Former Orioles’ pitcher Dave Johnson spoke with BaltimoreSportsReport.com in an interview previewing the Orioles 2011 season. Among the questions asked was one about lifelong umpires’ attendant Ernie Tyler who passed away on February 10th from complications from a brain tumor as he was preparing for his 51st straight season with the Orioles.

Johnson discussed Ernie’s role with the organization and his personal connection with Tyler, as the two had judged aspiring ball boys and ball girls in March before the start of the season.

Ernie Tyler was 86 years old and was laid to rest on Tuesday in a funeral attended by a number of those who had worked with him in the Orioles organization.