Lee Ballanfant
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Waco native Lee Ballanfant became an umpire after a leg injury in 1925 shortened his promising playing career. From 1926-1935 he umpired in the Texas Association, Lone Star, West Texas and Texas Leagues. In 1936 he became the first Texan to umpire in the National League. His 22 year career lasted until 1958 and included a span of 11 years in which Ballanfant did not miss an inning. Ballanfant was one of the quickest umpires in the major leagues and had a reputation for always being in position to make the call. Ballanfant umpired in six World Series and six All-Star Games. He later became a scout for the Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.
