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Hall of Famer Jim Bunning dead at 85

By Josh Benjamin

Jul 24, 2016; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Famer Jim Bunning waves after being introduced during the 2016 MLB baseball hall of fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2016; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Famer Jim Bunning waves after being introduced during the 2016 MLB baseball hall of fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jim Bunning has died at the age of 85.

Baseball Hall of Famer and former United States senator Jim Bunning passed away late last night at the age of 85. Bunning’s death was announced by MLB on Twitter Saturday afternoon.

“Jim, as those within the baseball community know, is one of the most important figures in the history of the Major League Baseball Players Association,” Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Tony Clark said, per ESPN. “… Recognizing the need to ensure that all players receive fair representation in their dealings with major league club owners, Jim, along with a number of his peers, helped pave the way for generations of players.

“That responsibility of leaving the game better for those who follow remains in place today, 51 years later. All players – past, present and future – will forever owe Jim a debt of gratitude.”

The right-handed Bunning debuted for the Detroit Tigers in 1955 and threw a no-hitter for the team in 1958. Some years later, in 1964, he tossed a perfect game for the Philadelphia Phillies. Bunning also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers before retiring in 1971.

Upon retiring, Bunning had a record of 224-174 with a 3.27 ERA and 2,855 strikeouts. He was a nine-time All-Star and three times led his league in strikeouts. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1996 via the Veterans Committee.

Bunning turned to politics in the years following his retirement from baseball. He was elected to represent Kentucky’s 4th district in 1987 and served for 12 years before his election to the Senate in 1999.

The staunch Republican served two terms in the Senate and retired in 2011, with Rand Paul succeeding him. His tenure in the Senate was marked by his contentious relationship with fellow Kentuckian Mitch McConnell, as reported by Time in 2009.

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Bunning’s contributions to the game speak for themselves. He will certainly be missed.

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