First and foremost, who would ever think of Rick in Los Angeles? Second, he was not shopping on Rodeo Drive.
It sounds like he felt bad and went to the hospital and never made it out. It is a very sad day and we will miss him out west. Rick was the man during the last few years in SB.
I think I first met Rick in Lake Worth, FL in the 80’s. He was playing with an East Coast team, but must have been from the southeast possibly Alabama or Georgia maybe South Carolina. He was just too tough to be from the east coast. Rick was a solid player and was a winner. He got into the Argie move when low goal players were basically removed from the clubs and turned to Umpiring for income. Leader Tom Hughes, also died in the last year. Rick rose through the ranks as a very good man in stripes. He soon became a top gun at Umpiring.
We will remember him in many ways, but mostly as a very good guy who took no bull from anyone. Rick was always fair no matter what we thought. Despite his smile, you knew he could hurt you instantly if he thought you it needed, but he would not do that as he could and did reason with you. As a Umpire he usually came out right.
SO LONG RICK SEARS. I AM NOW THE ONE WHO IS RIGHT, FOR THE MOMENT.
SO LONG OLD CHAP. TELL THE OLE BOYS HI.
see ya