Notorious for a disputed call in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series, altering the outcome of the game and series, this umpire's mistake remains one of baseball's most infamous moments.
Don Denkinger is perhaps most infamous for his incorrect safe call at first base in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series, a play that would come to be known as "The Call." Despite a long and distinguished career as an American League umpire, this one moment has become synonymous with his name.
Denkinger's umpiring career spanned nearly three decades, from 1969 to 1998. During that time, he worked in four World Series (1974, 1980, 1985, and 1991), serving as crew chief in the 1985 and 1991 series. He also umpired in three All-Star Games (1971, 1976, and 1987) and six American League Championship Series (1972, 1975, 1979, 1982, 1988, and 1992).
The Call, as it came to be known, occurred on October 26, 1985, in Game 6 of the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals. With the Royals trailing by a run and two outs in the ninth inning, Jorge Orta of the Royals grounded a ball to the first baseman, Jack Clark. In a close play at first base, Denkinger called Orta safe, despite replays showing that Clark had beaten him to the bag. The call led to a Royals rally, and they eventually won the game and the series.
Denkinger was born on August 28, 1936, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He attended Wartburg College, where he was a member of the wrestling team. After serving in the Army from 1957 to 1959, he began umpiring in the minor leagues before joining the American League staff in 1969. Denkinger was married to Gayle Price and had three daughters, Darcel Nikolajsen, Denise Hanson, and Dana Kelly.
Despite The Call, Denkinger's legacy as an umpire is more complex and nuanced. He was known for his professionalism and was respected by players and fellow umpires alike. Denkinger was also an early adopter of the inside chest protector, which was eventually adopted by the American League in the late 1970s.
Denkinger passed away on May 12, 2023, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most memorable umpires in baseball history.
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