A revered figure in Major League Baseball, Rico Carty, has passed away at the age of 85. His death on November 23, 2024, was confirmed by a family friend to the Dominican Republic newspaper, Listín Diario. The report indicated that the 1970 National League batting champion died in a hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rico Carty, whose full name is Ricardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty, was born on September 1, 1939, in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. After showcasing his baseball skills in the 1959 Pan American Games, he started his professional career by signing with the Milwaukee Braves as a free agent in the same year, and made his Major League debut in September 1963.
In his rookie season in 1964, Carty displayed exceptional talent, batting .330 with 22 home runs and 88 RBIs. This performance earned him a second-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, behind Dick Allen.
When the Braves moved to Atlanta following the 1965 season, Carty made history by scoring the franchise’s first hit in their new city on April 12, 1966, during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The zenith of Carty’s career was in 1970 when he topped the Major Leagues with a .366 batting average, winning the National League batting title. That same year, he earned a starting position in the All-Star Game as a write-in candidate, joining baseball greats Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the National League outfield.
In a career spanning 15 years, Carty played for multiple teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs. He ended his professional career after the 1979 season with a career batting average of .299, 204 home runs, and 890 RBIs.
Aside from his on-field achievements, Carty was one of the pioneering Latino stars in the Major Leagues. He emerged as a hero not only in his native Dominican Republic but also in his hometown of San Pedro de Macorís and in Atlanta, Georgia. He served as an inspiration to young athletes during a period of societal change.
Carty’s legacy was cemented when he was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2023. The Braves organization released a statement following his passing, saying, “While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed.”
Both Major League Baseball and the Players’ Association also paid homage to Carty, recognizing his trailblazing role and his lasting impact on the sport.
The loss of Rico Carty signifies the end of an era for a generation of baseball fans who admired his remarkable talent and charisma. His groundbreaking role for Latino players and his significant contributions to baseball will continue to be celebrated in the years to come.
