The Phillies, along with the rest of the baseball community, grieve the passing of former pitcher David West. West, who pitched for the Phillies for four years, including the 1993 pennant-winning season, was known as an incredibly generous teammate and friend with an unmatched sense of humor. Our thoughts are with David’s family, friends and everyone whose life he touched.

“It is with great sadness that I write this message about my roomie and best teammate ever. David West had the biggest heart to go with his huge personality. He was always there to give you a pat on the back when you were down, or a hilarious one-liner when things were going well. He was the ultimate teammate, but an even better friend. He will certainly be missed. Rest in peace, my friend.”

-Larry Andersen

“Another brother gone way too soon. My prayers go out to the family of David West. David was a great teammate and a funny human being. We don’t reach the World Series without him. RIP my brother.”

-John Kruk

“What a great friend and teammate David was. Just another member of the Phillies family we have lost way too early. Prayers to Westy’s family.”

-Mickey Morandini

“I’m not kidding when I tell you that Westy was literally this gentle giant who seemed to always have a smile on his face. I had so much respect for David and how he went about his business on the mound. We don’t win in ’93 without his left arm out of the bullpen. However, the one thing that I will always remember is that even though I was a rookie in 1993, David never treated me as one. Even though I was only 23 years old, I felt like he always respected how I played and who I was as a person. He even made an impression on my wife, Brooke, in that he would always say hello to her after games and ask how she was getting along with the craziness of baseball life. David will be missed.”

-Kevin Stocker

“My heart is broken with the loss of another one of my brothers. Rest in peace, Big Bird. My heart goes out to your family.”

-Milt Thompson