Harvey earned his divine moniker

Harvey was in control National League players went a step further toward sacrilege in one of their characterizations. They called Doug Harvey "God."

An umpire as "God" or, "The Lord," as some called Harvey. Hmmm. But "Blue" wouldn't do for him; too vanilla. Players routinely addressed Harvey's colleagues as "Blue." But they sensed the man with the silver hair commanded something more regal, respectful, even divine. So "God" it was, and Harvey reveled in the nickname.

"What's to be uncomfortable?" he said. "It's not a bad moniker."

The nickname fit, of course, because for most of his 31 years on the field, Harvey was in control -- every pitch, every play, every game. Some suspected he had a say in the weather, earthquakes and bad hops. Players contested the game, he controlled it. They decided it, he made more decisions than they. He didn't ask stpment to be worshipped, nor did he suffer those who would cross him. In most circumstances, he exercised at least 20 seconds of tolerance.