MLB Legend Dies In Tragic Accident At 61

A key infielder whose career in the MLB spanned eight seasons and six franchises was killed in a tragic traffic accident on Saturday night, ESPN reported.

Mike Brunley, 61, who played in the big leagues from 1987 to 1995, was in Mississippi when he died during a multi-vehicle accident involving three cars and two 18-wheelers, according to local station WLBT. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. off Interstate 20 eastbound about three miles before the Edwards, Miss. exit. Brunley, whose given first name is Anthony, was traveling in a Ford Maverick and was pronounced dead at the scene from his injuries.

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Just two years out of coaching for the Atlanta Braves, Brunley’s death came as a shock to the team. Third baseman Austin Riley said he was woken in the middle of the night to the news that one of the most influential coaches in his career was suddenly gone. “I got a text about 2:30 this morning and I have been up since,” Riley told ESPN. “There are very few people that have been role models in my baseball career, my dad being No. 1 and Mike Brumley being No. 2.”

“I feel for his family and his kids and everybody that he was close to. This is a tragic day. Prayers out to his family. It’s a tough pill to swallow.”

The Seattle Mariners paid tribute to Brunley on X, thanking him for raising the team’s crop of up-and-comers during the 2010-2013 seasons. “We are saddened by the passing of former Mariners player and coach, Mike Brumley,” the team said on social media. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and loved ones. Mike’s impact on the field, in our organization and across baseball, was felt by generations of players.”

We are saddened by the passing of former Mariners player and coach, Mike Brumley. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and loved ones.

Mike’s impact on the field, in our organization and across baseball, was felt by generations of players 💙 pic.twitter.com/AgsDXtW9Tb

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) June 16, 2024

Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1963, Brunley grew up the son of catcher Mike Brumley who played professionally between 1964 and 1966. He made his debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1987 and became known as a late-inning defensive specialist who could take the field in any position except pitcher or catcher. Over his career, Brunley held a .206 batting average and hit three home runs.

Before making it to the MLB, Brunley was part of the Texas Men’s College World Series-winning team in 1983, according to ESPN, where he played alongside future big league pitchers Roger Clemens, Calvin Schiraldi and Bruce Ruffin.

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