Known As One of the Most Charismatic Umpires of Major League Baseball, Kenneth Kaiser Lived a Lifetime of Following His Passion for America’S Greatest Pastime
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Known as one of the most charismatic umpires of Major League Baseball, Kenneth Kaiser lived a lifetime of following his passion for America’s greatest pastime. Regarded as one of the best ‘balls and strikes’ umpires of his era, Ken was proud of his twenty-three-year long journey following the American League. Despite his years of rubbing elbows with some of baseball’s greatest legends, nothing brought him greater joy than traveling with Cheryl and spending time with his children. Ken cherished driving his Corvette to Lake George each summer reflecting on a life well lived. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and will always be revered as the funniest guy in the room and a larger than life figure on the baseball diamond. Growing up on the corner of Arnett Boulevard and Genesee Street in the city’s 19th Ward, the Gates Chili High School graduate never dreamed of becoming a man in blue. It was only after Ed O’Hara, an ex-boxer, stopped by the Kaiser family’s television repair store announcing he was going to umpire school in Florida that an inspirational spark was lit in Ken. His expectations were small and little did he know at the time that long ago trip to Daytona Beach would change the course of his life forever! His career began in the Florida State League in 1965 where he faced his share of adventures on his way to the major leagues. By his second year, he and his partner were chased across the South Carolina state line by irate fans with a barrel of hot tar after blowing a pair of calls and punching out the third baseman and manager to boot! These early years included roughing it on the back roads of small-town America during a 13-season stretch in the minor leagues. No game was without its drama or upset, while once umpiring during these years, he split his pants on the field and had to manage the rest of the game revealing his underwear! His stint in the International League brought him to Puerto Rico, where the umps were often met with flying beer bottles from the grandstands before the National Anthem had even started! In order to supplement his income back in 1973 and 1974, he moonlighted as a professional wrestler, calling himself, “The Hatchet.” To avoid being recognized, he’d wear a mask. When his mask snapped in front of Eric Gregg, a fellow umpire, during a performance in Philadelphia, his cover was blown and he gave up his time in the ring. Not to worry, as 1977 marked the year that Ken’s luck would change! His lifelong dream came true when he was called up to the big leagues going down in baseball history for working the 1987 and 1997 World Series, the 1991 All-Star Game in Toronto, and multiple American League championship series. A career chock-full with the best of critics and constant challenges from every arm chair ump across the Major Leagues, Ken took it all in stride. Often criticized for his portly stature, he held his own time and time again, knowing that he’d always have the last word when it came to the most challenging of calls. Never one to be intimidated on the job, he once told Hall of Famer, Eddie Murray, that they could take their fight out to the parking lot where he encouraged Murray to bring his bat as it certainly wouldn’t be considered a threat after witnessing his less than satisfactory season that year! On a similar occasion when Earl Weaver, the diminutive but fiery Baltimore Orioles manager turned his hat around, Ken turned his around. When Weaver threatened to punch him, Ken chuckled while telling him that with his lack of height his punch would land directly at his kneecaps! Looking back with fondness on his memories behind home plate, Ken was grateful for the invention of the plastic bottle. Prior to these ingenious lightweight weapons, in addition to real glass bottles, he had often endured countless pieces of fruit, rocks, and batteries! Committed to the greater community, by the mid-1980s, he began hosting, “The Ken Kaiser Sports Celebrity Dinner,” an annual fundraiser that drew some of the biggest baseball and wrestling stars to Rochester. Paying attention to even the slightest detail and leaving each and every guest left to feel they were treated like a king, his dinners became well known as the best in the country. Frequently attended by legendary greats like Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Don Mattingly, Roger Clemens, Kirby Puckett, Mike “Pags” Pagliarulo, George Brett, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, Road Warriors, Hawk & Animal and Big John Studd, it was a journalist’s dream come true to receive an invite. Sadly, his career came to an abrupt halt in 1999 after working over 3,000 games. He and dozens of other umpires resigned in protest during tough labor negotiations. Most were hired back after a contract was signed, but Ken was one of thirteen who were frozen out of the profession. Devastated and regretful to a point about resigning in the first place, life after baseball wasn’t quite the same for Ken. He deeply missed the camaraderie that he felt with his fellow umpires, especially; Ted Barrett, Eric Gregg, and Bill Haller. With the kids all grown and gone, he didn’t have anyone around that he could completely lose it with or even threaten to eject them right out of the house! He kept himself active and out in the crowd by spending much of his time bowling, shooting pool, and betting on horse races at the Finger Lakes Race Track. He also published an autobiography, “Planet of the Umps,” a classic baseball tale in 2003. With a long standing successful career, a loving family, and enough resources to share generously with others, Ken was proud of the life he lived. He wanted nothing more than for his family to accept his love unconditionally, to succeed beyond measure, and to find happiness in the world around them. His wonderful collection of memories will be treasured for generations to come by the countless lives he touched over the years. Kenneth John Kaiser, 72, of Rochester, New York died on August 8, 2017. “Kenny” Kaiser, son of Kenneth Sr. and Annette Kaiser, was a loving father, iconic Major League Baseball umpire and philanthropist who supported endowments for young people in need of homes, love, and support. Following decades coping with diabetes, he recently fell ill and passed away peacefully at his Greece home. He is survived by his long time companion, Cheryl Bogner, daughter, Lauren (Derek) Kaiser Nelson and son, John Kaiser; his half-brother, David Kaiser also survives him. The Kaiser family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the following caregivers; Dr. Melissa A Mroz, Dr. Ronald Schwartz, and Dr. Steven Wittlin. Ken’s visitation will be Sunday, August 13, 2017, 12-5 PM at the Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane, (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). His Funeral Mass will be Monday, August 14, 2017, 9:30 AM at St. Lawrence Church, 1000 N. Greece Rd., immediately followed by his entombment in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to UMPS Care Charity, 301 Holly Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037 or to B.A.T., 245 Park Ave., New York, NY 10167 in Ken’s memory. For more information about Ken please visit www.bartolomeo.com.