Rudy May, Former Yankees Pitcher, Passes Away

October is known for being an emotional month for baseball fans.

However, not all the news is positive. Just last Tuesday, October 22, Fernando Valenzuela passed away.

The former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher died due to alleged liver complications.

Before ‘El Toro,’ and just hours before the start of the World Series, former New York Yankees pitcher Rudy May also passed away.

What Did Rudy May Die From?

According to information from Swing Completo, Rudy May died on Saturday, October 19, at the age of 80.

Though the cause of death has not been disclosed, it was known that he had long suffered from diabetes.

Through their social media, the Bronx Bombers expressed their sorrow over the loss of their former pitcher:

«We extend our deepest condolences to Rudy’s family and friends during this difficult time,» read the statement.

Rudy May achieved over 150 wins during his Major League career.

He debuted in 1965 with the Los Angeles Angels, later played with the New York team, and then moved to the Baltimore Orioles.

He would go on to join the Montreal Expos and then return to the New York Yankees, where he concluded his career in 1983.

In total, he earned a 3.46 ERA and 1,760 strikeouts over 16 seasons.

Additionally, Rudy May led the American League in ERA in 1980, precisely with the Yankees.

And as if to add another coincidence with this World Series, Rudy was part of the team that lost the title in 1981 to the Dodgers.

According to CBA Info, he wore number 45 with the New York team.

Out of the 535 games he played in his career, he started in 360 of them.