Larry Poncino


Larry Louis Poncino is a former umpire in Major League Baseball. His Major League umpiring debut came on July 11, 1985 and his last game was on September 30, 2007. He umpired in the 2006 American League Division Series; the National League Championship Series in 1998, 2003, and 2005, and the 1996 MLB All-Star Game. Poncino wore uniform number 13 during his National League stint, then changed to 39 when the NL and AL umpiring staffs merged in 2000.

Umpiring career

Poncino was the plate umpire for Dennis Martínez's perfect game on July 28, 1991. On June 28, 2007, Poncino was the home plate umpire when Craig Biggio got his 3,000th hit against the Colorado Rockies. Poncino served in the National League from 1985–1988 and 1991–1999. He worked in both leagues from 2002–2007.
Poncino retired due to a neck injury.

Personal

Poncino's wife is named Jo Ann. He attended the University of Nevada-Reno from 1975–1976.