Fired After 15 Years, Jerry Dale Sues Umpires Assn.

Jerry Dale, a former National League umpire, filed a lawsuit Friday in a Philadelphia federal court against the Major League Umpires Assn.

The lawsuit, however, is not related to the veteran umpire’s discharge two weeks ago by the National League for medical reasons.

In the lawsuit, Dale alleges that the union’s general counsel, Philadelphia attorney Richard Phillips, awarded himself a $180,000 raise in November 1984 without a vote by the membership. Dale also alleges that the union has been unresponsive in his requests for financial records and other documents.

One of Phillips’ associates, Mary Lane, said Friday that Phillips will not comment until he receives a copy of the suit.

Dale, who lives in Arcadia, has been a professional umpire for 23 years, the last 15 in the National League. He underwent knee surgery in 1983 and again in 1984, returning to work last June. He worked 126 straight games, including spring training, before he was fired last month.

“After careful observation, it was concluded that his lack of mobility had caused a reduction in his performance level,” said Katy Feeney, a National League spokeswoman.

Dale said he disagrees with the league’s decision but has been informed by his attorney, William Josem of Philadelphia, that he has no legal recourse for regaining his job. Dale said he is seeking a second opinion.

“I personally feel hurt,” Dale said. “Whether it’s a legal hurt has to be determined by someone more skilled in the law than I am.”

Dale said he has asked the union for assistance but that his calls to Phillips have not been returned.