Dick Stello

Richard Jack Stello (July 20, 1934 – November 18, 1987) was an American professional baseball umpire. He worked in the National League from 1968 to his death in 1987. He wore uniform number 18 for most of his career.

Dick Stello
Born
Richard Jack Stello

(1934-07-20)July 20, 1934
Boston, Massachusetts, US
DiedNovember 18, 1987(1987-11-18) (aged 53)
Lakeland, Florida, US
OccupationUmpire
Years active1968−1987
EmployerNational League
SpouseChesty Morgan (1974-79)

Early life

Stello was born in Boston and lived in an orphanage until age 12. At that point, he went to live with a foster family on a rural Massachusetts farm.[1] Stello joined the United States Air Force and was an airman first class. He was introduced to umpiring while in the air force stationed in Tokyo. Stello umpired local baseball for a year before attending an umpire school and graduating at the top of his class.[2]

Umpiring career

Stello umpired 2,764 major league games in his 20-year career. He umpired in two World Series (1975 and 1981), two All-Star Games (1977 and 1987) and five National League Championship Series (1971, 1976, 1979, 1983, and 1985).[3] Stello was an instructor at the Al Somers Umpire School.[4]

Personal life

Stello was married to stripper and actress Liliana Wilczkowska, better known as Chesty Morgan, from 1974 to a 1979 divorce. After the split, they stayed in contact until his death.[5]

Death

On November 18, 1987, Stello was stopped on the side of a two-lane highway and standing between his car and a driver behind him. A third driver struck the parked cars from behind and Stello was crushed between them. He died instantly.[6]

See also

References
  1. Schnakenberg, Robert (July 7, 2010). "The Secret Lives of 8 Baseball Umpires". Mentalfloss.com. Archived from the original on May 10, 2012. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
  2. Larson, Greg (March 15, 1973). "No Respect". Ocala Star-Banner. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
  3. Retrosheet
  4. Willson, Brad (January 5, 1971). "88 Aspiring Umpires From 30 States Here For School". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
  5. Klinkenberg, Jeff (December 13, 2009). "Chesty Morgan: A life more than skin deep". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on November 23, 2015. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
  6. "Umpire Is Killed In Auto Mishap (Published 1987)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2017-11-02.


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