Atlanta Braves baseball player Rico Carty dies at 85

Rico Carty, 1970 National League Batting Champion, Passes Away at 85

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rico Carty, the legendary baseball player who captured the National League batting title in 1970 with an outstanding .366 average while playing for the Atlanta Braves. Carty, a beloved figure in the baseball community, passed away at the age of 85 in an Atlanta hospital on Saturday night.

Tributes poured in for Carty from Major League Baseball, the players’ association, and the Atlanta Braves on social media, highlighting his groundbreaking career and lasting impact on the sport.

According to a family friend who spoke to Listín Diario, a Dominican newspaper, Carty was a trailblazing Latino star who was revered by fans in his native Dominican Republic, his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, and the city of Atlanta where he was adored by many.

The Atlanta Braves expressed their condolences, acknowledging Carty’s significant contributions to the organization both on and off the field.

“While his remarkable achievements in baseball will always be remembered, it is his infectious smile and generous spirit that will be deeply missed,” the team stated.

Carty made his major league debut with the Braves in 1963 and quickly made a name for himself, finishing as the runner-up for National League Rookie of the Year in 1964 after an impressive season with a .330 batting average, 22 home runs, and 88 RBIs.

In 1970, Carty had a standout year, hitting .366 with 25 home runs and a career-high 101 RBIs. His stellar performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, where he started alongside baseball legends Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the National League outfield.

Over his 15-year career in the majors, Carty amassed a .299 batting average, 204 home runs, and 890 RBIs while playing for teams such as the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and the Chicago Cubs before retiring in 1979.