Former Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves player Rico Carty died Saturday, Major League Baseball and the Braves announced. He was 85. Carty recorded the first hit by a Braves player after the franchise moved to Atlanta in 1966.
Carty, known as “Beeg Boy,’ played 15 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1963-79, including with the Braves from 1963-72. He also played for the Rangers, Cubs, A’s, Indians (now Guardians) and Blue Jays.
Carty was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2023. He was also a member of the Caribbean Baseball and Latino Baseball Halls of Fame.
“Few players in franchise history connected with Braves fans like Rico Carty,” the Braves wrote in a statement Sunday. “A fan favorite almost instantly after the club arrived in Atlanta from Milwaukee in 1966, Rico left an indelible mark on the Braves organization. ...
“While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed. It is with a heavy heart, we send our serious condolences to his family, friends, and numerous fans around the world.”
In their statement, the Braves noted that the left field seats at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium will always be known as Carty’s Corner.
With the Braves, Carty posted a .317 batting average for the franchise, which ranks sixth in club history and is tied for first in the Atlanta era. He has the highest career WAR of any left fielder in Braves history. In 1970, an all-star season, he hit .366, which is the highest batting average in Atlanta history – and tied for sixth in the franchise’s overall history. He helped the franchise win its first National League Western Division title in 1969.
“I’ll tell you what: I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Carty said in 2023 upon his induction into the Braves Hall of Fame.
Carty, from the Dominican Republic, took pride in valuing the fans. He used to throw the ball up into the stands, and the Braves would fine him $5 each time he did it. Keep in mind: He only earned $1,000 a month – before taxes.
Eventually, someone with the team said not to fine Carty because he was going to keep doing it.
“And that’s the truth,” Carty said. “I kept doing it.”
Over his 15-year career, Carty hit .299 with 204 home runs and 890 RBIs. He played in 1,651 games, accumulating 1,677 hits in 5,606 at bats.
After a four-year minor-league career, Carty debuted in 1964. He finished second to Roberto Clemente for the National League batting crown with a .330 average. He was runner-up to Dick Allen for the Rookie of the Year.
“We are saddened by the passing of 15-year MLB veteran Rico Carty,” MLB wrote in a statement.
In its statement. MLB noted that Carty earned a nod to the 1970 All-Star game as a write-in candidate and joined Hank Aaron and Willie Mays in the starting outfield.
“The Players Association honors Rico Carty’s pioneering achievements that paved the way for so many Latino players who followed in his footsteps,” the MLB Players Association wrote in a statement.
