R.I.P, Ed Vargo

He was a regular around the NL press rooms in his role as a supervisor after his umpiring career ended:



BUTLER, Pa. -- Ed Vargo, a longtime National League umpire who worked in four World Series and was behind the plate when Hank Aaron tied Babe Ruth's career home run mark, has died. He was 79.

Vargo died Saturday at his home in Butler, about 35 miles north of Pittsburgh, according to Geibel Funeral Home in Butler.

Vargo umpired in the National League from 1960-83, worked the 1965, 1971, 1978 and 1983 World Series and in four All-Star games.

Vargo is the only major league umpire to call a no-hitter and a perfect game for the same pitcher, according to MLB's website. He was behind home plate for Sandy Koufax's no-hitter on June 4, 1964, and his perfect game on Sept. 9, 1965.

A one-time minor league catcher, Vargo stayed in baseball long after leaving the field. He was the supervisor of umpires for the National League from 1987-97.

Vargo wore the same jacket when he worked Koufax's perfect game, the first World Series night game in 1971 and Hank Aaron's 714th home run in 1974. He gave the jacket to amateur umpire Ray Gouley, who donated it to the Hall of Fame after he learned of its historical significance.

Edward P. Vargo was born in Butler in 1928. One of his first jobs was as a batboy and equipment manager for the Butler Yankees.

Vargo is survived by his wife of 45 years, Elizabeth; two daughters; and two sons. A funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at St. Peter Catholic Church in Butler, and Vargo will be buried at Butler County Memorial Park Cemetery in Butler.

 

RIP Ed Vargo... if you EVER listened to a Met game in the 70's, you knew how much Bob Murphy enjoyed saying this:

"...and Ed Vargo, the senior arbitor, invokes the infield fly rule."

 

ALWAYS said that.

god, bob murphy was the shit.

 

And the Mets win the damn game 10-9!

 

I grew up watching / listening to NL games and I could've rattled off every NL umpiring crew if asked.

A sad day.