Former MLB star Lenny Randle passed away while at his home in Murrieta on Sunday, it has been revealed.
Randle’s death at the age of 75 was announced late Monday night by his former team the Seattle Mariners – the last team he ever played for in the major leagues.
The former second and third baseman is remembered mostly for his six-year stint with the Texas Rangers, where he was infamously suspended for punching manager Frank Lucchesi.
One of Randle’s sons, Bradley, revealed on New Year’s Eve that he passed in the presence of his home on Sunday.
However, Bradley also said that his dad’s wife, Linda, asked that the cause of death not be publicly disclosed.
Randle was a beloved figure in baseball, with tributes pouring in for the longtime infielder after news of his death spread across social media.
Former MLB star Lenny Randle died at the age of 75 while at his home in Murrieta on Sunday
When confirming the news, the Mariners wrote on X: ‘We are saddened by the passing of former Mariner Lenny Randle. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones’.
‘The Hall of Fame remembers 12-year big league veteran Lenny Randle, who has passed away at the age of 75,’ the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s official X also posted.
Baseball writer Rocco Constantino said: ‘Really sad to hear of the passing of Lenny Randle. Guy was such a great character and a solid player. He absolutely loved baseball and stayed active his entire life. Plus he starred in this fantastic Mariners jacket commercial. RIP Lenny Randle.’
Randle made his MLB debut in 1971 with the then-Washington Senators after being drafted by the organization a year earlier.
Three years later was his breakout season in the big-leagues, as well as arguably his most famous moment.
During a May 1974 game against the then-Indians, Cleveland pitcher Milt Wilcox threw a pitch behind him.
The Texas Rangers hero’s wife has asked that his cause of death not be publicly disclosed
Randle then bunted the next pitch down the first-base line. As Wilcox tried to scoop the ball and toss it to the first baseman for an out, he deliberately ran off the base line and viciously knocked Wilcox to the turf, inciting a bench-clearing brawl.
He may have been equally known for his fervent attempt to blow a bunt down the third-base line foul, which he did successfully, as a member of the Mariners in May 1981.
The umpires overturned the call and ruled the ball fair. After that game, Randle said MLB implemented a ‘no-blow rule’ because of his actions.
After retiring from the MLB after the 1982 season, Randle played professionally in Italy for one season, winning a batting title in Serie A.
