Former All-Star catcher Don Leppert has passed away at age 91, the Pirates announced this afternoon.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news on the passing of Don Leppert,” team president Travis Williams said. “He touched many lives during his more than 40 years in baseball and was a valuable part of the Pirates’ coaching staff during the 1971 World Series winning season. Our hearts go out to his wife Daphine, and the entire Leppert family.”
An Indianapolis native, Leppert (not to be confused with a 1950’s infielder of the same name) began his professional career at age 23 in 1955. The right-handed hitter didn’t first reach the majors until 1961. As a 29-year-0ld rookie, he connected on three home runs in 22 games. Leppert appeared in 45 contests for Pittsburgh the following season. He joined the Washington Senators the next year, which proved the best season of his career. The 6’2″ backstop hit .237/.305/.375 over 73 games, earning his All-Star nod in the process.
After struggling in 50 games the following season, Leppert spent two years in Triple-A. He retired as a player after the 1966 campaign. While Leppert only appeared in 190 games through parts of four big league seasons, he earned a trip to the Midsummer Classic and kicked off a lengthy career in the professional ranks. He began managing in the Pirates’ system in 1967 and was promoted to the MLB staff the following year. Leppert would also spend time with the Blue Jays, Astros and Twins for the next couple decades.
MLBTR sends our condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
A great example of representing every team in the ASG. Leppert, a weak hitting, part time catcher for the 106 loss 1963 Senators, represented his team that year.
Really? The dude is dude show some respect? Maybe I didn’t read much into your comment but dang show some respect who cares what his numbers we’re.
Dude is dude?
Dude is dude 🙁
Must be those damn nihilists. Got the wrong guy. Went after dude and nicked Donny instead. A Folgers coffee can for your send off, most noble sir!!
Yes. Dude is dude.
Exactly. Dude is dude.
Wish MLB Trade rumors would do a separate chat for members so we can talk MLB whenever we want to. Still this site pretty awesome.
They do have members only chats…..
Fans only chats too. After dark
Dumb side.
RIP
And Rip he could. Somewhere in space, the dying quail of a line shot that managed to tuck neatly into the gap and bound away between two Colt 45 outfielders continues to bounce, rolling on into the infinite universe. Onwards…
RIP sad now. 🙁
Here we are, 60 years later, hearing the name and seeing his mug, reading his stats…
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
RIP
A toast to Mr Leppert, Def no more. Pour some sugar in your memory, good sir!
Well done!
I remember him as a coach on the mid 80’s
Houston Astros teams.
RIP Don…
Dude is dude.
I remember guys like Murtaugh and his coaching staff from my youth back from the Pirates’ glory days. RIP, Don
If he was on that coaching staff, that’s probably how I thought his name was familiar. Bob Skinner used to wear his Pirate’s uniform when he did off-season coaching in San Diego. He’d even bring other coaches in… Humm… I don’t know how I’ll go back and look up to see if I ever met him. If anybody knows about the San Diego School of Baseball and its history, I would love to know…
Yes, he was the 1st base coach and Frank Oceak was at 3rd. Billy Virgin was the hitting coach. I don’t think Skinner was here yet
Uh, Billy Virdon. Sheesh, auto correct is ridiculous