22 Facts About Don Denkinger

Donald Anton Denkinger was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1969 to 1998.

Don Denkinger is best remembered for an incorrect safe call he made at first base in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series, which came to be known as The Call.

Don Denkinger died at a hospice facility in Waterloo, Iowa, on May 12,2023, at the age of 86.

Don Denkinger attended Wartburg College, where he was on the wrestling team.

In 1975, Don Denkinger was one of the first American League umpires to switch from the outside chest protector to the inside chest protector, which was used in the National League for decades before finally being adopted in the AL in the late 1970s.

Don Denkinger umpired in four World Series: 1974,1980,1985, and 1991, serving as crew chief in the 1985 and 1991 World Series.

Don Denkinger umpired in the All-Star Game in 1971,1976, and 1987, calling balls and strikes for the last game.

Don Denkinger officiated in six American League Championship Series, serving as crew chief in 1979,1982,1988, and 1992, and in the 1981 and 1995 AL Division Series.

Don Denkinger was the home plate umpire for the 1978 American League East tie-breaker game that decided the AL East champion, as the New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox.

Don Denkinger was one of seven umpires who worked in two perfect games.

Don Denkinger was the second base umpire for Len Barker's perfect game on May 15,1981, and the first base umpire for Kenny Rogers' perfect game on July 28,1994.

Don Denkinger was the home plate umpire for Nolan Ryan's sixth no-hitter on June 11,1990.

Don Denkinger was the first base umpire in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series.

Don Denkinger called Orta safe, even though instant replays and photographs clearly showed that he was out by half a step.

Don Denkinger believed he had made the right call until he later met with Commissioner Peter Ueberroth after the game and had the opportunity to see the replay himself.

Don Denkinger said he was waiting to hear the ball land in Worrell's glove while watching the bag for Orta's foot and due to the crowd noise he never heard Worrell catch the ball.

Don Denkinger said that when he looked down to see whether or not Orta's foot was on the bag, he saw Orta's foot on the bag, so Don Denkinger called him safe.

Don Denkinger claimed that the letters continued on through 1987, when the Cardinals were ramping up for another World Series appearance, this time against the Minnesota Twins.

Two years later, Don Denkinger was behind the plate for the All-Star Game, and he was again named crew chief for the 1988 ALCS, 1991 World Series, and 1992 ALCS.

Don Denkinger is one of only four umpires to have been selected as crew chief for the ALCS three times.

Don Denkinger served as an umpire advisor for a year after retiring.

Don Denkinger then spent his time golfing and fishing while spending time in Arizona, France, Denmark and Illinois, with his family.