Bill McGowan was an American umpire in Major League Baseball from 1906 to 1942. He officiated in four World Series and four All-Star Games, and he was widely considered to be one of the best umpires in the game. McGowan began his career in the minor leagues, where he worked from 1906 to 1912. He then joined the National League as an umpire in 1913. During his 29 years in the National League, he worked as a fill-in umpire for several teams, but he primarily served as the umpire for the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Giants.

McGowan was known for his quick wit and his ability to keep the game moving at a brisk pace. He also had a reputation for being an impartial and fair umpire, and he was respected by both players and managers. He was also known for his quick ejection of players who were disrespectful or disruptive. He had a strict policy that any player that made contact with an umpire would be automatically ejected from the game.

During his career, McGowan officiated four World Series, and he was also the umpire for four All-Star Games. He was also the umpire for the first night game ever played at Shibe Park in Philadelphia. He retired after the 1942 season, and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992.

McGowan was one of the best umpires in the game during his time, and he was respected by players, managers, and fans alike. His quick wit and impartiality made him a popular figure in the game, and his ability to keep the game moving at a brisk pace helped make baseball the national pastime.

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