He was known for his flamboyant style, clever aphorisms, and a series of published collections of anecdotes from his colorful career.

Luciano was born in Endicott, New York, a suburb of Binghamton near the Pennsylvania border, and lived his entire life there.

The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Luciano was a standout offensive and defensive tackle at Syracuse University, where he majored in mathematics.

In 1959, he played on the Orangemen's national championship squad with future Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis.

[2][3] The AFL Buffalo Bills picked him up in 1961, although a severe knee injury forced his retirement after only two games.

[6] In addition to making theatrical events of routine outs, he was considered an "individualist" who played fast and loose with the league's rules of conduct.

[3] He refused to call balks, insisting that the official definition was too vague to permit consistent enforcement.

"[7] He once congratulated Oakland infielder Sal Bando as he rounded the bases after hitting a home run to end a long slump.

)[5][8] Luciano would routinely converse with players during between-inning breaks and even during play, a practice strictly forbidden by the League.

In his first memoir, he recalled a situation involving future Hall of Fame outfielder Carl Yastrzemski: I remember Yaz coming to bat in a gamer situation in Boston in 1976 ... Before I could say a word, he looked right at me and said, "Listen, Ronnie.

"[5]He later admitted that "on bad days following good nights"—when a hangover hampered his ability to call pitches accurately—he would sometimes allow trusted catchers, such as Elrod Hendricks, Ed Herrmann, or John Roseboro, to umpire for him: It would work just fine.

)[5]Luciano's antics amused players and fans, but earned him frequent reprimands from the League office: Tommy John was pitching for the White Sox against the Orioles and accidentally dropped the ball behind him during his motion.

[3] Luciano was a member of the 1974 World Series umpire crew, but did not work the plate; the Oakland Athletics closed out the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.

Other extra-season duties included the 1971, 1975, and 1978 American League Championship Series and the 1973 All-Star Game.

We take more abuse than any living group of humans, and can't give back any.

The two men first met in Double-A during a four-game series in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1965; Weaver was managing the Elmira Pioneers.

[5] After an argument with Luciano during a 1967 Triple-A game, Weaver literally stole second base, taking it to his dugout and refusing to give it back.

"[11] Luciano ejected Weaver so often that Orioles players reportedly placed bets on the inning in which their skipper would be removed.

[12] Jim Palmer wrote that Weaver "protested any game Luciano umped.

"[13] The friction became so intense that for an entire year, Luciano was transferred whenever his umpiring crew was scheduled to work an Orioles series.

[1] In 1982 he auditioned for the role of Coach Ernie Pantusso in hit TV show Cheers, but producers "wanted an experienced actor".

[18] In January 1995 Luciano was found dead at age 57 in his garage at his home in Endicott, a victim of suicide via carbon monoxide poisoning.