Longtime MLB Umpire Chuck Meriwether Passes Away at 63
By Parker White
On Saturday, the baseball family learned some truly sad news. Longtime umpire Chuck Meriwether has died at the age of 63.
This continues a week of sorrow and loss for the big league umpire fraternity, as Eric Cooper suddenly passed away this week after working playoff games earlier this month.
RIP Chuck Meriweather, the longtime umpire and supervisor, who dies at the age of 63. It has been a sorrowful week for the umpiring fraternity.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 26, 2019
Meriwhether called games for 18 years in the MLB and another nine years as a supervisor for the league's umpires.
Commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement on Saturday that recognized Meriwether's brilliant career and how he was a role model and trailblazer for African American umpires.
“Chuck Meriwether was an accomplished umpire on the field, a role model for our staff and a true gentleman in life. He made a significant impact in his nine years as an Umpire Supervisor. Chuck will be remembered for his genial manner and the outstanding example he set for others, particularly for African American umpires who followed him. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Rita, his sons Jeremy and Christopher, the Major League Umpires and his many friends throughout our game,” Manfred said.
Long-time MLB umpire Chuck Meriwether has passed away at 63.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) October 26, 2019
Meriwether was behind the plate for Game 4 of the 2004 World Series (15 years ago tomorrow) and Game 4 of the 2007 Series.
Been a tough week for the umps, who also lost Eric Cooper.
Over Meriwhether's decorated career, he worked eight division series, two league championship series, and the 2004 and 2007 World Series.
Meriwhether was also part of two of MLB's 23 perfect games: David Cone's in 1999 and Mark Buehrle's in 2009. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this most difficult of times.