Umpire’s Wife Investigated

Baseball officials are investigating a letter sent by a National League umpire’s wife to determine if it warrants disciplinary action against her husband.

American League umpire John Hirschbeck, whose wife received the letter, said Sunday he had reported the matter to baseball. A top baseball official, speaking on condition he not be identified, said action could be taken action against National League umpire Ed Montague, whose wife sent the letter.

Hirschbeck, one of the umpires who has organized opposition to union head Richie Phillips, said he didn’t want to comment further.

Marcia Montague, whose husband supports Phillips, sent an angry letter to Denise Hirschbeck. Marcia Montague accused John Hirschbeck of “undermining 20 years of work from an association that has reaped him so many benefits.” She went on to call Hirschbeck a “traitor and a coward.”

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The Cincinnati Reds put pitcher Steve Parris on the 15-day disabled list and activated catcher Brian Johnson. . . . The Cubs placed pitcher Rick Aguilera on the 15-day DL with a strained left calf and recalled RHP Steve Rain from triple-A Iowa. . . . The Cardinals called up infielder Placido Polanco from triple-A Memphis to fill the spot caused by the trade of Shawon Dunston to the Mets.