 He also worked the All-Star Game in 1972 and 1977, calling balls and strikes for the second contest.Kunkel's experience as the plate umpire is documented in the MLB official highlight film of the 1977 All-Star Game.On August 10, 1971, Kunkel was the home plate umpire when Harmon Killebrew hit his 500th career home run; as a pitcher, Kunkel had given up three home runs to Killebrew during the 1961 season.