Dodgers Legend Don Sutton Has Passed Away at 75
This year has not gotten off to a great start for a lot of reasons, particularly for Dodgers fans. Tommy Lasorda passed away on January 7th and Los Angeles just lost another legend.
Don Sutton has passed away at the age of 75. His son Daron made the announcement via Twitter earlier today, confirming the news before the team was able to. Sutton was the Dodgers franchise leader in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched, shutouts, and starts made pitching with the team for 16 years.
Saddened to share that my dad passed away in his sleep last night. He worked as hard as anyone I’ve ever known and he treated those he encountered with great respect…and he took me to work a lot. For all these things, I am very grateful. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/cvlDRRdVXa
— Daron Sutton (@lifeisgreatsut) January 19, 2021
Sutton was a local guy in the sense that he went to college in nearby Whitter after growing up in Alabama and Florida. The Dodgers signed him out of Summer League way back in the 1960s and would eventually make his way to the big leagues in April of 1966.
Sutton went on to win 12 games that year as a 21-year-old and pitched to a very good 2.99 ERA. From there, his career with the Dodgers would skyrocket. He went on to throw a total of 3816 innings with the team, accumulating over 3500 strikeouts and chalking up 233 wins.
Sutton would go on after his playing career to enter broadcasting, calling games for the Dodgers, Braves, and Nationals on radio and television. Our condolences to the entire Sutton family on the loss, Don will forever be remembered as a legend in Los Angeles.
Sutton was inducted into the Hall of Fame on the 1998 ballot and was the only player selected that year with 81.6 percent of the ballots. The Dodgers would go on to retire his number 20 that year as well in his honor. Sutton was also inducted into the Braves Hall of Game in 2015 for his work as a broadcaster.
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No one finds it odd that 3 dodger related deaths have happened at once?
#20 will always that opening day starter! RIP Don Sutton!
Don Sutton was the man.The staff ace .While growing up say from 1970 thru 1980 he had my respect as a youngster to beginning as a young adult.Saw him throw some great games in person at The Ravine.Was happy when he came back for a little bit with us as a player at the end of his playing days.Every organization he was with as a player or commentator was glad to have him part of the team.He will be missed.
Don, Rest In Peace, and Sutton family, you have my most sincere condolences! I know he had been ill on and off over the years I was honored to be the family personal travel agent when they lived in Laguna Hills in Nellie Gale Ranch. I would often see Patty his wife at the time, but also Don would come in more than most of my renowned clients. I also saw Darren, who shot up in height like a willow during those years! I will share a personal story that most reading know happens when working with our most loved sports figures. We were a travel agency with all female employees most of those years. One of us saw Don walking across the parking lot, and the flurry of compacts and lipstick flying out of my employees purses was astonishing, while one of them yelled, Don is coming, Don is coming! The minute he walked in the door it was like nothing had happened, although a red flush was on everyone’s face! I was the youngest, in my 20s and still self-absorbed, so did not grab my makeup, but was still blown away, and not entirely because of his notoriety, but. Outlying because of his kind mannerism. He was always complimentary of my services as a professional. He would shake everyone’s hand, and would not leave anyone out of the conversation while I was searching for the best deals. Then the compliments again about my ability to find the best arrangements. He never acted like he expected better treatment or deserved it. He never acted arrogant, and never said an unkind word. He even referred other sports figures, and one time I flew the Brewers team to a game. I am sure he knew he had us poor women of all ages away. He wasn’t blind or clueless, but he never flaunted. I can summarize by saying the Don came in with his tall statuture, curly hair, and a big smile on his face. He acted like my office was the best place he could be at that moment. He never became inpatient or dissatisfied. He always had some jokes to try to put my women at ease. He was like a cool breeze on a summer day. Controlled yet not rigid, and his kindness was overflowing. God is waiting for you, Don. He loves a good baseball game! My mom is up there, and will be cheering you on (one of the flushed women in my office!). Again, Sincere condolences , but he is in a better place! I am with you in your sadness, although can never know your pain.
Hello! Thank you for keeping us posted. I think this year started not well. I remember being a kid and being excited to get a Don Sutton baseball card in my pack of cards, it was such luck for me. Loved looking over his career and numbers. He May not have been as dominant a Dodger as Kofax, but he was an all-time great. My heart goes out to all Dodger fans. Rest in peace, Don. Say “Hi!” to Tommy when you get to Dodger Blue heaven
This is very sad news. These days I feel this year started not well. Tommy Lasorda passed away on January 7th and Los Angeles just lost another legend. He worked as hard as anyone I’ve ever known and he treated those he encountered with great respect…and he took me to work a lot. For all these things, I am very grateful. Rest In Peace