George Moriarty became an American League umpire after his playing career ended—he also wrote a nationally syndicated column which often included elegies for deceased players and poems.
George Moriarty
In 1919, he wrote a tribute to the first major league player to enlist in WWI—Hank Gowdy:
“They’re waiting, Hank, to pay respects because you went away to help make Prussians into wrecks for this U.S.A. They’re waiting, Hank, to clap their hands, to yell and everything; the countless mobs of baseball fans acknowledge you are king. When Uncle Sammy gave the call for valor, pep and vim, you dropped your glove, your bat and ball, and said, ‘I’ll sign with him!’ When handing out the credit, Hank, no mite to you we toss; we can’t name one more willing Yank who bore the U.S. cross. They missed you, Hank, for many months; the way you caught—your whip. And when they talked of hero stunts, your name fell from each lip. They’re eager, Hank, to see your face, reflecting courage strong. They want to see you swing the mace back here where you belong. And if you throw not on a line, the fans won’t say a word, for Hank, old kid, you crossed the Rhine, and that makes you some bird. They’re eager, Hank, to see you score again the winning run; for in your form they’ll see the swarm of Yanks that whipped the Hun. What greater record in the guide, as future years advance? A record strong as time and tide—Hank Gowdy, First to France.”
Baseball History Daily 
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