Former MLB player and manager Jeff Torborg passed away on Sunday at the age of 83. Torborg, a former catcher, famously caught Sandy Koufax’s perfect game and earned recognition as the 1990 American League Manager of the Year while leading the Chicago White Sox.
The News Tribune reported that the White Sox announced on social media that Torborg, who had been living with Parkinson’s disease since his diagnosis in 2010, passed away in his hometown of Westfield, N.J. The cause of death was not disclosed.
The Baseball Hall of Fame first shared the news of his death.
The Hall of Fame remembers 1965 World Series champion and 1990 AL Manager of the Year Jeff Torborg, who passed away Sunday morning.A 10-year veteran of the Dodgers and Angels, Torborg caught Sandy Koufax’s perfect game, Bill Singer’s no-hitter and Nolan Ryan’s first no-hitter. pic.twitter.com/PdLdY0f9sQ
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) January 20, 2025
Jeff Torborg born in 1941 and raised in Westfield, New Jersey, Torborg gained recognition as a talented athlete early on. He attended Rutgers University, where he was a standout player, earning All-American honors.
Torborg was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1963 and played as a catcher in the major leagues for 10 seasons with the Dodgers and the California Angels. Known for his defensive skills and rapport with pitchers, he is perhaps best remembered for catching two historic no-hitters: Sandy Koufax’s perfect game in 1965 and Nolan Ryan’s first no-hitter in 1973.
After retiring as a player in 1974, Torborg transitioned into coaching and managing. He managed several MLB teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, and Montreal Expos. His managerial tenure peaked in 1990 when he was named the American League Manager of the Year for leading the White Sox to an impressive turnaround season.
Former MLB catcher and Chicago White Sox manager Jeff Torborg passed away this morning in Westfield, N.J. He was 83 years old.Torborg was named the 1990 A.L. Manager of the Year after guiding the Sox to a 94-68 record that season, a 25-game improvement from the previous year. pic.twitter.com/cKpNNdLod7
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 20, 2025
Beyond his managerial career, Torborg worked as a broadcaster, sharing his deep knowledge of the game with fans. His passion for baseball and dedication to the sport earned him widespread respect throughout the baseball community.
Torborg is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Suzie, sons Doug, Greg and Dale, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rest in Peace.
I was fortunate to play Major League Baseball for almost 10 years! Jeff Torborg was responsible for that! Always had his eye out for me! Always mentoring! Always teaching! Always caring! This really hurts! pic.twitter.com/oNn8Sw3Hwn
— Coach (@CoachBradley9) January 20, 2025