William Terry "Bill" Valentine, Jr. (November 21, 1932 – April 26, 2015) was an American professional baseball umpire who spent six seasons on the Major League staff. He worked in the American League from 1963 through 1968, officiating a total of 947 Major League games and serving as an umpire in the 1965 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
Career overview
Valentine reached the major leagues during the 1960s, an era of strong pitching and evolving baseball traditions. Earning a place on the American League staff required progression through the minor leagues, application of the rulebook, and on-field judgement. Selection to officiate the All-Star Game is commonly viewed as recognition by the league of an umpire's skill and standing among peers.
Role and responsibilities
As a Major League umpire, Valentine was responsible for enforcing the rules, calling balls and strikes when positioned behind the plate, making safe/out decisions on the bases when assigned there, and handling disputes and protests in a calm, authoritative manner. Umpires in his era worked long seasons and were expected to maintain consistent calls across many games.
Notable facts and context
- Major League service: 1963–1968 (American League).
- Official games umpired: 947.
- Featured assignment: 1965 MLB All-Star Game.
After his years on the Major League staff Valentine remained associated with the game and his local community. He died in Little Rock, Arkansas, on April 26, 2015, at the age of 82. His career is representative of mid-20th-century professional umpires who combined rule knowledge, on-field authority, and durability over multiple seasons.
For those researching umpires or baseball history, Valentine’s service illustrates the pathway and responsibilities of major league officials during a transformative period in the sport. Records such as game totals and All-Star selections provide tangible measures of an umpire’s major-league tenure and recognition.