Jerome A. Neudecker (born August 13, 1930 in Marine, Illinois, died January 11, 1997 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida) was a Major League Baseball umpire who worked in the American League from 1966 to 1985.

Neudecker worked in three All-Star Games (1966, 1972 and 1976) four American League Championship Series (1970, 1974, 1977 and 1981) and two World Series (1973 and 1979). He was the home plate umpire in Game 7 of the 1979 Series, which the Pittsburgh Pirates won after Willie Stargell’s sixth-inning home run gave them a 2-1 lead and propelled them to a third straight victory over the Baltimore Orioles, who had led the Series three games to one. Neudecker also officiated in four no-hitters, including being the home plate umpire for two: Joe Horlen’s on September 10, 1967 and Catfish Hunter’s perfect game on May 8, 1968.

Neudecker was the last Major League umpire to wear a balloon chest protector. After his retirement, his chest protector was sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Neudecker died of cancer at age 66 at Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and was buried there at Beal Memorial Cemetery.

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