Former MLB star Lenny Randle dies at 75 as tributes pour in
Lenny Randle, best known for his six-year tenure with the Texas Rangers, has died at the age of 75.
Randle's passing was announced by his former team the Mariners late Monday night, with Seattle representing the final stop of his MLB career.
The third baseman, second baseman and outfielder made his MLB debut in 1971 with the then-Washington Senators after being drafted by the organization a year earlier.
Three years later was Randle's breakout season in the big-leagues, as well as arguably his most famous moment.
During a May 1974 game against the then-Indians, Cleveland pitcher Milt Wilcox threw a pitch behind him.
Randle then bunted the next pitch down the first-base line. As Wilcox tried to scoop the ball and toss it to the first baseman for an out, he deliberately ran off the base line and viciously knocked Wilcox to the turf, inciting a bench-clearing brawl.
Lenny Randle, best known for his six-year tenure with the Texas Rangers, has died at age 75
Randle's death was announced by the Seattle Mariners late Monday night on social media
Randle still became a beloved figure in baseball, with tributes pouring in for the longtime infielder after news of his death spread across social media.
When confirming the news, the Mariners wrote on X: 'We are saddened by the passing of former Mariner Lenny Randle. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones'.
'The Hall of Fame remembers 12-year big league veteran Lenny Randle, who has passed away at the age of 75,' the National Baseball Hall of Fame's official X also posted.
Baseball writer Rocco Constantino said: 'Really sad to hear of the passing of Lenny Randle. Guy was such a great character and a solid player. He absolutely loved baseball and stayed active his entire life. Plus he starred in this fantastic Mariners jacket commercial. RIP Lenny Randle.'
Randle may have been equally known for his fervent attempt to blow a bunt down the third-base line foul, which he did successfully, as a member of the Mariners in May 1981.
The umpires overturned the call and ruled the ball fair. After that game, Randle said MLB implemented a 'no-blow rule' because of his actions.
After retiring from the MLB after the 1982 season, Randle played professionally in Italy for one season, winning a batting title in Serie A.
