Roy Van Graflan

Roy R. Van Graflan (born Roy R. Van Graafeiland, February 14, 1894 – September 4, 1953) was a professional baseball umpire who worked in the American League from 1927 to 1933. Van Graflan umpired 1,034 major league games in his seven-year career. He also umpired in two World Series (1929 and 1932).[1]

Roy Van Graflan
Born
Roy R. Van Graafeiland

(1894-02-14)February 14, 1894
Rochester, New York, US
DiedSeptember 4, 1953(1953-09-04) (aged 59)
Rochester, New York, US
OccupationUmpire
Years active1927-1933
EmployerAmerican League

Early career

In 1926, while umpiring in the minor leagues, Van Graflan was knocked out by a punch from manager Bud Ryan. The manager was suspended for nearly a month.[2]

Notable games

Ruth's home run in 1932 World Series

Van Graflan was behind the plate for Babe Ruth's called shot in game three of the 1932 World Series. Though there is debate about whether Ruth deliberately pointed to the outfield to predict a home run, Van Graflan stated that Ruth looked over to the heckling Cubs bench and said, "Let him put this one over and I'll knock it over the wall out there."[3]

Death

He died from injuries he sustained in an automobile accident in 1953.[4]

See also

References
  1. Retrosheet
  2. Snelling, Dennis (Jan 15, 2012). The Greatest Minor League: A History of the Pacific Coast League, 1903-1957. McFarland. p. 334. ISBN 0786465247.
  3. Snyder, John (2005). Cubs Journal: Year by Year and Day by Day with the Chicago Cubs Since 1876. Emmis Books. p. 276. ISBN 1578601924.
  4. Sporting News umpire card


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