Frank Pulli, MLB Umpire From Easton, Dies at 78

Frank Pulli, a South Side Easton native who spent 25 years as a Major League Baseball umpire, died this week at 78, according to published reports.

He was the first umpire in baseball history to use instant replay in a game. 

"Many young umpires looked at Pulli as a mentor. He also was a pioneer – not that he intended to be one," the Associated Press wrote.

Pulli worked as a National League umpire from 1972 to 1999, overseeing four World Series, six league championship series and two All-Star games.

Pulli died at home in Palm Harbor, FL of complications from Parkinson's disease, his brother Mickey told the Express Times. 

The newspaper notes Pulli's career had two defining moments: a call involving Reggie Jackson in the 1978 World Series, and his use of instant replay in 1999 in a Marlins/Cardinals game.

USA Today called him an "accidental pioneer."