The baseball community is in mourning as news spreads of the passing of Rico Carty, a beloved figure both in Atlanta and his native Dominican Republic. The former Braves slugger, who famously won the 1970 National League batting title with a .366 average, died at the age of 85, as confirmed by Major League Baseball, the players’ association, and the Braves organization.
Carty’s impact on the game extended far beyond his impressive on-field accomplishments. As one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in the major leagues, he established himself as a hero to millions in his homeland and the city of Atlanta, where he was a fan favorite during his tenure with the Braves.
A Meteoric Rise and Memorable Career
Rico Carty made his MLB debut with the Milwaukee Braves in September 1963, and it didn’t take long for him to make his presence felt. In his first full season in 1964, Carty batted an impressive .330 with 22 home runs and 88 RBIs, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
When the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta after the 1965 season, Carty etched his name in the franchise’s history books by collecting the team’s first hit in their new home on April 12, 1966, against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
1970: A Season for the Ages
Carty’s finest hour came in 1970 when he put together a season that would cement his place in baseball lore. His .366 batting average not only led the National League but also remains the highest single-season mark in the Braves’ modern-era franchise history.
“Rico’s 1970 season was simply unforgettable,” a former teammate recalled. “He was in a zone all year long, and it seemed like every time he stepped up to the plate, something special was about to happen.”
Carty’s popularity soared to new heights that year, as he was elected to start the All-Star Game alongside fellow outfield legends Willie Mays and Hank Aaron. It was a fitting recognition of his incredible performance and the esteem in which he was held by fans and peers alike.
A Legacy That Endures
Over the course of his 15-year major league career, Rico Carty compiled a .299 batting average with 204 home runs and 890 RBIs. In addition to his time with the Braves, he also had stints with the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs before retiring after the 1979 season.
While his on-field accomplishments are certainly noteworthy, it is perhaps Carty’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer for Latino players and a beloved figure in the communities he called home that will be remembered most fondly.
“Rico’s smile and generous nature will be sorely missed,” the Braves organization said in a statement. “He left an indelible mark on our franchise and in the hearts of countless fans.”
As the baseball world reflects on the life and career of Rico Carty, it is clear that his impact extended far beyond the diamond. His contributions to the game, both as a player and as a pioneer for Latino athletes, will forever be remembered and celebrated.
