George Moriarty

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George Joseph Moriarty (June 7, 1884 – April 8, 1964) was an American third baseman, umpire and manager in Major League Baseball from 1903 to 1940. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was the third baseman for the Chicago Cubs, New York Highlanders, Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox from 1903 to 1916.

Afterward, he became an American League umpire from 1917 to 1940, interrupted only by a 2-year stint as manager of the Tigers in 1927-28. He was one of the AL's most highly regarded umpires in his era, officiating in the World Series in 1921, 1925, 1930, 1933 and 1935, serving as crew chief in 1930 and 1935, as well as the All-Star game in 1934.

Moriarty made his major league debut on September 7, 1903 at the age of 19 with the Cubs. His final game was on May 4, 1916 with the White Sox.

Moriarty died at the age of 79 in Miami, Florida. He is also remembered today for being the grandfather of actor and former Law & Order star Michael Moriarty, who also played pitcher Henry Wiggen in the 1973 movie Bang the Drum Slowly.

It is reported that once while Moriarty was umpiring, Babe Ruth, who was at bat, stepped out of the batter's box and asked Moriarty to spell his last name. When he had spelled it out, Ruth reportedly replied "Just as I thought; only one I."

[edit] External link

• Baseball-Reference.com - career statistics and analysis

Preceded by Ty Cobb

Detroit Tigers Manager 1927–1928

Succeeded by Bucky Harris