Bill Welke
William Anthony Welke (born August 22, 1967) is an umpire in Major League Baseball. He joined the major league staff in 1999 and wears uniform number 3, his brother Tim Welke's old number prior to his retirement.[1]
Bill Welke | |
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Welke in 2011 | |
Born: Coldwater, Michigan | August 22, 1967|
debut | |
June 4, 1999 | |
Crew Information | |
Umpiring crew | 16 |
Crew members |
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Career highlights and awards | |
Special Assignments
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Biography
Welke is the brother of fellow umpire Tim Welke, and is an alumnus of Western Michigan University.[1] He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.[2]
Welke previously worked in the Appalachian League (1991), the Midwest League (1992), the Florida State League (1993–1994), the Southern League (1995), the Eastern League (1996), and the International League (1997–1998).[1]
Since joining the Major League umpiring staff in 1999, Welke has worked the Division Series in 2003, 2006, 2011, and 2015. He also worked the League Championship Series in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019 as well as the 2015 World Series. He was a part of the crew that worked in the 2003 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.[3] On May 29, 2010, he officiated at third base when Roy Halladay threw the 20th perfect game in MLB history.[4]
References
- "Bill Welke – 52". MLB.com. Major League Baseball. Retrieved August 29, 2011.
- "WMU News". WMU. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
- "Bill Welke". Retrosheet.org. Retrosheet. Retrieved August 29, 2011.
- Halladay's perfect game is this season's second ESPN.com. Retrieved May 29, 2012