Rico Carty, Braves Hall of Famer and 1970 NL Batting Champion, Passes Away at 85

Rico Carty, a legendary outfielder and one of the first Dominican-born players in Major League Baseball, passed away on November 24, 2024, at the age of 85 in Atlanta, Georgia. Carty had a distinguished 15-year career, primarily with the Atlanta Braves, where he left an indelible mark on the franchise.

Carty was born on September 1, 1939, in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. He signed his first contract with the Milwaukee Braves after representing the Dominican Republic in the 1959 Pan American Games. Carty made his major league debut in 1963 and quickly became a fan favorite, especially after the team moved to Atlanta in 1966. He is remembered for his impressive .366 batting average in 1970, which remains the Braves’ modern-era single-season record and earned him the National League batting title that year.

Throughout his career, Carty played for several teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers. Despite battling injuries and illnesses, including tuberculosis and a knee injury that forced him to miss entire seasons, Carty maintained a career batting average of .299 with 1,677 hits, 204 home runs, and 890 runs batted in. He was also known for his versatility, playing positions such as catcher, first baseman, third baseman, and designated hitter.

Carty’s impact extended beyond his on-field performance. He was a humanitarian who undertook missions to his home country, delivering clothing and supplies during times of need. His commitment to helping others was a testament to his generous nature and unforgettable smile, which were highlighted by the Braves in their statement following his death.

Carty was inducted into the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Braves Hall of Fame in 2023. His legacy includes being the first write-in candidate to start an All-Star Game, a feat he achieved in 1970. The left-field seats at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium were affectionately known as ‘Carty’s Corner,’ reflecting his popularity among fans.