Ex-Yankees Coach Jeff Torborg Dies at 83

Former New York Yankees coach Jeff Torborg passed away at 83 years old.

Aug 17, 2020; Bronx, New York, USA; A general view of rain falling on the New York Yankees logo on the first base dugout roof during a rain delay in the game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

On Sunday morning, the news was released that Jeff Torborg, former major-league catcher and long-time MLB coach for several teams (including the New York Yankees), died at 83 years old.

Torborg, who is from New Jersey, had a 10-year career as a catcher in MLB. Three of his most memorable moments include when he caught Sandy Koufax’s perfect game on September 9, 1965, Bill Singer’s no-hitter on July 20, 1970, and the legendary Nolan Ryan's first no-hitter on May 15, 1973.

The Hall of Fame remembers 1965 World Series champion and 1990 AL Manager of the Year Jeff Torborg, who passed away Sunday morning.

A 10-year veteran of the Dodgers and Angels, Torborg caught Sandy Koufax's perfect game, Bill Singer's no-hitter and Nolan Ryan's first no-hitter. pic.twitter.com/PdLdY0f9sQ

— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) January 20, 2025

Three years after Torborg's playing career came to a close in 1973, he became a manager for the first time in 1977 with Cleveland. He eventually became a member of the Yankees coaching staff from 1979-88 before becoming the White Sox’ manager.

Torburg also spent time as the New York Mets' manager. Upon news of his passing, Mets announcer Howie Rose made an X post that wrote, "Very sad to hear of the passing of former Mets manager Jeff Torborg. Extremely nice man with a good sense of humor. Upon seeing the busts of Mets Hall of Famers in Shea’s Diamond Club he said 'They should have one of me. I was the biggest bust they ever had!' RIP."

Very sad to hear of the passing of former Mets manager Jeff Torborg. Extremely nice man with a good sense of humor. Upon seeing the busts of Mets Hall of Famers in Shea’s Diamond Club he said “They should have one of me. I was the biggest bust they ever had!” RIP.

— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) January 20, 2025

It has been a difficult past month for people within the Yankees community passing away, as Hall of Famer and MLB All-Time Stolen Base Leader Rickey Henderson (who played for the Yankees from 1985-1989) died on December 21 at 65 years old due to pneumonia.

It remains to be seen how the Yankees or MLB at large will honor Henderson during the 2025 season.