The Idle American They called balls and strikes behind home plate for a combined 52 years, achieving greatness in the world of Major League umpiring until their retirement in 1999. The pair’s plaque-filled walls in their homes are testimonies to their remarkable professional achievements. When they stepped up to the plate in retirement, however, their volunteer service to others provided them with the most satisfaction. Who knows what motivated them? The late Durwood Merrill, from Hooks, TX, and Larry Barnett, from Nitro, WV, insisted on “giving back.” Some might think their theme song should be, “Thank God, I’m a Country Boy.” Combined population ...