Baseball fans were saddened to hear of the death of Mike Brumley this weekend.
Brumley, who was 61 years old, was killed in a car accident that happened in Mississippi on Saturday night.
Talking Point…
- Brumley's tragic death
- Major league and coaching career
- Analysis
According to local reports, the crash occurred on Interstate 20 near Edwards, Mississippi.
Three cars and two 18-wheelers were involved in the accident, which is still under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The passengers in the trucks were injured, as was a passenger in one of the other cars. The drivers of the two other cars both sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Brumley, who was driving a Ford Maverick, was pronounced dead at the scene.
After his death was announced, the Seattle Mariners, who Brumley played for in 1990 and later coached, stated:
"We are saddened by the passing of former Mariners player and coach, Mike Brumley. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and loved ones.
"Mike's impact on the field, in our organization and across baseball, was felt by generations of players."
Brumley was hardly an everyday player, appearing in only 295 games over a career from 1987 to 1995.
He had a lifetime average of .206, with only 3 home runs and 38 RBIs. He also stole 20 bases during his career. His best season was the 1990 season when he played with Seattle, where he reached base 33 times in 147 at-bats. His offensive prowess, however, was not what he was known for in the game.
For some players, it is about their impact on the clubhouse and how they impact the careers of rising stars, and at that, Brumley excelled. After leaving the diamond, Brumley transitioned into coaching, serving as an infield coach for the Mariners and Chicago Cubs and managing two minor league teams: the Salt Lake Stingers and the Ogden Raptors.
Austin Riley, the current 3rd baseman for the Atlanta Braves, who Brumley had coached, stated:
"I got a text about 2:30 this morning and I have been up since. There are very few people that have been role models in my baseball career, my dad being No. 1 and Mike Brumley being No. 2.
"I feel for his family and his kids and everybody that he was close to. This is a tragic day. Prayers out to his family. It's a tough pill to swallow."
There is not much to say here other than what was reported above. Obviously, this is not our usual political report, but we felt we needed to report it solely because of the impact this man had on so many lives. The tributes being paid to him online are amazing. We would also extend our condolences to his family and friends. It is just a sad day for the sports world.
