpire’s room.
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You’re Out and You’re Ugly, Too!
Edwin Durwood Merrill was born March 12, 1938 in Cloud Chief, Oklahoma. He was an American League Umpire for twenty-three seasons. (1977 – 1999) He was known by managers and players alike as a top-notch umpire. His hometown was Hooks, Texas and was well known for his charitable work.
In 1972 Durwood attended the Bill Kinnamon Umpiring School. Some of his classmate also became respected umpires, Ed Montague, Dallas Parks, and Steve Palermo. After finishing third in his class he was assigned to the Class-A Texas League in 1973. He moved through the minor leagues with ease and worked Triple-A in the American Association and stayed there from 1974 through 1976, and also filled in at times for the American League.
Durwood Merrell was chosen to work the 1988 World Series. In 1983,1987,1991,1992, and 1997 umpired the American League Championship Series. He worked the plate in the second game of he ALCS when Mike Boddicker of the Baltimore Orieles tied the LCS record with 14 strike outs. In the 1988 World Series he worked the plate when Orel Hershiser of the LA Dodgers threw a three hit shutout against the Oakland Athletics. He shut down the so called “Bash Brothers” Jose Canseco and Mark McGuire.
Durwood officiated the 1984 and 1995 All-Star Games. He also worked the plate on April 7, 1984 when Jack Morris pitched a no-hitter, and worked first base as Nolan Ryan threw his sixth no-hitter June 11, 1990. In 1977 he entered the American League this was the year all new umpires had to wear the inside chest protector. It had been done in the National League for many years. Umpires who used the outside protector were grandfathered. Merrell had one of the largest strike zones in the MLB. He had a special or different way of working the plate he did not use the “slot” position. He crouched directly behind the catcher and extended his arms in front of him looking directly over the catcher’s head.
Durwood Merrill passed away in Texarkana, Texas in January 2003. He suffered a heart attack; he was 64 years old. He owned a large collection of baseball memorabilia, game jerseys, autographed baseballs and baseball bats from some of the most popular stars in the MLB. He showed these items of his collection at charity events for many different causes. Many of these items he obtained from his friend and former umpire Shag Crawford. His charitable efforts for the children of Hooks, Texas is memorable and remarkable.
DURWOOD MERRILL
RESPECTED UMPIRE AND
REMEMBERED FOR HIS CHARATIBLE EFFORTS FOR CHILDREN
