The Toronto Blue Jays have lost another member of their family. Damaso Garcia passed away today at 63 years old in his native Dominican Republic as reported by his son Damaso Garica Jr.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Blue Jays infielder, Dámaso García. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.? pic.twitter.com/et3iRu3zdU
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 15, 2020
Garcia’s Career
Damaso Garcia had an 11-year career spanning from 1978 through 1989. His career started with the New York Yankees where he played two seasons in the Bronx. From there he went to Toronto where he played seven seasons having his best years while becoming a fan favorite as a Blue Jay. Garcia ended his career with one-year stints with the Atlanta Braves and the Montreal Expos.
Garcia will be most remembered as a Blue Jay. In his seven seasons, Garcia batted .288 with 32 HR and 296 RBI and 194 stolen bases. Garcia was a two-time All-Star and won the 1982 Silver Slugger Award. Garcia retired with a slash line of .283/.309/.371 and 36 career HR with 323 RBI and 203 stolen bases.
Huge Loss
Garcia formed one of the great double play combos in Blue Jays history along with fellow Dominicans Tony Fernandez and Alfredo Griffin. Fernandez passed away earlier this year of pneumonia. This is the second big loss for the Toronto Blue Jay family this year. Garcia also played for the Dominical national team. The President of the Dominican national player federation Erick Almonte stated: “It is a sad day for the Dominican baseball community.” Garcia who previously played for the Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Republic was also a former president of the league.
Domingo Pichardo who is the President of the Licey club stated “It is a big loss. He was a historic player for Licey. In this short span of time, we have suffered the loss of our greatest double-play combination of the ’80s. We are very sad.”
Past Physical Ailment
In 1991 Garcia had a malignant brain tumor removed which impacted his speech and some of his movement. Garcia was told he had only six months to live after the surgery but was able to throw out the first pitch in a 1992 Toronto Blue Jays playoff game.
Former teammate and friend Jesse Barfield commented on visiting Garcia recently. “We loved Damo and his family. We are so glad that we had a chance to go by and visit with him when we left Tony’s funeral just recently.”
I’m sorry to hear that, we loved Damo and his family. We are so glad that we had a chance to go by and visit with him when we left Tony’s Funeral just recently. He recognized us although he wasn’t able to speak, his eyes did the talking for him. RIP my friend, we love you! https://t.co/m2KrDRDko7
— Jesse Barfield (@JesseBarfield29) April 15, 2020
The cause of Garcia’s death has not been released. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Damaso Garcia.
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