Controversial Former MLB Player Has Died At 75 Years Old

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Dec 31, 2024 1:16 PM ET

Former longtime MLB player Lenny Randle passed away on Sunday. He was 75.

Randle played in the big leagues for the Washington Senators/Texas Rangers (1971-76), New York Mets (1977-78), New York Yankees (1979), Chicago Cubs (1980) and Seattle Mariners (1981-82). The Mariners confirmed his death in a post on social media Monday night.

"We are saddened by the passing of former Mariner Lenny Randle. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones," the team said.

In his 12-year MLB career, Randle appeared at every position except first base but predominantly played second and third. A switch-hitter, he finished with a .257 average, 27 home runs, 322 RBI, 488 runs scored and 156 stolen bases in 1,138 games.

Randle was not without controversy during his playing days. In a 1974 game against the Cleveland Indians, he intentionally bunted down the first base line so he could run over pitcher Milt Wilcox, who had nearly hit him with a pitch earlier in the at-bat.

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 29: Vintage aircraft from the Cavanagh Flight Museum fly over the Opening Day ceremonies before the game between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on March 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Three years later, Randle was involved in an incident with his manager in Texas, Frank Lucchesi. Randle confronted Lucchesi in the clubhouse before a spring training game and punched the manager in the face, resulting in Lucchesi suffering a fractured cheekbone which required hospitalization and surgery.

While playing third base for the Mariners in 1981, Randle also famously tried to blow a ball foul as it rolled down the third base line.

"I start yelling, 'Go foul! Go foul!' I'm yelling, 'Go! Go! Go foul! Go foul!' And my breath stinks. I'm sure the ball didn't like the smell of my breath," he once said about the play.

In 1982, Randle became the first MLB player to compete in the top professional baseball league in Italy. He was also involved in the Urban Youth Academy in his hometown of Compton, California.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Randle's family and friends at this time.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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