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Hirschbeck crew chief at Series, Vanover has plate in opener

CLEVELAND -- John Hirschbeck will be the umpire crew chief for the World Series and Larry Vanover will call balls and strikes for Game 1.

Major League Baseball announced the seven-man crew Monday. The Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians opens Tuesday night in Cleveland.

Four umpires will work the World Series for the first time: Vanover, Chris Guccione, Marvin Hudson and Tony Randazzo.

Joe West, in his record 39th straight year in the majors, and Sam Holbrook also are on the crew.

Holbrook will be the replay official for the first two games, then switch places with Vanover. Todd Tichenor will assist in the replay room.

This will be the sixth World Series for West and fifth for Hirschbeck, including three as crew chief. Holbrook is working his second Series.