Rico Carty, a legendary player who clinched the National League batting title in 1970 with a remarkable .366 average for the Atlanta Braves, has passed away at the age of 85. His family confirmed that he died Saturday night in an Atlanta hospital, as reported by Listín Diario, a publication from Carty’s homeland, the Dominican Republic.
The Atlanta Braves, Major League Baseball, and the players’ association honored Carty’s legacy on social media Sunday. A statement from the players’ association highlighted Carty’s significance as one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in Major League Baseball, noting that he became an idol for many in his native Dominican Republic, particularly in San Pedro de Macoris, as well as in Atlanta, where he was a cherished favorite among fans.
The Braves expressed in their tribute that Carty made an “indelible mark” on the franchise. “While his on-field achievements will be remembered forever, it is his infectious smile and kind-hearted nature that we will deeply miss,” the team remarked in their tribute to him.
Carty made a memorable entry into Major League Baseball with the Braves in September 1963. He showcased his potential during his first full season in 1964, posting a .330 batting average complemented by 22 home runs and 88 RBIs, which earned him a second place finish to Dick Allen for the NL Rookie of the Year accolade.
After the Braves relocated from Milwaukee to Atlanta following the 1965 season, Carty marked the franchise’s transition by hitting the first hit in Atlanta on April 12, 1966, in a game against Pittsburgh.
His most outstanding season was in 1970, where he boasted a .366 batting average along with 25 home runs and a personal best of 101 RBIs. His remarkable performance led to his selection as a starter for the All-Star Game, an honor he achieved as a write-in candidate, joining baseball legends Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the National League outfield.
Over a 15-year career in the majors, Carty maintained a .299 batting average, hitting 204 homers and driving in 890 runs. In addition to his time with the Braves, he played for teams such as Cleveland, Toronto, Oakland, Texas, and the Chicago Cubs before retiring in 1979.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
