Atlanta, Georgia — The baseball world mourns the loss of Rico Carty, a luminary of Major League Baseball and the 1970 National League batting champion, who died on Saturday night in an Atlanta hospital at the age of 85.
Born Ricardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty on September 1, 1939, in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, Carty rose from his humble beginnings to the apex of American baseball. He initially showcased his talent internationally at the 1959 Pan American Games before signing as a free agent with the Milwaukee Braves the same year. Carty embarked on his Major League journey in September 1963, heralding the start of a remarkable 15-year career.
By 1964, just a year into his career, Carty’s prowess was undeniable. He posted a .330 batting average, clubbed 22 home runs, and drove in 88 runs, narrowly missing the National League Rookie of the Year title to Dick Allen. His early success foreshadowed the storied career that would follow.
Carty’s historical achievements included delivering the Atlanta Braves’ first hit at their new home following their 1965 relocation from Milwaukee. On April 12, 1966, against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he secured his place in the franchise’s history.
The pinnacle of Carty’s career came in 1970 when he led the Major Leagues with an outstanding .366 batting average, clinching the National League batting title. That year, he was also chosen as a starter in the All-Star Game through a rare write-in vote, aligning him with baseball greats Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the outfield.
Over his extensive career, Carty played with several teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs. By the time he retired after the 1979 season, his stats included a .299 career batting average, 204 home runs, and 890 RBIs.
Beyond his statistics, Carty was a trailblazer for Latino players, carving a path in the Major Leagues during a transformative era for the sport and society. His influence resonated deeply in his native Dominican Republic and his longtime home of Atlanta. Recognized for breaking barriers, Carty became an emblem of resilience and a role model for aspiring athletes from minority backgrounds.
In 2023, the Atlanta Braves inducted Carty into their Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact both on and off the field. The Braves organization commemorated him as a player whose “unforgettable smile and generous nature” left an indelible mark not only on the game but also on the community.
Both Major League Baseball and the Players’ Association have expressed their condolences, recognizing Carty’s pioneering role and his profound contributions to the game. His death marks the close of a chapter for many fans who admired his skill and charismatic presence.
Rico Carty’s legacy, marked by his role as a pathfinder for Latino players and his substantial impact on baseball, will continue to be honored and celebrated, ensuring that future generations remember the profound mark he left on the sport. His journey from the fields of San Pedro de Macorís to the major leagues of America remains an inspiring testament to the power of dedication and the universal appeal of baseball.