Former MLB player and coach Lee Tinsley died Thursday at the age of 53. The cause of death has not been announced.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightingale, Tinsley died in Scottsdale, Arizona. Where he is “survived by three beautiful children.”
Tinsley’s short major league career spanned five seasons from 1993 to 1997, playing for the Mariners, Red Sox, and Phillies. In 1994, he ranked second in the Red Sox with 13 stolen bases without being caught.
He began the 1995 campaign with a 14-game hitting streak and moved from the bottom of the standings to the pole position. He also had a 15-game hitting streak in June. Tinsley hit a career high. 284 with 18 stolen bases in 100 games for the AL East Red Sox Champion.
Tinsley subsequently played in the Angels, Expos, and Reds minor league systems as well as the Western and Mexican League Baseball.
After his playing career, he has worked as a coach for the Diamondbacks, Angels, Mariners, Cubs, and Reds organizations.
“We are saddened to hear of Lee’s passing,” said Vice President and General Manager Lee Krall. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends, on and off the game.”
Lee Tinsley swings into the field for the Boston Red Sox while facing the Texas Rangers on June 4, 1994 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Montreal Expos’ Lee Tinsley gets into a fight during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.
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to me Tinsley’s LinkedIn Pageexpressed interest in getting into “scouting, management and front office positions”.
He last coached professional baseball in 2018, serving as the hitting coach for the Mobile BayBears – then the minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels.
Shelby County High School in Kentucky He also praised to its previous position.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts to hear about the passing of a ROCKET ICON AND LEGEND, one of the greatest people to ever wear a Rocket uniform, Mr. Lee Tinsley. “The school Rocket Nation sends our condolences to the Tinsley family.”
Tinsley was a high school first round selection by the A’s in 1987.