HOF pitcher, longtime broadcaster Don Sutton dies at 75
- by Cecil Buchanan
- in Sports
- — Jan 21, 2021
Sutton additionally played for the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics and Angels. A durable and dependable starter who crossed the 200-inning mark 21 times (including his first 19 seasons), Sutton ranks third all time in games started (756), seventh in innings (5,282 1/3) and strikeouts (3,574), and 10th in shutouts (58).
"Don Sutton was one of our game's most consistent winning pitchers across his decorated 23-year career", MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, which went on to call him a "model of durability on the mound". For all these things, I am very grateful.
The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, said Sutton died at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, after a long struggle with cancer.
"We don't win the (1982) pennant without him", Selig added.
More news: New PUBG franchise games rumored for 2021 and 2022 releasesSutton's career began and ended with the Dodgers, with whom he spent 16 of his 23 seasons - spanning from 1966 to 1980 and including a final tour in 1988.
"Don Sutton's brilliance on the field, and his lasting commitment to the game that he so loved, carried through to his time as a Member of the Hall of Fame", said Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Sutton was born April 2, 1945, in Clio, Alabama.
Sutton also had a successful broadcasting career, working for major networks including TBS and NBC, along with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. It's certainly notable to see someone inducted into the sport-wide Hall of Fame for their work as a player and then inducted into a team Hall of Fame for their work as a broadcaster. "Getting to be around Don every day my first few years with the Braves was something I will cherish forever".
More news: The Colts need a starting QB following Philip Rivers’ retirement"A generation of Braves fans came to know his voice", the team said in a statement. "But despite all his success, Don never lost his generous spirit or humble personality". He later called games for the Washington Nationals before returning to the Braves on radio in 2009; he was inducted into the Braves' hall of fame as a broadcaster in 2015.
Seven Hall of Famers passed away in 2020, including Lou Brock, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson, Al Kaline, Joe Morgan, Phil Niekro, and Tom Seaver. "On behalf of the Dodger organization, we send our condolences to the entire Sutton Family, including Don's wife Mary, his son Daron and his daughters Staci and Jacquie".
Sutton's passing comes just 10 days after the death of Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda, who managed the team from 1976-96, including that '88 title team.
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