MLB Umpire And Iowa Native Eric Cooper Dies
Major League Baseball umpire Eric Cooper was on the baseball field just two short weeks ago. He worked the division series between the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins. He was on the field as the Yankees completed their sweep at Target Field on October 3rd. Now, the longtime MLB umpire has died. The announcement came Sunday from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Cooper had recently had knee surgery and was recovering in Iowa at the home of his father. He died from a blood clot. Cooper was an Iowa native and a graduate of Iowa State University. He got his start in the majors as a minor league fill-in in 1996. He joined the big leagues for good in 1999.
Cooper umpired in 10 Division Series, four League Championship Series, and the 2014 World Series between the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants. He was also behind the plate for three no-hitters. Two by Mark Buerhle, including a perfect game, and another by Hideo Nomo. He was also behind the plate in the final game in the career of Cal Ripkin Jr.
Commissioner Manfred called it "a very sad day across Major League Baseball."
Cooper was just 52 years old.
[via KCRG]