Former MLB star Lenny Randle dies at 75 as tributes pour in
Lenny Randle, best known for his six-year tenure with the Texas Rangers, has died at the age of 75.
Randle’s passing was announced late Monday night by the Mariners, with Seattle representing the final stop of his MLB career.
Randle made his MLB debut in 1971 with the then Washington Senators after being drafted by the organization the year before.
Three years later was Randle’s breakout season in the major leagues, and perhaps his most famous moment.
During a May 1974 game against the then Indians, Cleveland pitcher Milt Wilcox threw a pitch behind Randle.
Randle then bunted the next pitch down the first base line. As Wilcox attempted to pick up the ball and throw it to the first baseman for an out, Randle deliberately ran off the baseline and viciously knocked Wilcox to the turf, leading to a bench brawl.
Lenny Randle, best known for his six-year tenure with the Texas Rangers, has died at the age of 75
Randle’s death was announced late Monday night on social media by the Seattle Mariners
Randle continued to become a beloved figure in baseball, with tributes paid to the longtime infielder after news of his death spread via social media.
“The Hall of Fame commemorates 12-year big league veteran Lenny Randle, who passed away at the age of 75,” according to the official X account of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Randle was perhaps equally known for his fiery attempt to blow a bunt past the foul on third base, which he did successfully, as a member of the Mariners in May 1981.
The officials overturned the call and ruled the ball fair. After that game, Randle said MLB had implemented a no-blow rule because of his actions.
After retiring from the MLB following the 1982 season, Randle played professionally in Italy for one season and won a Serie A batting title.