Hall of Fame pitcher and longtime Braves broadcaster Don Sutton died at age 75. Here’s some of what was being said around baseball about him on Tuesday:
“Today we lost a great ballplayer, a great broadcaster and, most importantly, a great person. Don left an indelible mark on the Dodger franchise during his 16 seasons in Los Angeles, and many of his records continue to stand to this day. I was privileged to have worked with Don in both Atlanta and Washington, and will always cherish our time spent together. On behalf of the Dodger organization, we send our condolences to the entire Sutton Family, including Don’s wife Mary, his son Daron and his daughters Staci and Jacquie.” -- Los Angeles Dodgers president and CEO (and former Braves president) Stan Kasten
“Been a rough couple of weeks for Braves Country. Don Sutton was one of my favorite people. Always had a smile, kind word and a story that captivated you. Always asked how my parents were doing. Always positive! Gonna miss (you) my friend. Tell Knucksie we all said hello. Love ‘ya buddy!” -- Former Braves star Chipper Jones
“So much credit for the success of the Superstation (TBS) rightfully goes to Ernie (Johnson), Skip (Caray) and Pete (Van Wieren), but I think everybody forgets that Joe Simpson and Don Sutton were equally important in telling the stories of those great Braves teams (of the 1990s and beyond). Don was, shall we say, very strong in his opinions. He never backed down from what he thought was the right way things should be done in the game. He certainly was a man who stood on his principles. In analyzing pitching, there have been very, very few people that have ever done it better than he did.” -- Braves broadcaster Chip Caray
“Don Sutton was one of our game’s most consistent winning pitchers across his decorated 23-year career. The longtime Dodger was a four-time All-Star, a top-five finisher in Cy Young Award balloting for five consecutive years, a World Series participant four times in a nine-season span and a model of durability on the mound. He also helped bring baseball into the homes of millions of fans as a Braves broadcaster. Throughout his career, Don represented our game with great class, and many will remember his excitement during his trips to Cooperstown. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Don’s family, friends and the many fans he earned throughout a memorable life in our National Pastime.” -- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Don Sutton. A generation of Braves fans came to know his voice, as Don spent 28 seasons broadcasting Braves games after a 23-year, Hall-of-Fame major league career with the Dodgers, Astros, Brewers and Angels (and Athletics). Don was as feared on the mound as he was beloved in the booth. … Don brought an unmatched knowledge of the game and his sharp wit to his calls. But despite all the success, Don never lost his generous character or humble personality. It is with a heavy heart that we send our condolences and sympathies to Don’s entire family, including his wife Mary, his son Daron and his daughters Staci and Jacquie.” -- Atlanta Braves statement
“Don Sutton’s brilliance on the field, and his lasting commitment to the game that he so loved, carried through to his time as a member of the Hall of Fame. I know how much he treasured his moments in Cooperstown, just as we treasured our special moments with him. We share our deepest condolences with his wife, Mary, and his family.” -- Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
