He had knee surgery earlier in the week and was recuperating at his father’s home in Iowa. When Hoberg made his big-league debut, Cooper was on the field with him. Eric Cooper, who was a part of the crew that worked the New York Yankees vs Minnesota Twins ALDS series this year, died at the age of 52. “I’d watch him and he’d watch me,” Everitt said. IOWA. I’ve never had a brother, but he’s as close as I’ve had.”. Everitt said he was impressed with Cooper's passion for the game and determination to reach the big leagues. Cooper was behind the plate for three no-hitters, as he called Hideo Nomo's in 2001, Mark Buehrle's in 2007, and was calling balls and strikes for Buehrle's perfect game in 2009. Cooper was present for many of baseball's greatest moments, including Cal Ripken's final home game in 2001, the 2005 All-Star Game, three Wild Card Games, 14 division series and the 2014 World Series between the Giants and Royals. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. A cause of death was not provided. Even in (Class) A ball, he was dead certain that he was going to make it to the big leagues. He was a pretty good player but not enough to get a scholarship to Iowa State and that kind of thing, so I think that’s how he continued with his love of the sport.”. He was 52. His death was felt through baseball, especially by his peers. Eric Cooper, Umpire in Yankees-Twins Series, Dies at 52 A Major League veteran, he was posted at second base when New York swept Minnesota … Help us continue our mission.​​​​​​​. “He absolutely loved it,” Wissler said. That's a long way from herd immunity. Cooper is a tissue donor, but his family has requested that an autopsy not be performed. Cindy Wissler, who attended Hoover and Iowa State with Cooper, said he always had a love for baseball. That was his goal. What am I was doing wrong here? Cooper was an umpire for the last 21 seasons, and was generally regarded as one of the most accurate in the profession. Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed Cooper’s death Sunday. Cooper even became well-liked among players. Before his tragic death, he worked as the Major League Baseball umpire at the AL Division Series two weeks prior. Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Iowa native, veteran MLB umpire Eric Cooper dead at 52, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. He graduated from Iowa State in 1989, was enshrined into the Hoover High School Hall of Fame in 2012 and, for years, hosted a weekly radio show on KXnO with fellow Iowa umpire Tim McClelland called “Umps Eye View.”. Less than two weeks removed from his 2019 AL Division Series assignment, MLB umpire Eric Cooper has died after a post-surgery blood clot, six years after Wally Bell’s heart attack during the 2013 postseason. And he worked extremely hard.”. Cooper was active in UMPS CARE Charities, which helps enrich the lives of at-risk youth, children coping with serious illness and military families. Horrible news, #MLB umpire Eric Cooper, who worked the division series this month, is dead at 52 https://t.co/bqJIcjn3Ko via @DMRegister. “I think what I heard from a couple of guys was, ‘This just can’t be true — are you serious?’ ” Everitt said. Reynolds, one of the group's organizers, said Cooper was a popular figure for their annual golf event in January. Eric Cooper, who was a part of the crew that worked the New York Yankees vs Minnesota Twins ALDS series this year, died at the age of 52.