BY MARK A. LARSON
Editor & Publisher
A Coke and a smile …
In 1979, one of the most effective and acclaimed television commercials of all time began airing. It famously featured a young fan and Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive tackle “Mean” Joe Greene. It was clear the Steeler had had a particularly rough game and as he was heading toward the locker room he passed a boy who somewhat sheepishly offered him a bottle of Coke. At first, the scowling Greene declined, but then took up the offer. After guzzling the Coke, Greene and the boy were both smiling and instantly became pals. The advertising campaign was called “Have a Coke and a Smile.”
Now, let’s jump back to the summer of 1970. … I attended a Minnesota Twins game with my family at “The Met” (Metropolitan Stadium) in Bloomington, Minnesota. There were four of us: My Dad, Mom, five-year old younger brother, Dan, and me. This particular warm evening we had great seats in the first row adjacent to the field about even with the bag at first – just to the right of the Twins’ dugout. It was exciting to be sitting so close to the action.
Along comes the 7th inning stretch and young Dan is sipping on a Coke. All of a sudden to our amazement the first base umpire is heading straight our way. Veteran umpire Ed Runge walked up to the railing right in front of our seats. He asked Dan for a sip of his drink to which he obliged. My Dad made some brief small talk and Runge said “Thanks” and returned to his position behind first.
In 1955, Runge appeared as part of the original Bowman
Company’s final baseball card issue. In an unusal move,
the 320-card set included 31 umpires.
We were all dumbfounded, wondering: Is it normal for an umpire to interact with fans during a game? Was Runge truly thirsty or just being friendly to a young fan – or both?
It turned out the 1970 season was Runge’s 17th – and last – as a major league umpire. His career highlights included being part of the crew that officiated Yankee Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series.
Umpiring was obviously in his genes, as Ed was just the first of three generations of major league Runge umpires. Three years after his retirement, Runge’s son, Paul, followed in his footsteps and began a 25-year career as a National League ump. Later, Paul’s son, Brian, was a big league umpire from 1999-2012.
The “celebrity” Coke cup from game night was kept around the house for months afterwards as a genuine “game-used” souvenir. Like the “Mean” Joe Greene commercial, parched American League umpire Ed Runge shared a Coke with a young fan … and that brief encounter made us all smile.
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