All of us at UMPS CARE Charities are saddened by the loss of retired Major League Baseball umpire Larry Poncino.
Nicknamed “Moose,” Larry was a fixture in the Big Leagues from 1985 to 2007. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 67 on July 14, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona.
Among the highlights of Larry’s career was calling a perfect game for Dennis Martinez of the Montreal Expos at Dodgers Stadium on July 28, 1991. He worked three League Championship Series and had the honor of working the 1996 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
UMPS CARE President Gary Darling worked many years on the same crew as Larry.
“Larry was a great partner, on and off the field,” Gary said. “He always had your back, unless you were opponents on the Cribbage Board! One of the best umpires I ever worked with! RIP Moose!”
A memorial service will be officiated by longtime friend Father Richard Kingsley at St. Pius X on Aug. 17 at 11 a.m., with a celebration of life at Tucson Country Club starting at 1 p.m.
The Poncino family asked that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to UMPS CARE Charities, a request for which we are humbled. Our sympathies go to his wife, JoAnn, and the entire Poncino family.
Memorial messages can be left at www.afterall.com.