Frank Dascoli Explained

Frank Dascoli
Birth Name:Frank Dascoli
Birth Date:26 December 1913
Birth Place:Canterbury, Connecticut[1]
Death Place:Danielson, Connecticut
Employer:National League
Occupation:Umpire
Years Active:1948–1961

Frank Dascoli (December 26, 1913 – August 11, 1990) was a professional baseball umpire who worked in the National League from 1948 to 1961. Dascoli umpired 2,056 major league games in his 14-year career. He umpired in three World Series (1953, 1955 and 1959) and two All-Star Games (1951 and 1957).[2]

Notable games

Dascoli took criticism for his late-season ejection of Roy Campanella during a game in the 1951 pennant race. Campanella had thrown down his mitt in protest of a call involving what would be the winning run. If not for the ejection, Campanella would have come back up to bat late in the game with two runners on base. However, the young Dascoli later received support from veteran umpire Larry Goetz.[3]

On May 6, 1951, Dascoli was home plate umpire for Cliff Chambers' no-hitter.[4] He was also the first-base umpire in Harvey Haddix's near-perfect game on May 26, 1959.[5]

On September 26, 1959, Dascoli halted play due to rain (and then ended the game) after Toothpick Sam Jones pitched seven innings of no-hit baseball against St. Louis.

Dismissal

Dascoli was terminated by league president Warren Giles in the middle of the 1961 season. The action came after media reports alleged that Dascoli had criticized the president's lack of support for umpires. The same reporter also said that Dascoli was making plans to retire after the season.[6]

See also

Notes and References

  1. The Umpire: Genius or Showboat?. Bingham. Walter. Sports Illustrated. April 13, 1959. 47.
  2. http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/D/Pdascf901.htm Retrosheet
  3. News: Martin. Whitney. Umpire Larry Goetz Speaks Up in Defense of Frank Dascoli. Associated Press. October 13, 1951. June 25, 2012.
  4. Web site: Retrosheet Boxscore: Pittsburgh Pirates 3, Boston Braves 0 (2).
  5. Web site: Retrosheet Boxscore: Milwaukee Braves 1, Pittsburgh Pirates 0.
  6. News: Harrison . Harold. Umpire Frank Dascoli is Fired in Surprise Action. Associated Press . August 11, 1961. June 25, 2012.