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"This is a very sad day across Major League
Baseball," commissioner Rob Manfred said Sunday in a statement.
"Eric Cooper was a highly respected umpire, a hard worker on the
field and a popular member of our staff. He also served as a key
voice of the MLB Umpires Association on important issues in our
game. Eric was a consistent presence in the Postseason
throughout his career, including in this year's Division Series
between the Yankees and the Twins. He was known for his
professionalism and his enthusiasm, including for our
international events.
"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest
condolences to Eric's family, friends and all of his fellow
Major League Umpires. We will honor Eric's memory during the
World Series. Eric will be missed by the entire Baseball
family."
No cause of death was announced.
Cooper started working in the minor leagues in 1990, beginning
his major league career in 1999. He was behind the plate for a
trio of no-hitters -- by Hideo Nomo of the Boston Red Sox in
2001 and two by Chicago White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle, in
2007 and 2009 (perfect game).
Cooper worked three wild-card games, 10 division series, four
league championship series, the 2005 All-Star Game and the 2014
World Series.
--Field Level Media
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