Outfielder Rico Carty, a member of the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame and one of the first Dominican-born players to play in Major League Baseball, has died. He was 85.
At a high point in his career in 1970, he was the National League batting champion with .366 average.
For Dominican baseball players, he was one of the early trailblazers in Major League Baseball.
The Atlanta Braves issued a statement acknowledging that Rico Carty had left “an indelible mark on the Braves organization.” The team explained that Carty owns the club’s first-ever hit in the city of Atlanta. Furthermore, Carty’s .366 batting average in 1970 is the franchise’s modern-era single-season record. Carty was a 1970 National League All-Star and a 2023 Braves Hall of Fame inductee. And the left-field seats at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium are known as ‘Carty’s Corner.’
“While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed. It is with a heavy heart we send our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and numerous fans around the world,” stated the organization when announcing the passing of the Dominican baseball player.
Born in San Pedro de Macoris, Carty signed his first contract with the Braves after representing the Dominican Republic in the 1959 Pan Am Games. He made his Major League debut in 1963 and became a full-time player in 1964 when he was 24 years old. Carty finished second to Dick Allen in the NL Rookie of the Year voting that year.
From 1964-70, Carty averaged 23 home runs per 162 games played. He missed the entire 1968 season with tuberculosis and the entire 1971 season with a knee injury. Carty was traded to the Texas Rangers in Oct. 1972 after sparring with team management and also several teammates, including Hank Aaron.
Carty played for three teams in 1973 (Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics) and again clashed with teammates. He eventually settled in with Cleveland from 1974-77. Carty finished his career with the Toronto Blue Jays from 1978-79. An excellent hitter throughout his 15-year career, he retired with a .299/.369/.464 line as well as 1,677 hits and 204 home runs.
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25 November 2024