The popular Springstead is the AL supervisor of umpires. Many AL umps had run-ins with Earl Weaver, but Springstead had a disagreement that resulted in a forfeit. On September 15, 1977, Weaver’s Orioles trailed 4-0 after 4-1/2 innings at Toronto. Weaver pulled his team off the field to protest a tarpaulin in the bullpen that he claimed posed a hazard to his fielders. When the Orioles didn’t return within five minutes of a warning, Springstead awarded the game to the Blue Jays.
