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The baseball world is mourning the loss of a true great, Pat Corrales, who passed away at the age of 82. A stalwart of the sport, Corrales' career touched numerous teams, from the Texas Rangers and Cleveland to the Philadelphia Phillies.
His impact resonated not only in the dugout but also in the front offices of Major League Baseball.
A Diverse Baseball Career
From player to manager, Corrales experienced the highs and lows of the game. His time behind the legendary Johnny Bench with the Cincinnati Reds marked one of his career highlights.
Despite the loss in the 1970 World Series, Corrales' appearance signaled his place in the upper echelons of baseball, even if he did ground out to Brooks Robinson for the series' concluding play. Tributes have flowed in from all corners of the sport. "What a man, what a mentor," remarked Hall of Famer Johnny Bench on Instagram, recalling fond memories of their shared past.
Yet, the world of baseball is fraught with challenges, as Corrales discovered in 1983 when the Phillies surprisingly dismissed him while the team was on top of the NL East. Nonetheless, his dedication to the sport never wavered.
"Over the course of a baseball career that spanned more than six decades as a player, coach, manager, and executive, Pat became a well-respected baseball lifer," acknowledged the Phillies on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
An Enduring Legacy
Behind the public figure, Corrales was a dedicated family man, leaving behind a loving family, including his wife, Donna Myers Corrales of Atlanta, and his children Rena Hammerness, Patricia Collins, and Jason Corrales.
His family has had its share of heartbreak with the earlier loss of two children, Patrick Corrales and Michele Pollitt. Stan Kasten, the Dodgers president and CEO, echoed the sentiments of many who had worked alongside Corrales.
"I was fortunate to have worked with Pat for more than 30 years at three franchises, and he was instrumental in turning all three into championship organizations," Kasten shared. The testament to Corrales' influence extends beyond team titles, with Kasten emphasizing, "He loved mentoring young players and the number of players he influenced is too long to count." Pat Corrales' enduring love and commitment to the game of baseball have left an indelible mark. His legacy is one of passion, dedication, and influence, and he will be profoundly missed.
