A Legendary Umpire Hangs Up His Mask
After an illustrious career spanning over three decades, veteran umpire Larry Vanover has announced his retirement from the major leagues. In a heartfelt tribute, Vanover’s family was invited to participate in the pre-game ceremony at Tropicana Field, where they presented the lineup card to the umpiring crew.
The 69-year-old Kentucky native was honored with a special message on the scoreboard during the first inning, earning a standing ovation from the crowd. Vanover’s remarkable journey began on June 25, 1991, when he officiated his first major league game between the Montreal Expos and New York Mets. He went on to join the major league staff in 1993, becoming a respected figure in the umpiring community.
Throughout his career, Vanover has been involved in several historic moments, including the introduction of expanded video review in 2014. He made the first call using this technology, confirming an out at first base during the Pittsburgh Pirates-Chicago Cubs season opener at Wrigley Field.
Vanover’s leadership skills were recognized when he was appointed interim crew chief in 2014, followed by a permanent crew chief role in 2015. He had the privilege of working the 2016 World Series, as well as Derek Jeter’s final game at Fenway Park in 2014.
Before reaching the major leagues, Vanover honed his skills in various minor league circuits, including the South Atlantic League, Midwest League, Southern League, American Association, Pacific Coast League, International League, and Venezuelan League. As he hangs up his mask, Vanover leaves behind a legacy of dedication, expertise, and passion for the game.
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