Introduction
Gary Richard Darling (born October 9, 1957) is a former umpire in Major League Baseball. After beginning his career in the National League from 1986 to 1999, he worked throughout both major leagues from 2002 until his retirement in 2014. He wore uniform number 37 (though he wore #35 during his NL tenure).
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).
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 life
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.