The Phillies are sad to announce the sudden passing of the club’s Special Assistant to the General Manager, Bart Braun, who died last night at his home in Vallejo, Calif., at the age of 64. 

Braun, who was known as “one-of-a-kind” to those close to him, spent 44 years in baseball. The combination of his passion for the game and his vibrant personality made him one of the scouting community’s most beloved and respected individuals.

“Bart was a legend in the scouting world, and his evaluations played a role in virtually every player acquisition that the Phillies have made in recent years,” said Phillies General Manager Matt Klentak. “But what many of us will miss most is Bart’s energy, his laugh, his loyal friendship, his passion for life and his love for the game of baseball. On behalf of all of Bart’s friends and colleagues at the Phillies, I extend our deepest condolences to Patty and Bart Jr.”

Braun joined the Phillies in October 2012 and remained in his role of special assistant to the general manager until the time of his death. Before joining the Phillies, he spent 18 years with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he held various positions in baseball operations. Braun also served as the Atlanta Braves’ national scouting supervisor from 1991-95 and worked in the scouting department for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1984-91. He began his scouting career with the Detroit Tigers in 1983.

Braun was originally selected by the Oakland A’s in the third round of the June 1976 draft. He pitched seven years in the minor leagues for the A’s, Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays and California Angels, twice reaching the triple-A level.

Born on April 14, 1956, in Vallejo, Calif., Braun attended Solano Junior College before being selected by Oakland.

He is survived by his wife, Patty, and son, Bart. Jr.

Funeral arrangements and donation information are pending.