Baseball World Series Champion Passed Away At 72

Keith Allison on Flickr, Wikipedia

Legendary Orioles second baseman Rich Dauer has passed away at the age of 72, the ballclub announced on Monday. No cause of death was disclosed.

 

Rich Dauer was an American professional baseball player and coach, best known for his tenure as the Baltimore Orioles’ second baseman from 1976 to 1985. A key contributor to the Orioles’ success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Dauer was a steady defensive presence and a reliable hitter, helping the team secure a World Series championship in 1983.

Born in San Bernardino, California, Dauer played college baseball at the University of Southern California (USC), where he was a standout player under legendary coach Rod Dedeaux. His exceptional college career earned him a first-round selection by the Orioles in the 1974 MLB Draft. He quickly progressed through the minor leagues, making his major league debut in 1976.

Keith Allison, Wikipedia

 

Dauer became a fixture at second base for Baltimore, known for his smooth fielding and durability. In 1978, he set an American League record with 86 consecutive errorless games at second base, showcasing his defensive prowess. A consistent contributor at the plate, he posted a career batting average of .257 with 43 home runs and 372 RBIs over his 10-season MLB career.

Following his retirement as a player, Dauer transitioned into coaching, serving as a coach for several MLB teams, including the Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Colorado Rockies. He was also part of the Houston Astros’ staff when they won their first World Series in 2017.

He was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2012 and later honored with enshrinement in the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021, according to the New York Post.

Dauer experienced a serious medical scare in recent years when he nearly lost his life during the Astros’ World Series parade due to an acute subdural hematoma.

“A subdural hematoma is a type of bleeding near your brain that can happen after a head injury. Symptoms like a headache and slurred speech can develop right after the injury or days to months later. Subdural hematomas can be life-threatening, so it’s crucial to see a healthcare provider whenever you have a head injury,” per The Cleveland Clinic.