Former Red Sox, New York World Series Champion, Dies After Controversial Career

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Detail view of a baseball bat weight with a Boston Red Sox logo during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 28, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Boston Red Sox have been home to countless memorable pitchers throughout their history, from Hall of Famers to short-term contributors who left a lasting mark on the game. One former Red Sox hurler who would fall into the latter category was remembered this week after he died at age 97 following a noteworthy, championship career that included a stint in Boston.

Al Worthington, whose MLB journey brought him to the Red Sox for part of the 1960 season, was a standout reliever with the Minnesota Twins and a champion with the New York Giants, died this week at the age of 97. His passing closes the chapter on one of baseball’s longest and most fascinating careers.FORBES | By Peter ChawagaBlue Jays’ Future Hall Of Famer Offers 4-Word Response On Future After Injury SetbackFormer Red Sox Pitcher Al Worthington Remembered For Long And Controversial MLB Career“Pitcher Al Worthington, the Minnesota Twins’ closer during their first World Series season in 1965 who earlier walked away from the game two times because he objected when two of his teams were stealing signs, has died, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame announced on Thursday,” according to WGAU.

“He was 97.”Worthington spent 14 seasons in the major leagues and appeared in 602 games, establishing himself as one of the premier relief pitchers of his era. While many fans remember him most for his years with the Twins, he also pitched for the New York Giants organization and earned a World Series championship during the Giants’ 1954 title run.

His connection to baseball history extended well beyond his playing accomplishments. “Worthington’s passing was announced by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, into which he was inducted in 2011,” AL.com’s