Former MLB outfielder Lee Tinsley dies at 53

Former MLB outfielder Lee Tinsley dies at 53

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Former MLB outfielder and coach Lee Tinsley died Thursday at the age of 53. No cause of death has been announced.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightingale, Tinsley died in Scottsdale, Arizona, “surviving with three beautiful children.”

Tinsley’s brief major league career spanned five seasons from 1993 to 1997, playing for the Mariners, Red Sox and Phillies. In 1994, he ranked second on the Red Sox with 13 stolen bases without getting caught.

He started the 1995 campaign with a 14-game hitting streak, moving from the bottom of the order to the leadoff spot. He also had a 15-game hitting streak in June. Tinsley scored his 18 stolen bases in his 100 games with the AL East champion Reds for his Sox and posted a career-high .284 batting average.

Tinsley has since played for the Angels, Expos, Reds Minor League System, Western Baseball League and Mexican League.

After completing his playing career, he coached with the Diamondbacks, Angels, Mariners, Cubs and Reds organizations.

Reds vice president and general manager Lee Krall said: “We are saddened to hear of Lee’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends both in and out of the game.”

Lee Tinsley swings on the pitch of the Boston Red Sox during a game against the Texas Rangers on June 4, 1994 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Lee Tinsley swings on the pitch of the Boston Red Sox during a game against the Texas Rangers on June 4, 1994 in Boston, Massachusetts.


Montreal Expos' Lee Tinsley in action during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.

Montreal Expos’ Lee Tinsley in action during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.


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According to Tinsley’s LinkedIn page, he has expressed a desire to take on “scouting, management and front office roles.”

He last coached professional baseball in 2018, when he was a hitting instructor for the Mobile Bay Bears, a minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels.

Shelby County High School, Kentucky also mourned to the previous standout.

Seattle Mariners Lee Tinsley (left), Ken Griffey Jr. (right) and coach Ty Van Burcleo speak in the dugout before a game on May 27, 2009 in Oakland, California.
Seattle Mariners Lee Tinsley (left), Ken Griffey Jr. (right) and coach Ty Van Burcleo speak in the dugout before a game on May 27, 2009 in Oakland, California.
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β€œIt is with great sadness and heavy hearts to hear the passing of Mr. Lee Tinsley, a Rocket icon and legend and one of the greatest men to ever wear a Rocket uniform. Our condolences to you,” the school tweeted.

Tinsley was a first-round pick out of high school in 1987 by the A’s.



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