Nestor Chylak

Nestor George Chylak, Jr. (May 11, 1922 - February 17, 1982) was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1954 to 1978.

Related Topics:
May 11 - 1922 - February 17 - 1982 - American - Umpire - Major League Baseball - American League

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He was born in Peckville, Pennsylvania of Ukrainian descent, and attended the University of Scranton. During World War II, he served in the Army in Europe; during the Battle of the Bulge, he was wounded by shrapnel from an exploding shell, an injury which nearly cost him his sight. He earned both the Silver Star and Purple Heart during his service. After the war's end, he began umpiring amateur baseball in 1946, and returned briefly to college. He first worked in the minor leagues in 1947, reaching the majors seven years afterward.

Related Topics:
Peckville - Pennsylvania - Ukrainian - University of Scranton - World War II - Army - Battle of the Bulge - Silver Star - Purple Heart

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He umpired in 3 ALCS, including the first one played (1969, 1972, 1973), and in 5 World Series (1957, 1960, 1966, 1971, 1977). He also worked in 6 All-Star Games: 1957, 1960 (both games), 1964, 1973 and 1978, calling balls and strikes in the second 1960 game and in 1973. After retiring from the field in 1978, he became an assistant league supervisor of umpires. Among his noteworthy games were Sandy Koufax's final game in the 1966 Series; "10¢ Beer Night" http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/features/flashbacks/06_04_1974.stm in Cleveland in 1974, where it was necessary for him to declare a forfeit due to constant fighting which spread onto the field and which saw Chylak hit over the head with a chair; and the first major league game ever played in Toronto, in 1977, for which he was the home plate umpire.

Related Topics:
ALCS - 1969 - 1972 - World Series - 1957 - 1960 - 1966 - 1971 - 1977 - All-Star Games - Sandy Koufax - Cleveland - Toronto

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Chylak died of a heart attack at age 59 in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.

Related Topics:
Dunmore, Pennsylvania - Baseball Hall of Fame - 1999

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~