On November 23, 2024, renowned Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder Rico Carty died at the age of 85. A family friend disclosed his death to the Listín Diario, a newspaper in the Dominican Republic, Carty’s birthplace. He mentioned that Carty passed away on Saturday night in a hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ricardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty, born on September 1, 1939, in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, started his professional baseball journey after playing for his country in the 1959 Pan American Games. He signed as a free agent with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959, and in September 1963, he made his first appearance in the Major Leagues.
In his debut season in 1964, Carty displayed an impressive performance, batting .330 with 22 home runs and 88 RBIs. His exceptional performance earned him a second-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year vote, just behind Dick Allen.
Following the Braves’ move to Atlanta after the 1965 season, Carty made the franchise’s first hit in their new city on April 12, 1966, during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The highlight of Carty’s career was undoubtedly in 1970 when he topped the Major Leagues with a .366 batting average, clinching the National League batting title. That same year, he was voted to start the All-Star Game as a write-in candidate, sharing the National League outfield with baseball icons Willie Mays and Hank Aaron.
Carty’s illustrious 15-year career saw him play for multiple teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs. When he retired after the 1979 season, he left behind a career batting average of .299, 204 home runs, and 890 RBIs.
Carty’s impact on baseball went beyond his achievements on the field. As one of the first pioneering Latino stars in the Major Leagues, he became a hero to many in his native Dominican Republic, his birthplace of San Pedro de Macorís, and in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. His resilience and inspirational journey were a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes during a period of societal transformation.
In 2023, the Braves inducted Carty into their Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy within the organization. In their statement honoring him, the Braves highlighted, “While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed.”
Both Major League Baseball and the Players’ Association honored Carty posthumously, recognizing his groundbreaking role and the lasting impact he had on the sport.
The passing of Rico Carty signifies the end of an era for many baseball enthusiasts who recall his extraordinary talent and charismatic persona. His legacy as a trailblazer for Latino players and his significant contributions to baseball will continue to be celebrated and remembered for many years to come.