The MLB world is in mourning today. It was recently reported that former Seattle Mariners’ player Lee Tinsley has sadly passed away. The former outfielder had also played for the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies in the 90s. Tinsley was a member of the MLB from 1993 to 1997, after which he began coaching various teams in the major leagues.
Tinsley died on 12th January 2023 in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is survived by three children. After his decorated career in the MLB, many loved him for his baseball skills as well as a person. As soon as news broke of his demise, there was an outpouring of messages from fans of all ages. The former outfielder was 53 years of age.
Bob Nightengale, USA Today’s baseball columnist, tweeted – “RIP Lee Tinsley. Tinsley, a beloved teammate, spent five years playing the outfield for the #Mariners, #RedSox and #Phillies. He later became a major-league coach for five different teams. Tinsley, 53, who died in Scottsdale, Ariz., is survived by three beautiful children.”
Taking to Twitter, Tinsley’s old teams, the Seattle Mariners and the Cincinnati Reds shared official statements-
The Reds mourn the loss of Lee Tinsley.
“We are sad to hear of Lee’s passing,” VP/GM Nick Krall said of Tinsley, who was the Reds’ assistant hitting coach for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends, inside and outside the game.” pic.twitter.com/1pAvGaWR9M
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) January 12, 2023
We are saddened by the passing of former player and first base coach Lee Tinsley, and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/D6FLULqaGV
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) January 12, 2023
Fans generously praised Tinsley’s previous performances, but most people applauded his character. He was an excellent player but an even better person.
Coach Lee was my coach 12u-15u. He was a great coach even better guy. Sad.
— Derek Howard (@DerekHowardbb8) January 12, 2023
Covered him as a high school player. Outstanding young man. Terrible and tough loss for his Shelby County, Kentucky community 🙏🏻
— Jeff D'Alessio (@RedSox4Life1960) January 13, 2023
Played in a church basketball league in 88' with him. Man he could jump out of the gym. Pure athlete an nicest guy you could ever meet..R.I.P. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
— Michael Hudson (@Michael46253985) January 13, 2023
Damn. I remember him. RIP. What was the cause of death?
— WordMan @pjaymac@mstdn.social (@pjmclaugh) January 12, 2023
As of now, no official cause of death has been released.
The former outfielder played a total of 361 games in his five years with the MLB in three different teams. After his time in the major leagues, Tinsley played independently and at the Triple-A level for three years. After the 2000 season, he hung up his uniform entirely. The 53-year-old later switched over to coaching and was considered one of the best by many.
The Yankees even considered him a formidable enemy at the time.
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Tinsley started his coaching career with small jobs with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Angels. Arizona appointed him as the first base coach for Arizona from 2006 to 2008, after which he worked with the Mariners, his old team. The Chicago Cubs also employed Tinsley for a time, after which he joined the Cincinnati Reds in 2014.
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This must be a very difficult time for his family, as everyone sends their condolences.
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