Herm Doscher

John Henry "Herm" Doscher, Sr. (December 20, 1852 – March 20, 1934) was an American third baseman and umpire in the early years of professional baseball, playing for five different teams in the National Association and National League from though . He also served as a regular umpire in both early major leagues, the NL (1880–81) and American Association (1887–88, 1890). His son Jack was a major league pitcher for several years, mainly for the Brooklyn Superbas. Jack Doscher was the first son of a major leaguer to also play in the majors. His name is pronounced like dusher.

Playing career Born in New York City, Doscher began his playing career in the National Association with the Brooklyn Atlantics as a right fielder. He only played in six games that year, but batted .360, and played in only one game in the season, also in Brooklyn. He didn't play in the Association in , but did return for the season when he played in 22 games, all at third base, for the Washington Nationals. He didn't hit very well, and was only able to play in the minor leagues for the next few seasons.

He reached the National League again in , when he joined the Troy Trojans. After that season, Doscher was named to the NL umpiring staff, and he worked 51 games in and 79 in before returning to the playing ranks with five games for his newest and last team, the Cleveland Blues. He appeared in 25 games in , ending his playing career.

Umpiring career Known as a colorful, but a no-nonsense, hardline player, he was a natural to the umpiring profession. Once quoted as saying "I've got to play ring master, school teacher, poppa and momma, and doctor in every game", he would use any tactic he could to control the game, even physical force if necessary. The other was Adonis Terry's no-hitter on May 27, , Terry's second career no-hitter.

Later years Doscher's occupations in subsequent years include work as a scout; the discovery of future Hall of Famer Willie Keeler is attributed to him. Doscher died in Buffalo, New York at the age of 81, and was interred at Elmlawn Cemetery in Tonawanda, New York.