Ron Luciano
| Ron Luciano | |
|---|---|
Luciano's first book
|
|
| Born |
Ronald Michael Luciano June 28, 1937 Endicott, New York |
| Died | January 18, 1995 (aged 57) Endicott, New York |
| Cause of death | Suicide |
| Resting place | Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Syracuse University |
| Occupation | Umpire, Author |
| Years active | 1969–1979 |
| Employer | Major League Baseball |
Ronald Michael Luciano (June 28, 1937 – January 18, 1995) was an American Major League Baseball umpire from 1969 to 1979 in the American League. He was known for his flamboyant style, clever aphorisms, and a series of published collections of anecdotes from his colorful career.
Luciano was born in Endicott, in southern upstate New York, 150 miles southwest of Albany, near the Pennsylvania border, and lived his entire life there. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Luciano was a standout two-way tackle at Syracuse University, where he majored in mathematics. He played in the 1957 Cotton Bowl and was named to the 1958 College Football All-America Team. In 1959 he played on the Orangemen's national championship squad with future Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis. The Baltimore Colts selected him as an offensive tackle in the third round of the 1959 NFL Draft, and immediately traded him to the Detroit Lions; but he suffered a serious shoulder injury in the College All-Star Game, and never played a down for the Lions. He was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, who released him after the 1960 season. The AFL Buffalo Bills picked him up in 1961, but a knee injury forced his retirement after only two games.
Luciano began umpiring in the Class A Florida State League in 1964. He was promoted to the Double-A Eastern League in 1965 and the Triple-A International League in 1967. In 1969 he became a Major League umpire, in the American League, and remained so until his retirement just before the 1980 regular season.
...
Wikipedia