Laz Díaz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Laz Díaz |
|
|---|---|
Díaz at Busch Stadium in 2025
|
|
| MLB – No. 63 | |
| Umpire | |
| Born: March 29, 1963 Miami, Florida, U.S. |
|
| debut | |
| June 23, 1995 | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Special Assignments
|
Lazaro Antonio Díaz Sr. (born March 29, 1963) is an American umpire in Major League Baseball (MLB). He wears the number 63, which is a nod to his birth year. He became a full-time umpire in the American League in 1999. Since 2000, he has worked games in both major leagues. In 2022, Díaz was promoted to a crew chief. This made him the second full-time Latino crew chief, following Alfonso Marquez.
Contents
Laz Díaz's Umpiring Journey
Laz Díaz started his professional umpiring career in 1991. He attended the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School to learn the rules. He then worked his way up through different baseball leagues. By 1995, he was umpiring in the International League.
Joining Major League Baseball
In 1999, many umpires left their jobs. This opened up spots in Major League Baseball. Díaz was one of 22 umpires who were promoted to the big leagues. Before becoming a professional umpire, he served in the Marine Corps Reserves.
Key Moments in His Career
Laz Díaz has been part of some memorable baseball moments. He was the second base umpire when Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's career home run record. On July 23, 2009, Díaz was the third base umpire for Mark Buehrle's perfect game. A perfect game is when a pitcher faces the minimum number of batters (27) and none of them reach base.
Major Baseball Events Umpired by Laz Díaz
Díaz has umpired in many important baseball games. These include the World Series, which is the championship event. He worked the World Series in 2007, 2017, and 2020.
Championship and Playoff Games
He has also been an umpire for several League Championship Series. These are the playoff rounds before the World Series. He worked these series in 2009, 2015, 2016, and 2021. Díaz has also umpired in the Division Series in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2020. He was also part of the Wild Card games in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
All-Star Games and International Events
Díaz umpired the All-Star Game in 2000 and 2010. This game features the best players from both leagues. He also umpired in the World Baseball Classic in 2009 and 2023. This is an international baseball tournament. In 2021, he umpired the special Field of Dreams Game.
Other Appearances and Honors
Laz Díaz has appeared in Pepsi commercials. He was featured alongside baseball players like Detroit Tigers' Johnny Damon and the Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer. He also appeared with broadcaster Gary Thorne.
On March 7, 2010, Laz Díaz was honored. He was inducted into the Cuban Hall of Fame.
Notable Incidents
During a game on May 30, 2012, Díaz had a discussion with New York Yankees catcher Russell Martin. Martin said Díaz would not let him throw new baseballs to the pitcher. This was a preference of Martin's. MLB Executive VP for Baseball Operations Joe Torre spoke to both Díaz and Martin about the event.
International Assignments
MLB chose Díaz to umpire its 2014 Opening Series. This special series of games took place in Sydney, Australia. The games were held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from March 20–23, 2014.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball umpires (disambiguation)
