Don Sutton, the Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander who won more than 300 games in his career at the Hall of Fame, died Monday night, his son Daron announced on social media.
The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, said Don Sutton died of cancer at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 75 years old.
“Sad to share that my dad died sleeping last night,” Daron Sutton wrote on Twitter. “He worked as hard as anyone I’ve met and treated those he found with a lot of respect … and it led me to work hard. For all these things, I’m very grateful. Rest in peace.”
Sad to share that my dad died sleeping last night. He worked as hard as anyone I’ve met and treated those he found with a lot of respect … and led me to work hard. I am so grateful for all these things. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/cvlDRRdVXa
– Daron Sutton (@lifeisgreatsut) January 19, 2021
Sutton’s career began and ended with the Dodgers, with whom he spent 16 of his 23 seasons, which ran from 1966 to 1980 and included a final tour in 1988. He was four times All-Star and his 324 victories rank 14th in major league history.
He also pitched for the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels. After his career as a player, Sutton was an analyst with the Atlanta Braves for 28 seasons, convening games on both television and radio.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Don Sutton,” the Braves said in a statement. “A generation of Braves fans knew his voice … Don was as dreaded on the mound as he was loved at the stand. Don 300-game winner who was a four-time All-Star, Don brought unparalleled knowledge. of the game and his sharp wit in his calls. But in spite of all the success, Don never lost his generous character or his humble personality. “
Sutton was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.
“Don Sutton’s brilliance on the playing field and his enduring commitment to the game he loved so much led to his time as a Hall of Fame member,” said Jane Forbes Clark, Hall of Fame president. and the National Baseball Museum, said in a statement. “I know how much he treasured his moments in Cooperstown, just as we treasured our special moments with him. We share our deepest condolences with his wife, Mary and his family.”
Sutton’s death comes after seven halls of fame dying in 2020, the most seated members of Cooperstown who have died in a calendar year. They were Lou Brock, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson, Al Kaline, Joe Morgan, Phil Niekro and Tom Seaver.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.