History of Hunter Wendelstedt in Timeline

Harry Hunter Wendelstedt III, known professionally as Hunter Wendelstedt, is an American Major League Baseball umpire. Following in his father's footsteps, who was also an NL umpire, Wendelstedt began his MLB career in the National League (1998-1999) before transitioning to umpiring in both major leagues from 2000 onward. He uses his middle name to distinguish himself from his father, Harry Hunter Wendelstedt, Jr.

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Full Timeline

June 22, 1971: Hunter Wendelstedt Born

On June 22, 1971, Harry Hunter Wendelstedt III, who goes by his middle name Hunter to avoid confusion with his father, was born. He later became a Major League Baseball umpire.

Others born on this day/year

1998: Umpired a Major League game with his father

In 1998, Hunter Wendelstedt and his father were the only father-son pair to have umpired a Major League game together, which occurred over several series.

1998: Joined National League

In 1998, Hunter Wendelstedt joined the National League as an umpire, beginning his major league career. Additionally, in 1998, the Wendelstedts were the only father-son pair to have umpired a Major League game together.

2005: Gardenhire Suspended and Fined

In 2005, Ron Gardenhire was suspended one game and fined after delivering a profanity-laced rant about Hunter Wendelstedt.

2009: Wendelstedt Suggested Gardenhire Attend Umpiring School

In 2009, Hunter Wendelstedt suggested that Ron Gardenhire should attend his umpiring school to "learn what a balk is," after ejecting Gardenhire for arguing a non-balk call.

October 7, 2010: Ejected Ron Gardenhire

On October 7, 2010, Hunter Wendelstedt ejected Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire from Game 2 of the American League Division Series after Gardenhire argued a pitch. This was at least the fourth time Wendelstedt had ejected Gardenhire.

August 22, 2011: Ejected Danny Valencia and Ron Gardenhire

On August 22, 2011, Hunter Wendelstedt ejected Twins third baseman Danny Valencia for disputing balls and strikes, followed by the ejection of manager Ron Gardenhire who came out to argue the initial ejection.

April 22, 2024: Ejected Aaron Boone

On April 22, 2024, Hunter Wendelstedt ejected New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone for allegedly continuing to argue a missed call after receiving a warning, although it was speculated that a fan shouted at Wendelstedt.