West Allis NATIONALS Baseball

Much to no one's surprise, Brian Gibson has chosen Lee Hardee to stand beside him on October 4 as he marries Amy. Brian and Lee are longtime associates in blue, and Brian has always considered Lee his umpiring mentor. Said Gibson, "The way he gracefully executes his safe call on a bang bang play is...suave. Few have such dramatic license with balls and strikes. And attire...forget it...I can only dream of pulling off the open collar,dangling chain thing. My mom would never have it." Congrats to #17. Insiders indicate fellow umpires Tony Klappa and Brian Henson will join Lee in the groom's party. Last in line, standing up in front of God and all, will be Brian's longtime nemesis, J.J.