Conlan began his career in 1934 as an umpire in the Pacific Coast League. He was soon promoted to the National League, where he worked until his retirement in 1954. In 1951, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first living umpire to receive that honor.
Conlan was widely respected by players, managers, and fans alike. Players praised his even-handedness and his ability to handle disputes without losing his temper. Managers appreciated his willingness to discuss controversial calls and his careful attention to the rules. Fans admired his quiet dignity and his graceful handling of difficult situations.
Conlan also had a reputation for being a stickler for the rules. He famously ejected a player for drinking a cup of coffee in the dugout during a game. He also fined players and managers for maligning his decisions.
Conlan was an innovator in the field of umpiring, introducing several new techniques. He was the first umpire to wear a protective mask and the first to use a hand-held microphone to announce his decisions over the public address system. He also set a standard for accuracy and fairness that his successors continue to follow.
Conlan's career was marked by a deep respect for the game and its players. He was a firm believer that “honesty is the best policy” and that baseball should be played in accordance with the rules. He will be remembered as one of the greatest umpires in the history of the game.
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