MLB.com

MAJOR LEAGUE SERVICE TIME: 12 Years

CAREER: Joined the Major League staff in 1998...has worked the Division Series (1999, 2004-05), the 2008 National League Championship Series and the 2002 All-Star Game...was one of the umpires who represented Major League Baseball during the 2006 Japan All-Star Series...worked the Toronto round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic...was behind the plate when Kerry Wood matched a Major League record with 20 strikeouts in 1998...attended the Joe Brinkman Umpire School (1983)...previously umpired in the Appalachian League (1983-84), South Atlantic League (1985), Carolina League (1986), Southern League (1987-89), Triple-A Alliance (1990-91) and International League (1992-97).

PERSONAL: Gerald William Meals...born in October 1961 in Pennsylvania...resides in Ohio...married to Robyn...has five children: Laci, Peyton, Jansen and twins Rylee Ann and Raegan Grace...graduated from Salem High School in 1979...began umpiring Little League games as a teenager...enjoys hunting, family activities and woodworking in the off-season...hobbies include car mechanics, golf and woodworking.