In September 1911, Sheridan asked Johnson for permission to permanently retire from umpiring. Johnson presented Sheridan with a medal of appreciation and said that while Sheridan would retire from the field, he expected the umpire to return to the league in an off-the-field capacity the next season. In March 1912, Sheridan said, "But I guess when the bell rings I'll be back in harness. Ban Johnson will need me when the fight grows hot." He umpired between June and August of that season. "The Pittsburgh Press" announced that Sheridan would retire before the 1913 season. He joined the umpiring staff in late June that year.