Yankees Legend Passes Away At 80
Rudy May, a name well-known among baseball aficionados for his versatile pitching skills that graced multiple Major League Baseball teams, passed away at the age of 80 this past Saturday according to The New York Post.
Throughout his impressive 16-year career in the majors, May notably wore the Yankees’ pinstripes over several stints during the 70s and 80s. His tenure in the big leagues also included playing for the California Angels, Montreal Expos, and Baltimore Orioles.
While the exact cause of May’s death was not disclosed, it has been known that he had long battled diabetes. The news of his passing was brought to public attention through a TikTok post by writer and author Jeff Pearlman.
Reflecting on May’s challenges, Pearlman shared a poignant memory on X, “Saddened to hear about the passing of Rudy May, 80, a pitcher for the #expos in 1978-79. Rudy told me years ago he had been suffering from diabetes for a long time. We last talked earlier this year. R.I.P.”
Saddened to hear about the passing of Rudy May, 80, a pitcher for the #expos in 1978-79.
This news was first reported on TikTok by writer & author Jeff Pearlman.
Rudy told me years ago he had been suffering from diabetes for a long time. We last talked earlier this year.
R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/W1Ro8cLrp0— Danny Gallagher (@dannogallagher7) October 24, 2024
“The Yankees organization is saddened to learn of the passing of former pitcher Rudy May,” the team wrote on Friday. “We extend our deepest condolences to Rudy’s family and friends at this time.”
The Yankees organization is saddened to learn of the passing of former pitcher Rudy May. We extend our deepest condolences to Rudy’s family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/V0ra8hV4IN
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 25, 2024
May’s career began with a blazing fastball, but he later became celebrated for his skillful curveball. He was one of the final players to enter MLB before the establishment of the draft in 1964. Although originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1963, he experienced several trades early in his career, eventually making his MLB debut with the Angels in 1965 at just 20 years old.
May experienced a mix of triumphs and challenges early in his career, with an impressive debut against the Detroit Tigers, but spent a few seasons in the minors from 1966 to 1968. He rejoined the Angels in 1969, establishing himself as a dependable starter and reliever, and logged over 1,000 innings before moving to the Yankees in 1974. His tenacity paid off in subsequent years with significant contributions to the teams he played for, including memorable periods with the Orioles and the Expos.
The Angels Organization is saddened to learn of the passing of former pitcher Rudy May.
A 16-year Major League veteran, May was a steady presence for the Angels pitching staff for seven seasons and remains among the Top 10 in franchise history in ERA and strikeouts.
We send our… pic.twitter.com/KeN1fpaWuR
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) October 25, 2024
His peak performance came in 1980 during a return stint with the Yankees, achieving a league-best 2.46 ERA. Over his esteemed MLB career, May achieved a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 20.4. He accumulated 152 wins and 156 losses. His overall earned run average (ERA) was a commendable 3.46. Beyond baseball, May was an avid underwater diver, a hobby he pursued passionately since his teens according to the Montreal Gazette. Post-retirement, he managed Circle K stores in California.
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