Former Chicago White Sox Manager Jeff Torborg dies at 83
CHICAGO - Jeff Torborg, a former manager of the Chicago White Sox and major league catcher, passed away early Sunday morning. He was 83.
What we know:
Torborg's career in Major League Baseball spanned five decades. He served as a catcher, coach, manager, and national broadcaster.
He was highly regarded for his leadership and character.
CHICAGO, IL - CIRCA 1991: Manager Jeff Torborg #10 of the Chicago White Sox talks with team owner Jerry Reinsdorf prior to the start of a Major League Baseball game circa 1991 at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois. Torborg managed the White Sox from (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
What they're saying:
"Jeff was a tremendous baseball man with great character," said White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. "He was a leader. Jeff managed a young, coming-of-age White Sox team that featured Jack McDowell, Alex Fernandez, Ozzie Guillen, Frank Thomas and Robin Ventura among others. That core nucleus, led early on by Jeff, really turned the fortunes of the franchise around on the field with that exciting 1990 season."
"Jeff had a great impact on my professional career," said former White Sox shortstop and manager and 2005 World Series champion Ozzie Guillén. "He gave me confidence and taught me a lot. Jeff put the White Sox on the map in the 1990s, and he taught that group of players to fight each day to get a win."
"It’s a sad day to lose a great man with such high character," said Robin Ventura, who played for Torborg from 1989-91. "He was a family man who ran his team like a family. I smile as I think of him in the dugout wearing his soccer cleats as he managed his team."
The backstory:
Torborg played 10 seasons in the major leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1964-70) and California Angels (1971-73), according to officials.
He was the catcher for three no-hitters, including Sandy Koufax’s perfect game in 1965, Bill Singer’s no-hitter in 1970, and Nolan Ryan’s first career no-hitter in 1973.
As a manager, Torborg led five different clubs over 11 seasons: the Cleveland Indians (1977-79), White Sox (1989-91), New York Mets (1992-93), Montreal Expos (2001), and Florida Marlins (2002-03).
He was also named the 1990 American League Manager of the Year after leading the White Sox to a 94-68 record – a 25-game improvement from year prior, team officials said.
Torborg transitioned to broadcasting in the late 1990s, serving as an analyst for CBS Radio and FOX. He worked alongside legendary broadcaster Vin Scully for three World Series (1995-97).
He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Suzie; three children, Doug, Greg, and Dale; daughters-in-law Karen and Christi; four grandchildren, Alexis, Jeffrey, Kelly, and Sierra; and two great-grandchildren, Lane and Lee.