The baseball community is saddened by the passing of Jeff Torborg, a well-respected figure who made his mark as both a player and manager. Torborg died on Sunday in his hometown of Westfield, New Jersey at the age of 83. The Chicago White Sox, one of the five teams Torborg managed in his career, announced his death on social media.
A Witness to Pitching History
Torborg played 10 seasons as a catcher in the major leagues, with most of his career spent on the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1964 to 1970. It was during his time in LA that Torborg found himself behind the plate for some of the most iconic pitching performances in baseball history:
- Sandy Koufax’s perfect game against the Chicago Cubs in 1965
- Bill Singer’s no-hitter versus the Philadelphia Phillies in 1970
- Nolan Ryan’s first no-hitter (of a record seven) in 1973 after Torborg joined the California Angels
“I was fortunate to catch three no-hitters during my career, but being a part of Sandy’s perfect game was truly special. It exemplified his unmatched skill and dedication to the craft of pitching.”
Jeff Torborg reflecting on catching Koufax’s perfect game
Transition to Managing
After his playing days, Torborg embarked on a long coaching and managing career. He helmed five different MLB teams:
- Cleveland Indians (1977-1979)
- Chicago White Sox (1989-1991)
- New York Mets (1992-1993)
- Montreal Expos (2000)
- Florida Marlins (2002-2003)
Torborg’s crowning achievement as a skipper came in 1990 with the White Sox, when he was named American League Manager of the Year. He guided that club to 94 wins, a 25-victory improvement from the prior season.
New Jersey Roots
A New Jersey native, Torborg was born in Plainfield in 1941 and grew up in Westfield. He starred at both Westfield High School and Rutgers University before being signed by the Dodgers. Torborg hit .214 over his MLB career, with 8 home runs and 101 RBIs.
Later in life, Torborg also spent time as a broadcaster, further sharing his baseball wisdom and experiences with fans. His deep knowledge of the game’s intricacies, especially pitching and catching, enriched his analysis.
Jeff Torborg’s legacy in baseball is characterized by his presence for remarkable pitching feats, his leadership of major league clubs, and the respect he earned from all corners of the sport. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by the many lives he touched over a long lifetime in the game he loved.
