R.I.P.: MLB Broadcaster, War Hero Jerry Coleman

Jerry Coleman

Jerry Coleman, former New York Yankees second baseman and long-time San Diego Padres broadcaster, has died.

He was 89 according to The Sporting News.

"The San Diego Padres are deeply saddened by the news today of the passing of Jerry Coleman," the Padres said in a statement announcing his death. "We send our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Coleman family, including his wife, Maggie, his children and grandchildren. On behalf of Padres' fans everywhere, we mourn the loss of a Marine who was truly an American hero as well as a great man, a great friend and a great Padre."

Coleman was a Marine Corps combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War, which limited his baseball career to nine seasons in the majors. Still, he played with four Yankees teams and won the World Series and two others that made it there.

Padres president Mike Dee says Coleman died at a hospital Sunday afternoon. He says the team was notified by Coleman's wife, Maggie.

Coleman began broadcasting for the Padres in 1972 and spent more than four decades in his assignment. He began in broadcasting after his playing career, working for CBS, the Yankees and Los Angeles Angels before landing in San Diego.

He received the Ford C. Frick Award and a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 and enter the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2007.

Coleman spent more than 70 years in pro baseball. He was a Marine Corps pilot and flew 120 missions combined in the two wars. Coleman was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 13 Air Medals and three Navy Citations.


Read More Now