Don Denkinger, longtime MLB umpire, dies at 86

Longtime MLB umpire Don Denkinger has died, MLB announced on Friday. He was 86.

Denkinger served as an umpire in the American League from 1969 to 1998. He called four World Series, including Game 6 of the 1985 World Series between the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals. In that game, Denkinger incorrectly called the Royals' Jorge Orta safe at first base in the bottom of the ninth inning with the Cardinals up 1-0 in the game and 3-2 in the series. Denkinger's safe verdict became known as "The Call."

“No one wants to be embarrassed like that,” Denkinger told Sports Illustrated afterwards. “My job is predicated on being right all the time, and I like to be right all the time. But we’re only human, and now it’s history. I can’t change anything. Even admitting I was wrong doesn’t change anything.”