"He's going to be the greatest umpire in baseball history," said Hall of Fame umpire Bill Klem when recommending that baseball hire the 26-year-old Albert "Al" Barlick as a full-time National League ump. "He has a love of the game, pride in it and the physical qualifications," continued Klem. "Young? Certainly. But there's something wrong with an umpire who serves a long time in the minors." Barlick was a National League umpire for 28 seasons: 1940-43; with 1944-45 in World War II service in the United States Coast Guard; 1946-55; 1956-57 away from umpiring because of illness; 1958-71. In a poll of sportswriters conducted by the Sporting News in 1961, Barlick was voted as the National League ump who was most respected, best at balls and strikes, best on the bases, best at knowing the rules, and the most serious minded. Barlick was known for his loud calls from behind the plate, a technique that other umpires imitated. He was a 7-time World Series umpire and a 7-time All-Star umpire. Barlick even had his own umpire baseball card, part of Bowman's 1955 baseball card set that included umpire cards. The check measures 2.75x6". It is drawn on the Marine Bank of Springfield, Illinois and is written to the "Sangamo Packing Co." in the amount of $92.54. The printed names on the check are "Mr. or Mrs. "Al" Barlick." The check is dated "5/8/ 1987, and it has been cashed. Barlick signed his name on the check, in pen with blue ink, as " 'Al' Barlick". The signed check makes an interesting way to display the signature of one of baseball's best-ever umpires.