Dick Stello

Richard Jack Stello was an American professional baseball umpire. He worked in the National League from 1968 to his death in 1987. He wore uniform number 18 for most of his career.

Early life

Stello was born in Boston and lived in an orphanage until age 12. At that point, he went to live with a foster family on a rural Massachusetts farm. Stello joined the United States Air Force and was an airman first class. He was introduced to umpiring while in the air force stationed in Tokyo. Stello umpired local baseball for a year before attending an umpire school and graduating at the top of his class.

Umpiring career

Stello umpired 2,764 major league games in his 20-year career. He umpired in two World Series, two All-Star Games and five National League Championship Series. Stello was an instructor at the Al Somers Umpire School.

Personal life

Stello was married to stripper and actress Liliana Wilczkowska, better known as Chesty Morgan, from 1974 to a 1979 divorce. After the split, they stayed in contact until his death.

Death

On November 18, 1987, Stello was stopped on the side of a two-lane highway and standing between his car and a driver behind him. A third driver struck the parked cars from behind and Stello was crushed between them. He died instantly.