MLB Hall of Fame Pitcher Jim Bunning Dies at Age 85
Hall of Fame pitcher and former U.S. Senator Jim Bunning died Friday following an October stroke.
He was 85.
David Bunning, Jim's son, tweeted the news Saturday morning:
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According to FortThomasMatters.com, Bunning was pronounced dead at 11:55 p.m. Friday.
Bunning played for the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers across a 17-year MLB career. He spent nearly all of that time with either the Tigers or Phillies, totaling five All-Star appearances in Detroit and a pair in Philadelphia. In 1964, he threw a perfect game on Father's Day as a member of the Phillies; he's one of five players in MLB history with a no hitter for multiple teams.
"We are saddened to announce the passing of Hall of Fame pitcher and former U.S. Senator Jim Bunning," the Phillies said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bunning family during this difficult time."
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also released a statement:
"Commissioner Manfred issued the following statement today regarding the passing of HoF pitcher & former U.S. Senator Jim Bunning: pic.twitter.com/CquBgDag4h
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) May 27, 2017"
Bunning compiled a 224-184 record and 3.27 ERA in his career. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1996, a quarter century after his final MLB season.
After retiring from baseball, Bunning embarked on a successful political career. As a Kentucky Republican, he was a multi-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1999 and the U.S. Senate from 1999 to 2011, after which he retired from politics.
"Today Kentucky truly lost a political icon," Kentucky State Senator Wil Schroder said. "I will be forever grateful for Jim Bunning's leadership and dedication to service at the local, state and national level. I, along with so many others, owe him a debt of gratitude for his support and will always cherish his friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the Bunning family."
