PHILADELPHIA, Jun 05, 2006 (The Canadian Press via COMTEX) --
Former major league umpire Eric Gregg was fighting for his life Monday, a
day after a stroke that left him with little hope of any significant
recovery, his son said.
"I think we're running out of time right now," Kevin Gregg said. The
55-year-old Gregg, who spent his career trying to overcome weight problems
that saw him reach almost 400 pounds, was in critical condition at Lankenau
Hospital.
"Physically, his body is with us. The brain is almost gone," Gregg said.
"The damage to the brain is so severe, we're just waiting to see how long he
can fight. We're still waiting to see if it's two hours or two days.
"The family has come to grips that we're going to lose this one eventually."
Gregg said his father complained to family members on Sunday morning at his
home in Ardmore, Pa., that he couldn't feel anything on his left side.
Gregg was among 22 umpires who lost their jobs in 1999 when their labour
plan of mass resignations backfired. Recognized for his large frame and large
strike zone, he worked the 1989 World Series, four championship series, two
division series and one all-star game.
In early March, the former umpire had his right knee replaced. Kevin Gregg
said his father was taking blood thinners to prevent clots.
With his wide smile, gregarious personality, and lively stories from his
days in the majors, Gregg remained a popular fixture in town. He worked at
the popular sports bar Chickie's and Pete's in northeast Philadelphia as a
jack-of-all trades bartender, host, or waiter and also poured beers at their
concessions stand at Citizens Bank Park.
Manager Michael Herron saw Gregg on Saturday night, and said the former ump
was looking and feeling great. Herron said Gregg had lost some weight because
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