Richie Phillips

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Richard G. Phillips (born c. 1940) is the former general counsel and executive director of the 52-member Major League Umpires Association (MLUA), having held those positions from 1978 to 2000. He is most notable for recommending that the union baseball umpires resign en masse effective September 2, 1999 to leverage enhanced benefits for union umpires. This decision ultimately turned out to be devastating to the umpires, as Major League Baseball "called their bluff" and fired those who submitted their resignations, promoting replacement umpires from the minor leagues. The umpires later voted to decertify the union, replacing it with the World Umpires Association. He has also served in the same positions for the National Association of Basketball Referees.

Phillips received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Villanova University. While in college, he played varsity football and later returned to coach the freshman football eleven while attending law school. After getting his legal degree in 1966, Phillips worked for one and one-half years in the Philadelphia Public Defender's Office. From there he moved to the District Attorney's office as a trial assistant in the organized crime division, and on to the homicide division until around 1971.

His background in labor law is extensive, including representing the Transport Workers Union as well as handling legal matters for the top brass of the Carpenters Union, both in Philadelphia. He also represents about 30 athletes, which he claims does not present any conflict of interest with his duties relating to the officials.