Ed Runge

Edward Paul Runge (May 12, 1918 - July 25, 2002) was an American professional baseball umpire. He worked in Major League Baseball between 1954 and 1970. During his career, he officiated three World Series and five All-Star games.

Early life[]

He was born in Buffalo, New York and lived in Buffalo, San Diego, California, and St. Catharines, Ontario during his childhood.

Umpiring career[]

Runge's first professional umpiring experience came in the Big State League in Texas in 1947. He was promoted to the Pacific Coast League in 1949. He became a Major League umpire in 1954, working in the American League. He retired in 1970. After his retirement, Runge said of umpiring, "It's the only occupation where a man has to be perfect his first day on the job and then improve over the years."

Notable games[]

He was part of the crew that called Don Larsen's perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. As the right field umpire, Runge made a critical foul ball call in the fourth inning on a potential home run hit by Duke Snider.^[1]

He also was the home plate umpire for Dave Morehead's no-hitter on September 16, 1965.^[2]

Personal life[]

In 1960, Runge testified in court against two Washington men who were accused of attempting to extort money from Runge and fellow umpire Bill McKinley. After Runge and McKinley entered a hotel room with two females, the two men entered the room. The men photographed McKinley and Runge in the company of the women and then held the photograph for blackmail.^[3]

He is the father of Paul Runge and grandfather of Brian Runge, both of whom became umpires in the Major Leagues.