Larry Louis Poncino (February 3, 1957 – July 14, 2024) was an American umpire in Major League Baseball. His Major League umpiring debut came on July 11, 1985, and his last game was on September 30, 2007. He umpired in the 2006 American League Division Series; the National League Championship Series in 1998, 2003, and 2005, and the 1996 MLB All-Star Game.[1] Poncino wore uniform number 13 during his National League stint, then changed to 39 when the NL and AL umpiring staffs merged in 2000.
Larry Poncino | |
|---|---|
 Poncino in 2007 | |
| Born | February 3, 1957 Los Angeles, California, u.S. |
| Died | July 14, 2024 (aged 67) Tucson, Arizona, U.S. |
| Occupation | MLB umpire |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) in |
Umpiring career
editPoncino was the plate umpire for Dennis Martínez's perfect game on July 28, 1991.[2] On June 28, 2007, Poncino was the home plate umpire when Craig Biggio got his 3,000th hit against the Colorado Rockies. Poncino served in the National League from 1985 to 1988 and from 1991 to 1999. He worked in both leagues from 2002 to 2007.[1]
Poncino retired due to a neck injury.[3]
Personal life and death
editPoncino was married to Jo Ann. He attended the University of Nevada-Reno from 1975 to 1976.[2]
Poncino died at his home in Tucson, Arizona, on July 14, 2024, at the age of 67.[4]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b "Larry Poncino". retrosheet.org. Retrieved May 19, 2012.
- ^ a b "Larry Poncino 39". mlb.com. Retrieved May 19, 2012.
- ^ Costas not the only one talking to umps Iron Mountain Daily News. Retrieved May 17, 2012
- ^ Larry Poncino Iron Mountain Daily News