John Rice

John LaClaire Rice (April 27, 1918 – January 1, 2011) was an American umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League for nineteen seasons. Rice umpired in three All-Star Games and four World Series.

Early life Rice was born in Homestead, Pennsylvania. He played semi-professional baseball in Chicago before joining the United States Marine Corps during World War II, serving from 1942 to 1943 in Guadalcanal and Peleliu.

Umpiring career Following his honorable military discharge, Rice began his umpiring career in the Illinois State League in 1948. He later worked in the Middle Atlantic League (1949), California League (1950), Western League (1951–1952) and in the American Association (1953–1954).

Rice umpired in the American League from 1955 through 1973, appearing in three All-Star Games and four World Series, including the 1959 Chicago White Sox bid.

Later life Rice was inducted into the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. He died in Chicago at the age of 92.