Saturday, March 12, 2011

Former MLB Umpire Frank Dezelan Passes

The World Umpires Association remembers MLB Umpire Frank Dezelan, who recently passed away at age 81.

Dezelan worked the senior circuit from 1966-1971. He was working the plate when Willie Mays hit his 600th career home run, and was on the umpire crew for the 1971 All-Star Game. Dezelan also was the plate umpire for the first game at Three Rivers Stadium.

His career was cut short by a brain tumor, but he retained his love of the game throughout his life. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published his obituary, which includes an observation from his wife of 52 years, Irene Dezelan, who "noted that her husband made it to the big leagues when there were more U.S. senators than major league umpires."

1 comment:

Darlene Dezelan said...

My father was an great umpire and amazing man. We miss him terribly, but his legacy of a life well lived will continue forever. His career highlights are included in the Baseball Hall of Fame.