Remembering Jim Bunning
"Jim was an incredible competitor and was determined to maximize his ability and make the most of everything he did in life. He clearly succeeded in doing so. Jim and his wife Mary remained close members of the Phillies family, attending our Alumni Weekend festivities whenever they were able to be in Philadelphia. We were so honored to have had Jim and Mary here for what would be his last Alumni Weekend in 2016. The Bunning family has lost a very special patriarch, and we at the Phillies have lost a very special friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the entire family at this difficult time."
"Jim was an incredible competitor and was determined to maximize his ability and make the most of everything he did in life. He clearly succeeded in doing so. Jim and his wife Mary remained close members of the Phillies family, attending our Alumni Weekend festivities whenever they were able to be in Philadelphia. We were so honored to have had Jim and Mary here for what would be his last Alumni Weekend in 2016. The Bunning family has lost a very special patriarch, and we at the Phillies have lost a very special friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the entire family at this difficult time."
- David Montgomery, Phillies Chairman
"Jim was a great pitcher, good friend and terrific family man. He cared a lot about the game of baseball, not only on the field of play but in the rules and benefits for all players. My heart goes out to his loving wife, Mary, and all his kids and grandkids. He was truly a class man in every way."
- Bill Giles, Phillies Chairman Emeritus
"Jim was good friend. I fondly remember our time together when he was a minor league coach, then later in life as Hall of Famers. Jim had a tremendous career with a standout 100 wins in each league. Not only was he an incredible workhorse, but he was also a great leader. Jim's wife, Mary, and my wife, Donna, have remained friends over the years. Donna and I both send our thoughts and prayers to Mary and the entire Bunning family during this difficult time."
- Mike Schmidt, Phillies broadcaster and Hall of Fame third baseman
"I had the honor of playing behind Jim Bunning during my first year in baseball in 1970. Before meeting Jim, I had never had a pitcher take time to give a position player advice. That advice was to play with energy and be accountable every day."
- Larry Bowa, Phillies bench coach and Wall of Fame shortstop
"Jim was a great humanitarian, and always remembered people by their first name. He took the ball every four days. He was tough, a great competitor, and I loved being on the field with him. One of my best memories was playing with him the day of his Father's Day no-hitter. He will be missed."
- Dick Allen, Phillies Wall of Fame outfielder
"What a tremendous loss for all the baseball family. Jim Bunning truly achieved the American Dream."
- Tony Taylor, Phillies Wall of Fame infielder
"Jim experienced the ultimate success not only on the baseball field but in the political area, a remarkable combination. He was a loving husband, caring father and grandfather who will be missed by not only his family, but the Phillies family."
- Larry Shenk, former Phillies Vice President, Public Relations
"Jim Bunning led an extraordinary life in the National Pastime and in public service. He was a consistent winner and workhorse pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. Jim threw no-hitters in both leagues, pitched a perfect game on Father's Day in 1964 and, at his retirement, had more strikeouts than any pitcher in history except Walter Johnson. In his baseball career, Jim was proud of always taking the ball. The work ethic that made him a Hall of Famer led him to the House of Representatives and the United Stated Senate. He served the state of Kentucky for more than two decades and became the only Hall of Famer ever to serve in Congress. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Senator Bunning's family, friends, constituents and the many fans who admired his career in our game."
- Robert D. Manfred, Commissioner, Major League Baseball
"The Hall of Fame is saddened by the news of Jim's passing. His strong support of the Museum, and its activities, will always be appreciated. We send our deepest sympathy to his wife, Mary, and his entire family."
- Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman, Baseball Hall of Fame
"I got to know him well when he was pitching for the Phillies and I was with the Giants. He was a good competitor, a good pitcher, and a good human being. We're going to miss him."
- Juan Marichal, Hall of Fame pitcher
"He was a great American. He was a great Senator, and I know that anyone that knows anything about baseball is going to miss him."
- Phil Niekro, Hall of Fame pitcher