Gary Richard Darling (born October 9, 1957) is an American former umpireinMajor League Baseball. After beginning his career in the National League from 1986 to 1999, he worked throughout both major leagues from 2002 until his retirement in 2014. He wore uniform number 37 (though he wore #35 during his NL tenure).
Darling is credited with a game that occurred prior to his MLB debut. Because Wrigley Field did not have lights in 1986, when the April 20, 1986, game reached the 14th inning, and Pittsburgh and the Cubs still being tied, the game was suspended due to darkness. The game was then completed on August 11, 1986, a different umpiring crew entered the game in the 14th inning, with Darling replacing Randy Marsh as the first base umpire.[1]
After beginning the 2014 season on umpiring's disabled list, the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League reported the rumor of Darling's retirement from baseball on July 2.[4] Major League Baseball confirmed the report on July 4, concluding Darling's 28 years of service. He was replaced on the MLB staff by 28-year-old minor league call-up umpire Quinn Wolcott.[5][6]
Darling spends much of his off season doing charity work for Umps Care, the MLB professional umpire's charity, and currently serves as the charity's president.[7]
