
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 13, 1994                   TAG: 9403130160
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: E11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ALLENTOWN, PA.                                LENGTH: Short

FORMER UMPIRE HONOCHICK DIES

Jim Honochick, an American League umpire for 25 years who went on to gain fame in Miller Lite beer commercials, has died at age 76.

Honochick, who died Thursday at Lehigh Valley Hospital, worked six All-Star games and six World Series before he retired in 1973.

In 1978, he teamed with former Baltimore Orioles slugger Boog Powell in a series of Miller Lite beer commercials that made fun of Honochick's eyesight. In one of the spots, Honochick mistook Powell for pro football star Bubba Smith.

After his retirement, Honochick became Lehigh County's first recreation director and was commissioner of the Blue Mountain Baseball League.

Born and raised in Oneida, Honochick played amateur baseball in the 1930s. He served in the Navy in World War II after graduating from Temple University in 1940.

Honochick is survived by his widow, Anita; a son, James J. of Ridgeland, Miss.; a daughter, Susan A. Hansel of Stockton, N.J.; a brother; three sisters; and four grandchildren.

by CNB