Eric Cooper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eric Cooper |
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Cooper in 2007
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| Born: December 18, 1966 Des Moines, Iowa |
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| Died: October 20, 2019 (aged 52) Urbandale, Iowa |
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| debut | |
| June 17, 1996 | |
| Last appearance | |
| October 7, 2019 | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Special Assignments
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Eric Richard Cooper (born December 18, 1966 – died October 20, 2019) was an American professional baseball umpire. He worked in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1999 until he passed away in 2019. You would have seen him wearing umpire uniform number 56. During his career, he was part of many important games, including the World Series and the All-Star Game.
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Early Career in Baseball
Eric Cooper went to Iowa State University and earned a degree in transportation logistics. After college, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a baseball umpire. He attended the Joe Brinkman Umpire School to learn the rules and skills needed.
Before reaching the major leagues, Cooper spent several years working as an umpire in Minor League Baseball. He gained valuable experience in various leagues across the country. This included the Appalachian League, Midwest League, and Pacific Coast League.
Major League Umpiring
Cooper became a full-time umpire in Major League Baseball starting in 1999. He was known for his steady presence and fair calls on the field. Over his career, he worked many exciting and important games.
Key Games and Series
Eric Cooper was chosen to umpire in several major baseball events. These included:
- Ten Division Series games
- Four League Championship Series games
- Three Wild Card Games
- The 2005 All-Star Game
- The 2014 World Series
He also worked in the World Baseball Classic in 2009 and 2013. This is an international baseball tournament where countries compete.
Historic No-Hitters
Cooper was behind home plate for two very special baseball games. These were no-hitters, where a pitcher doesn't allow any hits during a full game.
- In 2001, he was the home plate umpire for Hideo Nomo's no-hitter.
- In 2007, he was behind the plate for Mark Buehrle's no-hitter.
- Even more amazing, in 2009, he was the umpire for Buehrle's perfect game. A perfect game means no batter reaches base at all.
This made Cooper one of only a few umpires to call two no-hitters by the same pitcher. At the time of his passing, he was one of only eight active major league umpires to have worked behind the plate for multiple no-hitters.
Other Notable Moments
On September 11, 2008, Cooper was the plate umpire when Francisco Rodriguez tied a major league record for saves in a single season. Cooper was hit by a foul ball during this game but was able to continue after a short break. He was also the third base umpire in the very last game played at the old Yankee Stadium in 2008.
Cooper's final game as an umpire was on October 7, 2019. This was during the 2019 American League Division Series.
Personal Life
Eric Cooper was born in Des Moines, Iowa. He was married to Tara Cooper and they had two children together.
Passing
Major League Baseball announced Eric Cooper's passing on October 20, 2019. He died after a medical issue following knee surgery. Before Game 1 of the 2019 World Series on October 22, there was a moment of silence to remember him.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball umpires
