Joe Paparella

Joseph James Paparella

• Height 5' 11", Weight 178 lb.

• Born March 9, 1909 in Eynon, PA USA
• Died October 17, 1994 in Sebastian, FL USA

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Biographical Information

Joe Paparella began his career in the Canadian-American League in 1938-1939. He moved to the Eastern League (1940-1943) and the American Association (1944-1945). Paparella was an American League umpire from 1946 to 1965.

Paparella holds the record for most games umpired in a season. In 1962, he umpired 176 games, including 30 doubleheaders, in a 162-game season. He broke his own record, since in 1950, he had umpired 169 games in a 154-game season, including 31 doubleheaders. Given the current policy on umpire assignments, Paparella's record is unlikely to be broken in the foreseeable future.

Paparella's grandson, Gary Ruby, has been a minor league player and coach.

Related Sites

• Joe Paparella on Retrosheet.org
• Sporting News umpire card