BOSSIER CITY, LA - Graveside services for Mr. Al Smith, 81, will be held at Forest Park Cemetery East, on Friday, 11-17-06 at 2:00 pm. The family will be receiving friends at Boone Funeral Home, Thursday from 6-8 pm. Mr. Smith passed away on 11-14-06.

Mr. Smith served our country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He spent many years working as an umpire and referee in all-star baseball games in the major league. In 1964, he umpired for the World Series Game. He retired after 32 years from Randy's Travel Town.

Surviving him is his loving wife Carolyn; son Ricky Smith; step-son James Hilton; brother Casper Smith and wife Bobbie; and his grandson Jonathan Smith. Boone Funeral Home

I am the former owner of the Shreveport Captains (1974-2000) and really appreciate your column in Baseball America as it enables me to be aware of the passing of many of my friends that I met during my career in minor league baseball.