From BR Bullpen
Emmett Ashford was an umpire in the old Arizona-Texas, and Arizona-Mexico league back in the middle/late '50's. I remember him as an exceptional umpire, and one who used a lot of body language when calling balls and strikes. I can truthfully say that he's the only umpire I've ever seen who was always popular with the fans. Back in 1958-59, the Douglas, Ariz. Copper Kings played a game against the Chihuahua, Mexico team, and all nine starters for the Copper Kings hit a homerun. This was featured in newspapers across the country, with a photo to go along with it, under the title " The Case of the Murdered Horsehide". I don't remember if Ashford was the umpire in that one particular game. The league at that time was a Class "C" pro league, and as a kid, I would go to many of the games in Douglas.
