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Our hearts here at BCB go out to the family of Hall of Fame pitcher and former Milwaukee Brewer, Don Sutton. Sutton passed away today at the age of 75.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of Hall of Famer Don Sutton, who passed away today. Sutton, a member of the #Brewers Wall of Honor, will always be remembered as a key contributor to the beloved 1982 American League championship team. pic.twitter.com/KA1sadxCm2
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) January 20, 2021
Sutton pitched 23 seasons in the major leagues. Sutton made his way to Milwaukee via a late season trade in 1982. That trade with L.A. cemented the Brewers’ march to the World Series. “We don’t win the pennant without him. You can state that as a fact,” said Bud Selig.
News of Sutton’s passing came from his son and former Brewers’ broadcaster, Daron Sutton.
Saddened to share that my dad passed away in his sleep last night. He worked as hard as anyone I’ve ever known and he treated those he encountered with great respect...and he took me to work a lot. For all these things, I am very grateful. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/cvlDRRdVXa
— Daron Sutton (@lifeisgreatsut) January 19, 2021
Sutton was huge, to say the least, during Milwaukee’s 1982 run. On the last day of the regular season, with a playoff spot on the line, Sutton took the mound against fellow Hall of Famer Jim Palmer and the Orioles on the road in Baltimore. Sutton’s performance on that day punched Milwaukee’s ticket and delivered the Brewers the American League East title.
Milwaukee would call his number once again with the season on the line just days later. Down 0-2 in the best of five American League Championship Series, Sutton toed the rubber, and once again, he came through. Sutton pitched a gem to set the stage for the Brewers to come back and beat the California Angels and win the American League pennant. Obviously Sutton and the Brewers were unable to deliver a World Series title that season, but what a run they made.
Sutton pitched two more seasons for Milwaukee before being traded to Oakland in 1984. By the time he ended his career, he would have more than 3,000 strikeouts and more than 300 wins. He would also have a fantastic broadcasting career. For Don Sutton, longevity, reliability, and guts were his calling cards.
Rest in peace.