Introduction
Andrew Jay Fletcher (born November 17, 1966) is an umpire in Major League Baseball. Fletcher worked in the National League in 1999 and has worked across both major leagues since 2000. Fletcher has appeared in one All-Star Game and in one World Baseball Classic.
Career
Fletcher attended the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in 1989. He spent ten years in the minor leagues before his MLB promotion in 1999. Fletcher worked in the Appalachian League in 1989, the Florida Instructional League and Midwest League in 1990 and 1991, the Carolina League in 1992, the Southern League from 1992 to 1994, and the Pacific Coast League from 1995 to 1999. He also worked in the Arizona Fall League in 1997.
While in the Southern League in 1994, Fletcher was involved in two arguments with Michael Jordan during the basketball star's lone season with the Birmingham Barons. One of the two confrontations ended with the ejection of Barons manager Terry Francona.
After becoming a major league umpire, he officiated the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game as well as the 2009 World Baseball Classic and 2014 National League Wild Card Game.
Notable games
Fletcher was the third base umpire for Félix Hernández's perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 15, 2012.
Personal life
Fletcher attended Harding Academy of Memphis and the University of Mississippi. He lives in Olive Branch, Mississippi with his wife and child.