Rico Carty, a distinguished Major League Baseball outfielder and the 1970 National League batting champion, passed away on November 23, 2024 at 85. A family friend confirmed his death to Listín Diario, a newspaper in his native Dominican Republic, stating that he died Saturday night in an Atlanta, Georgia hospital.
Born on September 1, 1939, in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, Ricardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty began his professional baseball career after representing his country in the 1959 Pan American Games. He signed with the Milwaukee Braves as a free agent in 1959 and made his Major League debut in September 1963.
Carty’s rookie season in 1964 was remarkable; he batted .330 with 22 home runs and 88 RBIs, finishing second to Dick Allen in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
When the Braves relocated to Atlanta after the 1965 season, Carty recorded the franchise’s first hit in their new home on April 12, 1966, against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The pinnacle of Carty’s career came in 1970 when he led the Major Leagues with a .366 batting average and earned the National League batting title. That same year, he was elected to start the All-Star Game as a write-in candidate, joining legends Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the National League outfield.
Over his 15-year career, Carty played for several teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs. He retired after the 1979 season with a career batting average of .299, 204 home runs, and 890 RBIs.
Carty’s contributions to baseball extended beyond his on-field performance. He was one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in the Major Leagues, establishing himself as a hero to millions in his native Dominican Republic, his hometown of San Pedro de Macorís, and the city of Atlanta, where he was a symbol of resilience and inspiration for aspiring athletes during a time of social change.
In 2023, Carty was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy within the organization. The Braves released a statement honoring him: “While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed.”
Major League Baseball and the Players’ Association also paid tribute to Carty, acknowledging his pioneering role and his indelible mark on the sport.
Carty’s passing marks the end of an era for many baseball fans who remember his exceptional talent and charismatic presence. His legacy as a trailblazer for Latino players and his contributions to the game will be remembered and celebrated for years.