IB Umpire Michael Thier 1956-2011

Michael Thier was known by those closest to him as a loving husband, caring father and a dear friend. But on the baseball diamond he was simply known as “Blue” for the color of his umpire uniform.

Thier started as an umpire of girls softball games at the age of 16 in his hometown of Imperial Beach. He enjoyed it so much that he got certified and volunteered to umpire adult leagues in Imperial Beach and eventually baseball games throughout San Diego County.

“He was a well loved umpire in the community. He was a well loved man,” Carla Their, his wife of 27 years said.

Thier’s passion for baseball goes back to when he was a kid playing in the Imperial Beach Little League. Later in life he would play in mens and co-ed baseball and softball leagues. 

Thier’s wife said his favorite position to play was center field because he had a cannon for an arm.

“He had the accuracy,” Carla said. “I've seen him throw a ball and knock a man out going to third base. He hit him in the back of the head. He had a great arm.”

While umpiring was his hobby, his career was in the electronic calibration lab at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. He learned the electronic calibration trade in the U.S. Navy, where he served and trained for four years.

Carla said she didn’t know much about baseball until she met Thier and the game became part of her everyday life. She said she would support Thier by going to his games but that over the years she went to so many of his games that she eventually asked him if it was ok if she stopped going and he said he was ok with it.

Although Carla learned about baseball from Thier, she said the greatest thing he taught her had nothing to do with baseball.

“He taught me how to say I’m sorry,” she said. “We had 27 and a half years of life together and we’ve been through a lot.”

Thier passed away on May 9 after a bout with cancer. He was 55.

He is survived by his wife, Carla, his daughter Dawn Gonzalez and three grand-daughters: Anissa, Bianca, and Isabella.