Silk O'Loughlin

He entered baseball with the help of pitcher Stump Weidman, a relative, and umpired in the New York, Atlantic and Eastern Leagues from 1898 to 1901.

He brought a unique style with him, originating the loud exclamations signaling balls, strikes and outs.

[3] A 1909 New York Times article criticized the quiet work of umpire Billy Evans, saying, "Though they laugh at Silk O’Loughlin, everybody knows just what he says."

"[5] However, the following year Christy Mathewson wrote that O'Loughlin was "the autocrat of baseball" and that he "refuses to let the players discuss a decision with him, maintaining that there is never any room for argument.

[7] Though well known for his voice, O'Loughlin also began using "Dummy Hoy's mute signal code" to indicate the calls visually after he "sprained his larynx" in a confrontation.

On July 29, 1911, he became the last major league umpire to work a no-hitter singlehandedly when he called Smoky Joe Wood's gem.

It appears that O'Loughlin did not initially note any interference, but after conferring with fellow umpire Tommy Connolly, the Athletics batter was called out.

Mack angrily protested, later going so far as to send affidavits from nearby fans and the policeman to league president Ban Johnson.

O'Loughlin angered fans by ejecting catcher Gabby Street, pitcher Jack Quinn and manager Harry Wolverton for arguing balls and strikes.

"[7] O'Loughlin worked for the Justice Department in the Boston District from the end of the 1918 season until his death less than four months later.