Details about the cause of Gaylord Perry’s passing have not been made public yet. Some sources suggest that he succumbed to illness, while others indicate that he died from natural causes.
Gaylord Perry, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and a two-time Cy Young Award winner, breathed his last on Thursday. He was a master of the spitball and a captivating storyteller. At the time of his death, he was 84 years old.
According to Dennis Fowler, the Cherokee County coroner, Perry passed away at his home in Gaffney around 5 a.m. on Thursday. No further details were provided.
‘Perry passed away peacefully at his home following a short illness,’ as stated by his family.
Perry peacefully departed at his residence in Gaffney, South Carolina, at around 5 a.m. on Thursday, as confirmed by Cherokee County Coroner Dennis G. Fowler.
Robert D. Manfred, the commissioner of Major League Baseball, expressed in a statement on Thursday that ‘Gaylord Perry had an extraordinary Hall of Fame career, underscored by his 314 victories and 3,534 strikeouts over 22 years, making him a consistent workhorse and a remarkable figure.
The native of Williamston, North Carolina, made history by becoming the first player to win the Cy Young Award in both leagues. He achieved this feat with Cleveland in 1972 after a 24-16 campaign, and with San Diego in 1978, shortly after turning 40, when he achieved a 21-6 record for his fifth and final 20-win campaign.
According to Perry, who was cited in an article by the National Baseball Hall of Fame, ‘I didn’t think I would win my second Cy Young because of my age, but my performance won me the most votes.’
Tributes Pouring In
Fans and colleagues expressed their grief on Twitter following Gaylord Perry’s passing.
‘Gaylord Perry will be remembered as one of the most accomplished San Francisco Giants ever… and remained a popular teammate and friend throughout his life,’ said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement.
‘He was a consistent workhorse and a remarkable character throughout his Hall of Fame career.’
Hall of Famer Willie Mays paid his respects on Thursday, stating ‘Perry was a fine man, a good ballplayer, and my good buddy. Perry was drafted by the San Francisco Giants and played for them for 10 seasons. So long, my friend.’
‘Perry was brilliant, humorous, and kind to everyone in the clubhouse,’ as per Juan Marichal.
According to Marichal, more than any other teammate in the Major Leagues, ‘we combined to record 369 complete games throughout our 10 seasons together in the San Francisco Giants rotation. Gaylord will always be remembered for his passion and dedication to baseball, his family, and his farm, in my opinion.’
The Rangers released a statement expressing their heartfelt condolences to Gaylord’s family during this difficult time. ‘We shall miss this wonderful baseball player.’
