Early Life
West was born in Asheville, North Carolina in 1952. He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina where he played youth baseball and football. After high school graduation, West intended to play college football at East Carolina University (ECU). However, ECU coach Mike McGee resigned after his freshman year, prompting West's transfer to Elon College (now Elon University). While in college West hoped to play both baseball and football, but spring football practice interfered with the baseball season. He concentrated on football and umpired high school baseball games on the side.
Read more about this topic: Joe West (umpire)
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