Cardinals Hall-of-Famer Bruce Sutter has passed away at age 69, the team reports.
The pitcher was with the Cardinals from 1981 to 1984, when he averaged almost 32 saves. Suttor set a National League record for most saves in a season, with 45 in 1984 -- and helped the team win the 1982 World Series.
“On behalf of the Cardinals organization and baseball fans everywhere, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the Sutter family,” said Cardinals’ Principal Owner & Chief Executive Officer Bill DeWitt, Jr. “Bruce was a fan-favorite during his years in St. Louis and in the years to follow, and he will always be remembered for his 1982 World Series clinching save and signature split-fingered pitch. He was a true pioneer in the game, changing the role of the late inning reliever.”
In his 12 major league seasons, he totaled 300 saves, putting him at third on the all-time list in baseball by the time he retired. During the 1981 season -- which was shortened by strikes -- he saved 25 games, which was the most by a St. Louis pitcher since the save became an officially recognized statistic in 1969. Chants of “Bruuuuuce!” bellowed throughout Busch Stadium every time he ran in from the bullpen.
Sutter was born on January 8, 1953 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Jayme, sons Josh, Chad and Ben; daughter-in-law Amanda Sutter, and his six grandchildren.
In a statement, his family said in part, "All our father ever wanted to be remembered as was being a great teammate, but he was so much more than that. He was also a great husband to our mother of 50 years, he was a great father and grandfather and he was a great friend. His love and passion for the game of baseball can only be surpassed by his love and passion for his family."
KMOX will be looking back on his historic career today.
