Francis H "Silk" O'Loughlin was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1902 to 1918.
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18 Facts About Silk O'Loughlin
2.
Silk O'Loughlin umpired in the World Series in 1906,1909,1912,1915 and 1917, serving as crew chief in 1917.
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4.
Silk O'Loughlin brought a unique style with him, originating the loud exclamations signaling balls, strikes and outs.
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5.
Silk O'Loughlin was particularly known for his booming call of "ball tuh" and his drawn-out strike calls, as well as his snappy calls of foul balls.
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6.
Silk O'Loughlin wore creased pants and players joked about risking injury from the sharp creases if they slid near him.
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7.
Silk O'Loughlin sported a large diamond on his hand while on the field.
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8.
The rules committee ultimately opted against formal adoption, but Silk O'Loughlin continued to use his signals and to improve upon them.
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9.
Silk O'Loughlin umpired in a record ten no-hitters during his brief career, a mark not broken until 2001.
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10.
Silk O'Loughlin was the base umpire for Addie Joss' perfect game on October 2,1908.
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11.
Silk O'Loughlin is well remembered for a call during the 1907 pennant race that went against Connie Mack's Athletics in a game against Detroit.
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12.
Silk O'Loughlin was the first umpire to eject Ty Cobb from a major league game.
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13.
On May 11,1912, Silk O'Loughlin was the target of glass bottles thrown by fans of the beleaguered New York Highlanders.
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14.
Silk O'Loughlin angered fans by ejecting catcher Gabby Street, pitcher Jack Quinn and manager Harry Wolverton for arguing balls and strikes.
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15.
Just four days later, Silk O'Loughlin ejected Ty Cobb after the slugger severely beat a disabled fan who was thought to have thrown a racial slur at Cobb.
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16.
Silk O'Loughlin worked for the Justice Department in the Boston District from the end of the 1918 season until his death less than four months later.
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17.
Silk O'Loughlin contracted influenza during the 1918 epidemic that shortened the baseball season.
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18.
Silk O'Loughlin's wife had fallen ill with influenza around the same time, but she recovered.
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