Former MLB Catcher and Manager Pat Corrales Passes Away at 82
Pat Corrales, a former MLB catcher and manager of the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and Philadelphia Phillies, has died at the age of 82, the teams announced on Monday.
Corrales had an extensive career in professional baseball, playing nine seasons from 1964 to 1973 with the Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, and San Diego Padres. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and managed the Texas Rangers from 1978 to 1980, the Philadelphia Phillies from 1982 to 1983, and the Cleveland Guardians from 1984 to 1987.
Following his time in Cleveland, Corrales took on coaching jobs with the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, and Washington Nationals. In 2012, he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers as a special assistant to the general manager.
Upon hearing the news of Corrales’ passing, teams and individuals around the league expressed their condolences. The Cleveland Guardians tweeted, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Cleveland Manager Pat Corrales. Corrales spent nine years as a Major League Manager, leading our club from 1983-87.” The Philadelphia Phillies also tweeted their condolences, along with former player Ozzie Guillen and Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins.
Corrales’ impact on the game of baseball was widely recognized. Ozzie Guillen tweeted, “Pat gracias for the lessons. I was lucky to have you later in my career in Atlanta. You helped me turn my field leadership into coaching then managing. We had good times. Hasta que no volvamos a ver. We need More Pat Corrales in the game. Thank you.”
Throughout his career, Corrales left a lasting impression on those he worked with and coached. John Blake, a representative of the Texas Rangers, tweeted, “The Rangers extend their thoughts and prayers to the family of former manager Pat Corrales, who passed away on Sunday night at age 82. Pat was Rangers’ coach from 1976-78 and managed the club from 10/1/78-10/5/80 with a 160-164 overall record. He will be missed by the MLB family.”
Corrales’ contributions to the game were also recognized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, who tweeted, “The Hall of Fame remembers longtime player, coach, and manager Pat Corrales, who passed away at the age of 82.”
The Washington Nationals, with whom Corrales served on the coaching staff from 2007 to 2009 and 2011, also expressed their condolences, stating, “We join all of Major League Baseball in mourning the passing of Pat Corrales.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers, where Corrales worked as a special assistant to the general manager, tweeted, “The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened by the passing of Pat Corrales, the Dodgers Special Assistant to the General Manager. Our thoughts are with his wife Donna and the rest of the Corrales family.”
Pat Corrales’ impact on the game of baseball is undeniable. From his playing days to his coaching and managing career, he left a lasting impression on those he worked with and coached. His dedication and passion for the game will be remembered by all who knew him.
In conclusion, the baseball world mourns the loss of Pat Corrales, a former MLB catcher and manager who made significant contributions to the sport. His legacy will live on through his impact on players and teams throughout his career. Rest in peace, Pat Corrales.