Umpiring career

Darling attended Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, California. He umpired the 2003 and 2010 World Series, the National League Championship Series (1992, 2004, 2006, 2011, 2012), two All-Star Games (1993, 2003), and ten Division Series (1995, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013).

Controversy

On August 9th, 1996, during a Vinny Castilla at-bat, Darling called one of Tom Glavine's pitches a ball outside. Following the call Glavine is seen smiling as he turned his back to home plate. Darling is heard yelling to the mound, "Tom, the ball was outside." Glavine responded, "You've got something to say to me?" Darling, having removed his mask, said "Yeah." Glavine quickly replied, "Well then say it!" At this point breaking toward the mound in front of the catcher Darling yelled back "The ball was outside!" Glavine then stated "That's fine, I didn't say anything." Bobby Cox then approached Darling as Glavine restated "I didn't say a word." As a result of the incident Bobby Cox was ejected. The incident was construed as baiting on the part of Darling by the television broadcast team.

On April 29, 2008, in the seventh inning of a game between the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies, Darling called a balk against Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum, bringing home the winning run from third base in the form of Chris Iannetta. Giants manager Bruce Bochy was ejected by Darling for protesting the call. On the play, catcher Bengie Molina had requested a time out. Instead of honoring Molina's request, Darling called a balk and directed Iannetta home. In a later press interview, Darling explained the confusion by saying that "Lincecum flinched," adding that "Bengie was giving him the signs. Then (Lincecum) started and stopped. Bengie tried to cover for him by calling the timeout." Iannetta's run proved to be the winning margin in the game, giving Lincecum his first loss of the season.

On August 12, 2009, in the ninth inning of a game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Darling ejected Giants manager Bruce Bochy in the second inning and bench coach Ron Wotus in the ninth inning for arguing calls he'd made at first base. In the ninth inning, Darling called Dodger shortshop Rafael Furcal safe on an infield ground ball. Wotus was ejected during a subsequent argument. Pitching at the time, Lincecum surrendered a deep fly ball to the next hitter, allowing tying run to score.

On August 16, 2009, in the ninth inning of a game between the Oakland A's and the Chicago White Sox, Darling ejected A's manager Bob Geren for arguing a safe: obstruction call. Darling ruled that baserunner Jayson Nix had been pushed off second base by shortstop Bobby Crosby while attempting a steal. The A's ultimately won the contest, 3-2.

On July 22, 2010, in the top of the seventh inning of a game between the Minnesota Twins and the Baltimore Orioles, Twins shortstop J. J. Hardy was caught in a rundown between first and second base. Fielder Ty Wigginton attempted to apply a tag as Hardy attempted to pass. Darling ruled the tag attempt a miss and Hardy safe. During the subsequent argument, Wigginton bumped Darling, prompting Wigginton's ejection from the contest and subsequent 2-game suspension. The Twins won, 5-0.

Notable games

Darling was chosen as one of the umpires for the one-game Wild Card playoff between the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers on October 5, 2012.

Retirement

After beginning the 2014 season on umpiring's disabled list, the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League reported the rumor of Darling's retirement from baseball on July 2. Major League Baseball confirmed the report on July 4, concluding Darling's 28 years of service. He was replaced on the MLB staff by 28-year-old minor league call-up umpire Quinn Wolcott.

Personal

Darling spends much of his off season doing charity work for Umps Care MLB professional umpire's charity. Darling serves as the charity's president.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]