Jeff Torborg, who caught three no-hitters as a player and was the 1990 American League Manager of the Year with the White Sox, passed away Sunday. He was 83.
Torborg spent 10 seasons as a Major League catcher, the first seven of which came with the Dodgers from 1964-70. He is one of only 18 players to have been the starting catcher for at least three no-hitters. His first was one of the best pitching performances in MLB history -- Sandy Koufax’s perfect game against the Cubs on Sept. 9, 1965.
Torborg guided Dodgers right-hander Bill Singer to a no-hitter against the Phillies in 1970, which was Torborg’s final season with Los Angeles. He spent his final three MLB seasons with the Angels, and in 1973, he caught the first of Nolan Ryan’s record seven no-hitters.
Torborg, a .214 career hitter, soon moved into the coaching ranks and by 1977, he received his first of five managerial jobs. He managed Cleveland from 1977-79 before becoming a Yankees coach for a decade.
Torborg experienced his greatest managerial success with the White Sox. Following his second season, he was named the 1990 AL Manager of the Year after the club won 94 games, 25 more than in ‘89.
He spent one more season with the White Sox before signing a four-year contract prior to the 1992 season to become the Mets manager. However, Torborg compiled an 85-115 record before he was dismissed during the ‘93 season.
Torborg also had managerial stints with the Expos (2001) and Marlins (2002-03). His coaching career ended once he was fired in May 2003. The Marlins, who were 16-22 at the time of Torborg’s departure, went on to win the World Series that season under Jack McKeon. Torborg’s lifetime record was 634-718 (.469 winning percentage).
Torborg also had a long career as a baseball broadcaster. He was on the call for three World Series (1995-97) alongside play-by-play legend Vin Scully for CBS radio. He also contributed to FOX baseball broadcasts from 1996-2000 and 2004-05. Torborg spent his final season in baseball, 2006, as a color commentator for televised Braves games.