Fri. Nov 15th, 2024
Occasional Digest - a story for you

Don Denkinger, seen here arguing with Rangers manager Bobby Valentine during a 1986 game, has died, MLB announced. Denkinger was 86.

Longtime MLB umpire Don Denkinger has died. He was 86.

Denise Hanson, one of Denkinger’s three daughters, announced on Friday that her father died at Cedar Valley Hospice in Waterloo, Iowa. No cause of death was given.

Denkinger served as an umpire in the American League from 1969 to 1998. He called four World Series, including Game 6 of the 1985 World Series between the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals. In that game, Denkinger incorrectly called the Royals’ Jorge Orta safe at first base in the bottom of the ninth inning with the Cardinals up 1-0 in the game and 3-2 in the series. Denkinger’s safe verdict became known as “The Call.”

Umpire Don Denkinger looks on as Cardinals pitcher Todd Worrell stretches out to catch the ball as Royals batter Jorge Orta steps on the base during the ninth inning in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series.

“No one wants to be embarrassed like that,” Denkinger told Sports Illustrated afterward. “My job is predicated on being right all the time, and I like to be right all the time. But we’re only human, and now it’s history. I can’t change anything. Even admitting I was wrong doesn’t change anything.”



Source link