Don Gullett, a three-time World Series champion pitcher, died on Wednesday at the age of 73, the Reds confirmed.
The former Yankee and Cincinnati pitcher’s cause of death was not disclosed. In the aftermath of the lefty’s death, Cincinnati issued a statement honouring his achievements to the team.
“Don dedicated 24 years to this franchise as a player, coach and Minor league instructor,” Reds CEO Bob Castellini said in a statement. “An anchor on the pitching staff of one of the greatest baseball teams in history, his contributions to our rich tradition, our city and his community will never be forgotten.”
The Reds selected Gullett in the first round out of McKell High School (Kentucky) in 1969. He made his major league debut the following year and had a 2.43 ERA in his first 77 2/3 innings as a 19-year-old.
Following that, the southpaw had an excellent sophomore season, leading the National League with a.727 won percentage while going 16-6 with a 2.65 ERA.
He was nominated for the Cy Young Award twice and finished as high as fifth in 1975, when the Reds won their first of two consecutive World Series wins.
“Don Gullett, the best athlete and competitor I ever saw or played with! He will be missed,” Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench posted on X on Wednesday.
Don Gullett, the best athlete and competitor I ever saw or played with! He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/N8XBujwxta
— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) February 14, 2024
Gullett signed with the Yankees as a free agent before the 1977 season, and he led the American League in winning percentage (.778) with a 14-4 record before the Yankees won the World Series for the third time in a row.
And, despite pitching for the Yankees the following season, a ruptured rotator cuff in his left shoulder kept him off the World Series team when the Bronx Bombers won their second championship in a row.
The shoulder injury ended his major league career at the age of 27. Following his playing career, Gullett worked as a coach in the Reds organization from 1990 to 2005. He was inducted into the Reds’ Hall of Fame in 2002.
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