22 Facts About Ron Luciano

Ronald Michael Luciano was an American professional baseball umpire who worked in Major League Baseball's American League from 1969 to 1979.

Ron Luciano was known for his flamboyant style, clever aphorisms, and a series of published collections of anecdotes from his colorful career.

The 6-foot-4,260-pound Ron Luciano was a standout offensive and defensive tackle at Syracuse University, where he majored in mathematics.

Ron Luciano played in the 1957 Cotton Bowl and was named to the 1958 College Football All-America Team.

Ron Luciano was traded in 1960 to the Minnesota Vikings, who released him at the end of the season.

Ron Luciano began umpiring in the Class A Florida State League in 1964.

Ron Luciano was promoted to the Double-A Eastern League in 1965 and the Triple-A International League in 1967.

Ron Luciano refused to call balks, insisting that the official definition was too vague to permit consistent enforcement.

Ron Luciano walked the next three batters, gave up a double and was taken out of the game.

League President Joe Cronin sent Luciano a registered letter the next day, chiding him for "conduct unbecoming of a major league umpire".

Ron Luciano was a member of the 1974 World Series umpire crew, but did not work the plate; the Oakland Athletics closed out the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.

Ron Luciano was the home plate umpire for Nolan Ryan's second no-hitter in Detroit on July 15,1973.

Ron Luciano served two full terms as president of the Major League Umpires Association, and was one of its principal leaders and spokesmen during the 1979 umpires strike.

Ron Luciano was known for a long-running feud with Orioles manager Earl Weaver, whose career closely paralleled Ron Luciano's.

Ron Luciano ejected Weaver from all four games, with the last ejection coming during the pre-game lineup exchange.

Ron Luciano ejected Weaver so often that Orioles players reportedly placed bets on the inning in which their skipper would be removed.

Ron Luciano married Polly Dixon, an airline flight attendant from Chicago, in 1974.

Ron Luciano was an enthusiastic amateur ornithologist and an avid reader.

Ron Luciano became a popular speaker on the banquet circuit.

In January 1995 Ron Luciano was found dead at age 57 in his garage at his home in Endicott, a victim of suicide via carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ron Luciano reportedly suffered from depression for many years, and he was hospitalized for its treatment in early 1994.

Ron Luciano is buried at the Calvary Cemetery in Johnson City, New York.