Cy Rigler
| Birthdate | 5/16/1882 |
| Death Date | 12/21/1935 |
| Debut Year | |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | American League |
| Position | Umpire |
Cy Rigler umpired for the National League from 1906-1935. Rigler is credited with instituting the use of arm signals when calling balls and strikes.
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At 24 years old, Cy Rigler was the youngest umpire in big league history
At 24 years old, Cy Rigler was the youngest umpire in big league history
Cy Rigler began as a full-time umpire in 1907 as a the youngest umpire in big league history. Just 24 years old, Rigler spent the next 28 years on the field calling balls and strikes.
The 6’0″, 270 Rigler worked in more than 6,100 games. Only Hall of Fame arbiter Bill Klem worked more games at the time of Rigler’s retirement. In Rigler’s day, umpires for All Star and World Series contests were selected based on merit.
He was chosen along with Klem, Bill McGowan, and Bill Dinneen to call the first All Star Game in 1933. Rigler also worked 10 World Series. Only Klem worked more. Interestingly, Rigler also ranks behind only Klem on the career ejections list.
Autographs of Cy Rigler remain elusive today. Rigler died in 1935 at age 53. Shown here is an album page signed by the umpire, Hall of Fame manager Al Lopez and pitcher Fred Fitzsimmons. When comparing the careers of Rigler and Hank O’Day (HoF class of 2013), it’s difficult to differentiate between the two.
Rigler worked 2,468 games behind the plate - that's second all time
Rigler worked 2,468 games behind the plate - that's second all time
In the collection is this original print of two umpires — Cy Rigler and Bill Finneran. Rigler’s 2,468 games behind the plate rank third behind only his contemporaries, Hall of Famers Bill Klem and Hank O’Day. Rigler was a renown throughout baseball for his outgoing nature and ability to deflect criticism.
Many credit Rigler with being the first to use hand signals when calling balls and strikes.
Cy Rigler ruled on one of the most controversial plays in World Series history
Cy Rigler ruled on one of the most controversial plays in World Series history
In the collection is this telegram in which Rigler notifies his wife that he’s been appointed to umpire the 1921 World Series, the seventh of his career. All told Rigler would umpire 10 Fall Classics, a mark that stands second only to Bill Klem’s 18 World Series.
Rigler was involved in one of the most controversial moments in World Series history. In the 8th inning of Game 3 in the ’25 Fall Classic, Senators outfielder Sam Rice appeared to catch a long fly ball. Rice gloved the ball and fell into the stands. After a brief delay, Rice came out of the crowd, holding the ball.
Rigler called the batter out despite protests from Pirates skipper Bill McKechnie. Rice promoted a controversy the rest of his life by being cryptic about the play. He wrote a letter to the Hall of Fame with an order that it be opened upon his death. In it, Rice stated, “at no time did I lose possession of the ball”.
Many believe Rigler’s career warrants a look by the Veterans Committee.
