Major League Baseball Umpire. For thirty seasons (1969 to 1998), he served as an umpire in the American League. He will be unfortunately remembered for a controversial safe call at first base during game 6 of the 1985 World Series. The play would be known as "The Call," which cost the St. Louis Cardinals the game and eventually the World Series to the Kansas City Royals. A replay clearly showed Kansas City's baserunner Jorge Orta was out at first base. The aftermath resulted in Denkinger's family receiving death threats from fans. Born Donald Anton Denkinger, he participated in wrestling during his years at Wartburg College, and following service with the United States Army, he began umpiring minor league games in 1960. In 1969 he was promoted to the Major League level, and during his career, he umpired scores of league championship games, World Series, and all-star games. Additionally, he was on the field during two perfect games. After retiring, he served as an umpire advisor.
Major League Baseball Umpire. For thirty seasons (1969 to 1998), he served as an umpire in the American League. He will be unfortunately remembered for a controversial safe call at first base during game 6 of the 1985 World Series. The play would be known as "The Call," which cost the St. Louis Cardinals the game and eventually the World Series to the Kansas City Royals. A replay clearly showed Kansas City's baserunner Jorge Orta was out at first base. The aftermath resulted in Denkinger's family receiving death threats from fans. Born Donald Anton Denkinger, he participated in wrestling during his years at Wartburg College, and following service with the United States Army, he began umpiring minor league games in 1960. In 1969 he was promoted to the Major League level, and during his career, he umpired scores of league championship games, World Series, and all-star games. Additionally, he was on the field during two perfect games. After retiring, he served as an umpire advisor.
Bio by: C.S.
Inscription
SP4 US ARMY
LOVING HUSBAND
FATHER GRANDPA
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Denkinger memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
