Don Denkinger Obituary

Don Denkinger was a Major League Baseball umpire from 1969 to 1998 in the American League.

Don Denkinger died at Cedar Valley Hospice in Waterloo, Iowa, according to one of his three daughters, Denise Hanson on Friday, May 12, 2023. He was 86.

Denkinger umpired in four World Series: 1974, 1980, 1985, and 1991, with the latter two years as crew chief. Denkinger also worked as an umpire for the All-Star Game in 1971, 1976, and 1987, calling balls and strikes in the final game.

Don Denkinger officiated in six American League Championship Series (1972, 1975, 1979, 1982, 1988, and 1992), as well as the 1981 and 1995 AL Division Series, and served as crew chief in 1979, 1982, 1988, and 1992.

He was the home plate umpire for the 1978 American League East tie-breaker game, in which the New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox to determine the AL East champion.

Don Denkinger also officiated game seven of the 1991 World Series, in which the Minnesota Twins defeated the Atlanta Braves.

He was also the home plate umpire in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series, in which the Minnesota Twins defeated the Atlanta Braves 1-0 in ten innings, considered one of the best in World Series history.

Don Denkinger is survived by his wife, the former Gayle Price, and daughters. On May 19, a memorial service will be held at Cedar Falls’ St. John Lutheran Church.