Former Braves bench coach Pat Corrales has died at the age of 82, the team announced on Monday.
MLB said Corrales died on Sunday night at his home in Big Canoe.
In a social media post, the Braves said: “The Atlanta Braves mourn the passing of long time bench coach Pat Corrales. Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.”
Corrales was with the Braves from 1990-2006 and was part of the World Series championship team in 1995. He was a consistent presence beside the legendary Bobby Cox, who managed the team at the time.
On Monday at Coors Field, Braves manager Brian Snitker reflected on Corrales’ impact on the organization.
“He was big, man,” Snitker said. “That was sad news today. He’ll be dearly missed. He was a great baseball guy. I know he and Bobby (Cox) were so close growing up together. During that run, man, he was the guy. He was the one that I think did a lot of the heavy lifting. He wasn’t afraid to get in somebody’s rear end if they needed it. I remember the last time I saw him when he came out to, and talked to him. He was still very involved in baseball. I mean, he was a baseball guy through and through.”
Corrales had a long career in baseball. He was a catcher and played for the Phillies, Cardinals, Reds and Padres over nine seasons. He played in 300 games with 166 hits, four home runs, 54 runs batted in, and a .216 batting average. He debuted with the Phillies in 1964.
Corrales managed three major league teams in the Rangers (1978-80), the Phillies (1983-83) and the Indians (1983-87). In the nine seasons, he had a 572–634 record. He was the first major league manager of Mexican American decent.
Corrales also served a coach with Yankees, Rangers and Nationals in addition to the Braves. His final seasons on the field were with the Nationals (2007-08, 2009 and 2011).
In 2012, the Dodgers hired Corrales as a special assistant to the general manager. He held the position until he died.
According to MLB, he is survived by his wife, Donna, as well as his daughters, Rena and Patricia, and his son, Jason.
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