Shulock was promoted to the American League as a replacement during the umpire strike that spanned the first seven weeks of the 1979 major league season. When the regular major league umpires returned to work, Shulock and seven other replacement umpires were retained in the major leagues. Crossing the picket lines would affect Shulock's relationships with MLB umpires for at least several years. "To this day, there are still hard feelings," American League crew chief Don Denkinger said in 1994. Backlash against Shulock may have been particularly harsh because he was felt to have enough talent to make the big leagues under non-strike conditions.[2]
Notable games
Shulock was the second base umpire for Nolan Ryan's sixth career no-hitter on June 11, 1990.[4]
In September 1999, Shulock was fined and suspended for three games following a confrontation with Tampa Bay Devil Rays catcher Mike DiFelice during an Anaheim Angels at Tampa Bay Rays game. In the game's third inning, Shulock was struck in the mask by a fastball from pitcher Wilson Alvarez. Thinking he had been intentionally targeted by Alvarez and that DiFelice made no effort to catch the ball, Shulock charged toward the mound until he was intercepted by DiFelice. He was cited by league officials for display of temper, overly aggressive behavior and physical contact with DiFelice.[5] He was also disciplined for inappropriate public remarks when he told reporters, "I hope somebody smokes a line drive off [Alvarez's] head. I'll be the first to laugh."[6]
