World Series umpiring crew includes two Kentucky natives

There are two Kentucky natives on the World Series umpiring crew, baseball’s commissioner’s office announced Monday.

Paul Nauert, 54, who is from Louisville, joined the major league staff in 1999. This will be his first time he has worked the World Series.

Tripp Gibson, 36, was born in Mayfield and played in high school at Graves County before graduating from Murray State. He joined the major league staff in 2013.

Gerry Davis will work the World Series for the sixth time, tying Joe West for the most times among active umpires. Davis will be crew chief for the third time. A 34-year big league veteran, Davis has worked a record 136 postseason games. He also umpired in the World Series in 1996, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2012.

Phil Cuzzi will be behind the plate for Tuesday night’s opener between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros. Nauert will be at first, Davis at second, Laz Diaz at third, Bill Miller in left and Dan Iassogna in right.

Mark Wegner will be the replay umpire in New York for the first two games, then move to left field for Game 3 in Houston. Cuzzi will replace him as replay umpire for the remaining games.

Gibson, who also worked the AL wild-card game, will be the replay assistant.

This story was originally published October 23, 2017 at 7:07 PM with the headline "World Series umpiring crew includes two Kentucky natives."