– “MLB World Series champion death“
– “MLB champion passes away”.

Former MLB Pitcher Don Gullett Dies at 73

Former Major League Baseball pitcher and three-time World Series champion Don Gullett passed away on Wednesday at the age of 73, according to reports.

No cause of death has been provided at this time. The Cincinnati Reds, the team with whom Gullett played his first seven MLB seasons after being drafted in the first round of the 1969 MLB Draft, announced his passing.

Contributions to the Reds

Gullett dedicated 24 years of his life to the Cincinnati Reds as a player, coach, and minor league instructor. He was an integral part of the pitching staff during the Reds’ heyday, when they were considered one of the greatest baseball teams in history. Reds CEO Bob Castellini paid tribute to Gullett, saying, “His contributions to our rich tradition, our city, and his community will never be forgotten.”

A Stellar Career

Gullett had a remarkable nine-season career in MLB from 1970 to 1978. He spent his first seven seasons with the Reds and his final two seasons with the New York Yankees. Throughout his career, he won three consecutive World Series titles, two with the Reds in 1975 and 1976 as part of the famous “Big Red Machine” teams, and another with the Yankees in 1977. Although he was on the Yankees team that won the 1978 World Series, his season was cut short due to a rotator cuff injury that ultimately led to the end of his career.

An Impressive Record

The left-handed pitcher finished his MLB career with a stellar record of 109 wins and 50 losses, along with a 3.11 ERA. He recorded 44 complete games, 14 shutouts, 11 saves, and 921 strikeouts in 1,390 innings pitched across 266 games, including 186 starts.

Post-Retirement Contributions

After retiring as a player, Gullett continued to contribute to the Reds’ organization. He spent 16 seasons as a coach from 1990 to 2005, with the last 13 years serving as the team’s pitching coach. In recognition of his achievements, Gullett was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2002.

Fondly Remembered

Former Reds teammate and Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench expressed his admiration for Gullett, stating, “Don Gullett, the best athlete and competitor I ever saw or played with! He will be missed.”

Don Gullett’s passing is a loss for the baseball community. His impressive career and contributions to the Reds will always be remembered. While the cause of his death remains unknown, his legacy as a talented pitcher and beloved figure in the sport will live on.