MISSION'S 84 YEAR OLD UMPIRE WHO SELDOM CALLS IT WRONG!

 

by Rene Torres

In today’s opinionated society a close call in baseball against the home team can bring instant complaints of foul play. 

But fans must have patience, as most umpires do make up calls as the game advances into later innings, but it's always the fans who know the least about the game who protest the loudest, failing to realize that, in baseball, the arbitrator or umpire, is human and can get it wrong.

But there are some umpires who seldom get it wrong, like 84 year old Humberto "Bert" Lozano, an icon in the Rio Grande Valley and Mexico.

After finishing his high school baseball career at Mission High School, Bert looked for a way to stay in the game he loved and decided that umpiring provided that opportunity.

It was in 1970 that Bert was introduced to Umpire David Mosqueda, who became his mentor and Lozano discovered he was a natural behind the plate.

Even in a hotly contested game with tempers boiling, Bert’s demeaner always remained constant, not allowing outside noises from the game's participants to impede his judgement.

Although Bert admits that, at 84, he's not as agile as he used to be, but says "my eyes are still working in harmony, seldom causing me to make the wrong call.” 

Even after 53 years, as the most tenured umpire in the Rio Grande Valley and the state of Texas, Bert is not ready to call his last game, although he suspects he may some day be replaced by a robot. 

Arturo Estrada Umpire Trophy
Awarded to Humberto Lozano

Beyond the white lines, Bert still serves unselfishly as president of the Mexican umpire’s association in Monterrey, a group formed in 1998 and recognizes individuals with more than 25 years of service in Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley.

To this day Mr. Lozano remains a prized member and permanent fixture on thediamonds of the Rio Grande Valley, one of the most respected members of his profession.

Allow me to mention three other RGV umpires each with a legacy of excellence:

Max Cavazos, David Mosqueda and Nick Cantu proved to be ambassadors of quality calling balls and strikes, men we thank for their dedication and giving us fond memories of days gone by.

Please note a story from the gossip of the game: 

The local barber was at bat when a wild pitch hits him on the head and caromed high into the air much like a foul ball. The catcher got under it and caught it.

“You’re out,” called the umpire.

“Out?” protested the batter. “Why, that ball hit me on the head.”

“I don’t know what the ball hit,” responded the umpire, “but I know the sound of wood. You’re out!"

SEE YOU AT THE PARK!