A's broadcaster, 2-time All-Star Ray Fosse dies at 74
Longtime Oakland Athletics broadcaster and 12-year MLB veteran Ray Fosse died at the age of 74 on Wednesday after a lengthy battle with cancer.
"The Oakland A's are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Ray Fosse," the team said in a statement.
"Few people epitomize what it means to be an Athletic more than Ray. He was the type of franchise icon who always made sure every player, coach, colleague, and fan knew that they were part of the Oakland A's family. We send our deepest condolences to Carol, Nikki, and Lindsey, his family and friends during this difficult time. We'll miss you, Ray."
Fosse stepped away from the A's broadcasting booth with NBC Sports California in August when he announced that he had been battling cancer for 16 years.
A two-time All-Star with the Cleveland Indians, Fosse was part of two World Series-winning sides in Oakland (1973, 1974) and won a pair of Gold Gloves over his 12-year playing career. He also briefly played for the Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers.
Fosse was also part of one of the most infamous plays at an MLB All-Star Game when, in 1970, Pete Rose ran him over at home plate.
After retiring in 1979, Fosse later joined the A's broadcast team in 1986 and continued to provide color commentary for television and radio up to summer 2021.
Fosse left a mark on the game, and some former Oakland players paid tribute to him on Twitter when news of his death broke.
Heartbroken to hear of baseball legend Ray Fosse’s passing. He was so fun to be around. I’ll always remember his powerful handshakes, positive energy & his storytelling - he had a way of making you feel connected to the history of baseball and the Oakland A’s. We’ll miss you Ray. https://t.co/YObJU6NS30
— Sean Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) October 14, 2021
I am so heartbroken. Ray Fosse was such a special person for not only myself but for the @Athletics organization. Rest In Peace my friend. We love you!
— Josh Reddick (@RealJoshReddick) October 14, 2021
Just crushed to hear that Ray Fosse passed away! Whether it was our pregame interviews 5 hours before game time, chatting in the clubhouse or on the team flights he was always genuine, thoughtful, and always there to talk about the game. The @Athletics family will miss you dearly
— Mark Mulder (@markmulder20) October 14, 2021
A's owner John Fisher also issued a statement:
Statement from Oakland A’s Owner John Fisher: pic.twitter.com/BBXDUo5Tzu
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) October 14, 2021
The Indians, Fosse's first and longest-tenured team, did the same:
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Ray Fosse.
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) October 14, 2021
In 8 seasons with Cleveland, Ray became a fan favorite. The two-time All-Star and Gold Glover was selected as a member of the Indians Top 100 players in 2001.
Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this time. pic.twitter.com/iDDJGs9K1R
Dennis Eckersley, whose no-hitter Fosse caught in 1977, spoke fondly of his former teammate.
"All I know is when I heard the news, it hurt," Eckersley said, according to Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle. "It kind of stops you. We had a major connection. He was like an older brother."
Eckersley added: "I respected the hell out of him. More than anything, it was our friendship beyond playing. I got closer to him than ever after playing. He was just solid, so caring to everybody."