On December 10, 2020, Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire Don Denkinger passed away at the age of 86. Denkinger was a beloved figure in the baseball world, known for his fairness and integrity. He was also remembered for a controversial call he made in the 1985 World Series that changed the course of the game.
Denkinger began his umpiring career in the American League in 1969 and worked in the major leagues for 25 years, officiating in five World Series and four All-Star Games. He was known for his quick decisions and his ability to keep games moving. He was also respected for his fairness and integrity, earning the nickname “Honest Don.”
In 1985, Denkinger made a call that would forever change his career. During Game 6 of the World Series between the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals, Denkinger called Royals batter Jorge Orta safe at first base on a close play. Replays showed that Orta was out, but Denkinger’s call stood and the Royals went on to win the game and the series. The call was highly controversial and is still debated to this day.
Despite the controversy surrounding the call, Denkinger remained a beloved figure in baseball. He was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and received numerous awards throughout his career. He was also remembered for his dedication to charity work, including his involvement with the Umpire Emergency Assistance Fund and the Professional Baseball Umpires Corporation.
Don Denkinger’s death marks the end of an era for MLB umpiring. He will be remembered for his fairness and integrity, as well as for his controversial call in the 1985 World Series. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and all who were impacted by his career.
