Former MLB player, manager Jeff Torborg dies at 83

Field Level Media|published: Sun 19th January, 21:07 2025

Sep 15, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; A detailed view of a basket filled with used batting practice baseballs for a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Torborg, who played 10 seasons in the major leagues and managed in parts of 11 more, died on Sunday. He was 83.

The Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins were among those who offered condolences on social media. No cause of death was given.

Torborg played catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1964-70 and was behind the plate for Sandy Koufax's perfect game in 1965. He also caught a no-hitter by Bill Singer in 1970. He was a World Series champion in 1965 with the Dodgers.

The New Jersey native, who attended Montclair State and Rutgers, played with the California Angels from 1971-73 and caught Nolan Ryan's first no-hitter in 1973.

Most notable for his defensive prowess, Torborg was a career .214 hitter with eight home runs with 101 RBIs in 574 games.

In 1977, Torborg took over as manager of the Cleveland Indians after Frank Robinson was fired and guided the team into the 1979 season. He was also a manager of the White Sox (1989-91), New York Mets (1992-93), Montreal Expos (2001) and Marlins (2002-03).

The 1990 American League Manager of the Year with the White Sox was 157-201 in his managerial career.

--Field Level Media

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