Tom Connolly was a professional baseball umpire with a career that spanned over four decades. He officiated more than 3,000 games in the American and National Leagues, including three World Series, and was the first umpire to wear glasses in games.

Connolly began his umpiring career in 1915, starting in the Eastern League that season and then progressing to the American League, where he would remain until his retirement in 1954. During his time in the American League, Connolly officiated the first All-Star Game in 1933. He also served as an umpire in three World Series, in 1933, 1940, and 1944.

Connolly was known for his strictness on the field when it came to enforcing the rules, and he was known for his ability to make quick and accurate decisions. He was also known for his ability to keep order during heated arguments between players and managers. He was respected by players and managers alike for his fairness and consistent demeanor.

In 1951, Connolly was honored by the Baseball Writers Association of America as the recipient of the Bill Klem Award for outstanding umpiring. He was the first umpire to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953.

Connolly's career as an umpire was not without controversy, however. In 1939, he was involved in a dispute with New York Yankees manager Joe McCarthy over a missed call. The incident resulted in McCarthy being suspended for the remainder of the season.

Tom Connolly's career as an umpire was one of the longest in baseball history, and his impact on the game was undeniable. He was highly respected by players, managers, and fans alike, and his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953 further solidified his legacy as one of the greatest umpires in baseball history.

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