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A World War II veteran who earned both the Silver Star and Purple Heart, Neston Chylak served as American League umpire for 25 years. After being blinded for several days by injuries suffered at the Battle of the Bulge, Chylak began umpiring amateur baseball in 1946. Eight years later he made his big league debut.

An American League umpire from 1954-1978, Chylak was known for his accuracy and consistency. His strong authoritarian style mixed with a fine sense of humor gained him respect throughout the game.

He officiated six All Star Games and five World Series. The arbiter recalled his greatest thrills on the job – Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off homer to end the 1960 Fall Classic, and Sandy Koufax’s final MLB appearance in the ’66 World Series.

Perhaps the low point of his career came as crew chief for Cleveland’s infamous 10-cent beer night in June of 1974. It was his decisions to forfeit the game to the visiting Texas Rangers.

He retired from the field in 1978 and continued to serve the game as assistant supervisor of AL umps. When he left the game for good Chylak became a member of Sports Illustrated’s speakers’ bureau, traveling the country and spreading goodwill for the game.

A respected figure, Chylak died at age 59, only four years after his retirement from baseball. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

Shown here is the Cooperstown man’s autograph on a 3×5 index card. Chylak writes, “Best Wishes, Nestor Chylak Jr. American League Umpire”. Because he passed away 17 years before his induction, Chylak’s signature is somewhat difficult to find.

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Nestor Chylak always recalled two games of the 1960s as his greatest thrills. A career American Leaguer, both involved National League performers in World Series play.

In the first year of the decade, Chylak worked the 1960 World Series featuring the Yankees and the Pirates. New York outscored Pittsburgh 55-27 yet lost the Series. The championship was decided when Bill Mazeroski hit a walk-off home run in Game 7. Umpiring first base, Chylak had a close up view as the ball left the yard and Maz circled the bases.

In 1966 Chylak called balls and strikes in Game 2 of the Fall Classic. Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax allowed one earned run in six innings in what proved to be his final big league appearance. Chylak called that game his most memorable.

In this photo Koufax shakes hands with 21-year old Joe Moeller on May 24, 1964. Moeller started the game and pitched six innings of zeroes. Koufax came on in relief to complete the shutout and earn the save. Both pitchers signed the photo.

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Nestor Chylak worked as World Series umpire in 1957, ’60, ’66, ’71, and ’77. He first served as Fall Classic crew chief when the Pirates faced off against the Orioles in 1971.

The seven-game tilt was a good one. Baltimore came in as three-time defending American League champions. Pittsburgh earned the NL flag with 97 wins.

The Pirates came away with the title behind the performance of Roberto Clemente. He recorded a dozen hits, five going for extra bases. Clemente’s slash line was a sizzling .414/.452/.759. The performance made him the easy choice for World Series MVP.

Shown here is a ticket to Game 2 of the ’71 Series when was stationed in right field. The ticket is signed by Frank Robinson. In this contest Robinson went 3-for-4 with two runs scored in the Baltimore win. For more on Frank Robinson, click here.

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The highest assignment an umpire receives is as crew chief in the World Series. Nestor Chylak earned the honor in the last two of the five Fall Classics he officiated.

Chylak’s final World Series appearance came in 1977. In Game 1 at Yankee Stadium as crew chief he called balls and strikes. The game finished with a 4-3 New York victory over the Dodgers.

His final World Series game proved to be one of the most memorable in Fall Classic history. That came on Tuesday, October 18 before 56,407 rabid Yankee fans.

Reggie Jackson provided the fireworks with home runs on three consecutive pitches against three different Dodger pitchers.

In all Reggie slashed .450/.542/1.250 with 5 home runs and eight runs batted in. The performance made him the first position player to twice capture the World Series MVP Award.

Shown here is a ticket that allowed one lucky fan to attend Reggie’s legendary performance. In addition to signing his name, Jackson inscribes the ticket, “Mr. October 3WS HRS”.