Former major-league umpire Chuck Meriwether died Saturday at the age of 63, commissioner Rob Manfred announced, according to The Associated Press.
Meriwether had been battling cancer when he died at his home in Nashville.
"Chuck Meriwether was an accomplished umpire on the field, a role model for our staff and a true gentleman in life," Manfred said in a statement. "Chuck will be remembered for his genial manner and the outstanding example he set for others, particularly for African American umpires who followed him."
Tony Clark, executive director of the MLBPA, also issued a statement regarding Meriwether's passing.
"Chuck Meriwether left an indelible mark over 18 seasons as a major-league umpire and nine more as an umpiring supervisor," Clark wrote. "He was a joy to work with and a consummate professional on and off the field. The MLBPA and the players extend their sympathies to Chuck's family, friends, and the entire umpiring community."
Meriwether first officiated a major-league game in 1987 and was promoted to full-time staff in the American League in 1993. He was also behind the plate when the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series in nearly a century in 2004.
