West among 5 ex-umps to sue over retirement plan, claim they’re owed money

Five retired Major League Baseball umpires, including Joe West, have filed a lawsuit in federal court in New York against their retirement plan and its committee. Joined by Tom Hallion, Gerry Davis, Larry Vanover, and Jerry Layne, the group alleges their benefits were miscalculated under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Their attorney, Paul B. Holmes, stated that the plaintiffs are collectively owed in excess of $2 million.

According to Holmes, settlement negotiations took place prior to the lawsuit, but Major League Baseball's offers were deemed insufficient. West noted he was challenged by league counsel to pursue legal action after disputing his payout. The umpires are suing as individuals, with the umpires' union not taking part in the litigation. U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams has set a pretrial conference for Dec. 11.