Major League Baseball appointed Kerwin Danley as the first African American umpire crew chief, the league announced Thursday.
Danley, who called his first game in the majors in 1992 and began full-time with the league in 1998, has worked two World Series, two All-star Games and 10 postseason rounds. According to retrosheet.org, he totaled just four ejections in the past five seasons and is known for his even temperament.
Danley began his umpiring career in 1985 in the minors' Northwest League. He played at San Diego State and was a first-team All-America outfielder in 1983. His and roommate with the Aztecs was future Hall of Fame outfielder Tony Gwynn.
Kerwin Danley has worked two World Series, two All-star Games and 10 postseason rounds. (Photo: Rick Scuteri, AP)
There have been about 10 full-time African American umpires in the majors since Emmett Ashford ascended to become the first in 1966.
Alfonso Marquez also became the second Hispanic crew chief in MLB history. Marquez, who joins former ump Richie Garcia as Hispanic crew chiefs, was the first Mexican-born umpire to work in the majors, starting in 1999. He's worked three World Series, 15 other postseason rounds and two All-Star Games.
Contributing: The Associated Press.
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