Sports Record-setting MLB umpire ‘Cowboy’ Joe West officially retired after 45 seasons February 4, 2022Steve Gardner, USA TODAYComments Off on Record-setting MLB umpire ‘Cowboy’ Joe West officially retired after 45 seasons Known as "Cowboy Joe," West set the all-time record by umpiring in 5,460 regular-season games; MLB hires first full-time ump born in Puerto Rico.