Michael, Son of John Hirschbeck, Passes Away at 27

MLB Umpire John Hirschbeck's son Michael died of unknown causes, the Associated Press announced Tuesday.

According to Poland, Ohio's NBC-WFMJ, Michael suffered from an inherited neurological condition, a rare brain disease known as adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD).

Hirschbeck, who was scheduled to work the San Diego Padres vs. Cleveland Indians interleague series in Ohio instead flew home to be with his family. MiLB's John Tumpane was called up to fill in for the bereaved Hirschbeck, who now has lost his second child in the past 20 years.

In 1993, Hirschbeck's 8-year-old son John Drew died of ALD.

Said, family friend and United Way President Bob Hannon, "Anytime you lose a child it's devastating, but now John and [wife] Denise have lost two children. I think there's no question there will be a lot of people that will be there for the family and help them get through this."

After missing the entire 2008 season following back surgery, Hirschbeck was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2009, resulting in more time on umpiring's Injured List. He returned to work the 2010 season before the cancer returned ahead of 2012: Hirschbeck announced he was once again cancer-free in August 2012 and returned to baseball in 2013.

His 2014 crew includes Bob Davidson, Brian O'Nora and James Hoye.