Former World Series-winning MLB star Rich Dauer dies at 72
Rich Dauer, an infielder who played a decade in the major leagues, has died at the age of 72.
Dauer played his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles, winning a World Series in 1983. He also won the Fall Classic as a coach with the Houston Astros.
The Orioles announced Dauer's death Monday. They did not announce a cause of death.
'We mourn the passing of Orioles Hall of Fame second baseman Rich Dauer, who spent his entire 10-year career with the O’s,' the team said in a statement.
'We send our deepest sympathies to the Dauer family as well as his many teammates and friends.'
Dauer, who was born in San Bernardino, Calif., on July 27, 1952, was selected by the Orioles with the No. 24 pick in the first round of the Draft in 1974.
Rich Dauer, an infielder who played a decade in the major leagues, has died at age of 72
He played his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles, winning a World Series in 1983
Dauer also won a World Series as a first base coach with the Houston Astros in 2017
'My long time teammate Richie Dauer passes. Was part of the Oriole way, where you didn´t have to be a star to help the O's win,' Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer said on social media.
'Richie had an infectious personality that kept us loose, yet focused. Another reason I was so blessed to be an Oriole for life. RIP.'
Shortly after the Astros won the World Series in 2017, Dauer - their first base coach - had emergency surgery on a blood clot in his brain. MLB.com reported in 2023 that he had recently had a significant stroke.
'Baseball has brought incredible people into my life. Loved him when he coached me and learned from him when he was on my staff in Houston,' former Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. 'RIP, my friend. And thank you for being you.'
Dauer played for the Orioles from 1976-85. He homered to open the scoring in Game 7 of the 1979 World Series against Pittsburgh, but the Pirates came back and won. Baltimore returned to the World Series in 1983 and defeated Philadelphia.
Dauer was a career .257 hitter who played 1,140 games -- 948 of which came from 1978-84, as the Orioles were consistently among the top teams in the American League.
Dauer entered the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2012. Dauer was also part of the 2021 class for the College Baseball Hall of Fame. He helped Southern California win national titles in 1973 and 1974.
He enjoyed an 18-year career as an MLB coach, retiring in 2017 after winning his second World Series title with the Astros.
