ACCIDENTAL INSTANT- REPLAY PIONEER PULLI DIES AT 78

Frank Pulli, who umpired 28 years in the major leagues, died Wednesday at 78 from complications of Parkinson’s disease, according to Joe

West, president of the major league umpires union. Pulli umpired in four World Series and two All- Star Games as well as 3,774 games in the National League and 10 other playoff series. Pulli was the first umpire to use instant replay in a game in 1999, reviewing a home run hit by Florida Marlins outfielder Cliff Floyd against the St. Louis Cardinals. The call was originally a home run, but Pulli reversed the call to a double after consulting with a TV monitor near the dugout. The National League office later announced that Pulli erred in using instant replay. Replay was adopted in 2008 for home run calls. Pulli, one of 22 umpires who were terminated in 1999 after the umpires went on strike, mentored 18 major league umpires, according to West.

— Bob Nightengale

1999 PHOTO BY TONY GUTIERREZ, AP Umpire Frank Pulli, right, and cameraman John Touitou watch a replay.