Rich Dauer, who was a key member of the winning coaching staff of the Houston Astros World Series, died earlier this week. He was 72 years old.
Baltimore’s orioles announced Dauer’s death on Monday. Dauer made his debut in the big leagues with the Orioles in 1976 and spent the next decade as a franchise player.
A cause of death was not immediately released.
CLICK HERE for more sports coverage at Foxnews.com
The first -base coach of the Houston stars, Rich Dauer, #48, observes to play during the game two of the 2017 Alcs Playoffs Baseball series of the Houston Astros against the New York Yankees in Minute Maid Park in Houston the October 14, 2017. (Thomas B. Shea-USA Today Sports)
The launcher of the Baseball Hall Jim Palmer paid tribute to Dauer.
“My teammate for a lot of time Richie Dauer passes. He was part of Oriole Way, where you didn’t have to be a star to help the profit of the O,” Palmer wrote on social networks. “Richie had an infectious personality that kept us lazy, but focused. Another reason I was so blessed to be an oriole for life. RIP.”
Legendary Nascar Bill Weber announcer at 67
Dauer worked as the first base coach of the stars when Houston defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 World Series. He underwent emergency surgery after that season to address a blood clot in his brain. MLB.com reported in 2023 that he had recently had a significant stroke.
The coach of the first base of the Astros de Houston, Rich Dauer, #48, instructed the box players during the game two of the 2017 Playoffs Baseball series of the Houston Astros against the New York Yankees In Minute Maid Park in Houston on October 14, 2017. (Thomas B. Shea-USA Today Sports)
“Baseball has brought amazing people. “Rip, my friend. And thanks for being you.”
The two-time All-Star MLB Alex Bregman went to Instagram on Monday to honor Dauer. “Rip my brother. We love you,” Bregman wrote. “We will miss you.”
Dauer greeted to open the score in game 7 of the 1979 World Series between the pirates of Orioles and Pittsburgh. Baltimore finally suffered a defeat of series 4-3, but the Orioles returned to the World Series in 1983 and defeated the Philadelphia Philis.
Dauer was included in the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2012. He was also part of the 2021 class for the College Baseball Hall. He helped southern California to win national titles in 1973 and 1974.
