Marsh

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Wayne Allen

PDT Staff Writer

Portsmouth Murals, Inc. recently announced, Director of Umpiring for Major League Baseball Randy Marsh as this year’s keynote speaker at the ninth Annual Portsmouth Murals Baseball Banquet.

“We are having another umpire but, this time, it’s the gentleman who’s in charge of all of the Major League Umpires. The umpires have really done a good job in the past of giving speeches at the banquet,” said Bob Morton, President of Portsmouth Murals, Inc.

According to released information, Marsh is a former umpire for Major League Baseball who worked in the National League from 1981 to 1999 and throughout both leagues in 2000 to 2009. He umpired the World Series Games in 1990, 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2006, serving as crew chief for the last three of these series.

Past keynote speakers include television announcers George Grande, Chris Welsh, radio announcer Marty Brennaman and former Major League Baseball player Tom Browning, retired Major League Umpire Charlie Reliford and present Umpire Greg Gibson.

Over the nine-year history of the banquet it has gained in popularity.

“We started at the welcome center but, outgrew that. Now it’s held at the Friends Center and we normally fill it up,” Morton said. “We would like for people to think about the banquet early and consider giving banquet tickets as a Christmas gift.”

He said all of the money raised at the banquet is used for maintenance and upkeep of the murals located along Front Street in Portsmouth.

Morton said, those anticipated to attend the banquet include Gene Bennett, retired senior special assistant to the Cincinnati Reds general manager; Al Oliver, former Pittsburgh Pirates player; Don Gullett, former pitcher and pitching coach for the Cincinnati Reds among many others.

He said on average the banquet attracts as many as 50 other baseball dignitaries. Also expected to attend are Chris Welsh, television announcer for the Cincinnati Reds and Hal McCoy, retired Hall of Fame beat writer for the Dayton Daily News.

The banquet is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 16 at the SOMC Friends Center. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the Scioto County Welcome Center. For more information call the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce at 740-353-7647.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 228, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.