MLB, Astros saddened by Angelou's passing

Major League Baseball and the Astros mourn the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou, the famed poet and author who died on Wednesday at her home in Winston-Salem, N.C.

She was 86.

Dr. Angelou was the recipient of the 2014 MLB Beacon of Life Award and will be honored at the MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon and the Civil Rights Game at Houston's Minute Maid Park on Friday.

"All of us at Major League Baseball mourn the loss of the incomparable Dr. Maya Angelou, who led a full and accomplished life and left an indelible impact on our society," Hall of Famer and MLB executive vice president of baseball development Frank Robinson said in a statement. "Today we have lost one of our greatest voices, but Dr. Angelou's words will live on and will continue to inspire generations to come. With a heavy heart, the National Pastime will honor Dr. Angelou at this weekend's Civil Rights Game in a manner befitting her remarkable legacy."

Reid Ryan, Astros president of business operations, also issued a statement.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou," Ryan said. "She touched so many lives as a revered author and poet, but will be remembered for so much more. She was also a pioneer, teacher, historian and champion of the civil rights movement. Dr. Angelou truly was a national treasure. We send our heartfelt condolences to her many friends, family members and to her millions of admirers. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy will live on. We look forward to honoring Dr. Angelou this week."