A World War II veteran who earned both the Silver Star and Purple Heart, Neston Chylak served as American League umpire for 25 years. After being blinded for several days by injuries suffered at the Battle of the Bulge, Chylak began umpiring amateur baseball in 1946. Eight years later he made his big league debut.
An American League umpire from 1954-1978, Chylak was known for his accuracy and consistency. His strong authoritarian style mixed with a fine sense of humor gained him respect throughout the game.
He officiated six All Star Games and five World Series. The arbiter recalled his greatest thrills on the job – Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off homer to end the 1960 Fall Classic, and Sandy Koufax’s final MLB appearance in the ’66 World Series.
Perhaps the low point of his career came as crew chief for Cleveland’s infamous 10-cent beer night in June of 1974. It was his decisions to forfeit the game to the visiting Texas Rangers.
He retired from the field in 1978 and continued to serve the game as assistant supervisor of AL umps. When he left the game for good Chylak became a member of Sports Illustrated’s speakers’ bureau, traveling the country and spreading goodwill for the game.
A respected figure, Chylak died at age 59, only four years after his retirement from baseball. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
Shown here is the Cooperstown man’s autograph on a 3×5 index card. Chylak writes, “Best Wishes, Nestor Chylak Jr. American League Umpire”. Because he passed away 17 years before his induction, Chylak’s signature is somewhat difficult to find.
The game has changed so much, many calls are challenged, many are changed…I honestly think the umps get most calls right, and if they don’t, we should live with it…a bad call is part of the game…stop tinkering with baseball, it’s a great game with a tradition…