James A. Joyce III (born October 3 1955 in Toledo, Ohio) is an umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the American League (AL) from 1987 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues since 2000. He wears uniform number 66. His strike call is extremely loud and enthusiastic, similar to that of fellow umpire Bruce Froemming. Joyce has umpired in the All-Star Game (1994 and 2001), the Division Series (1995, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2003), the League Championship Series (1997, 2004, 2006), and the World Series (1999 and 2001). After graduating from Bowling Green State University in 1977, he umpired in the Midwest League (1978-1979), the Florida Instructional League (1978), the Texas League (1980), the Pacific Coast League (1981-1986, 1988), the International League (1987), and the Dominican League (1983). Joyce was the second base umpire when Nolan Ryan recorded his 5,000th career strikeout and was the first base umpire when Robin Yount reached his 3,000th hit. He is known for his loud, high-pitched,"STRIIIIIEEEEEEEEEKE" call. Joyce has been told that he may be somehow related to the Irish author James Joyce.
