Former Blue Jays All-Star Infielder Damaso Garcia Passes Away at Age 63

The Toronto Blue Jays family suffered another crushing loss, as arguably the best second baseman in franchise history has passed away.

Dominican infielder Damaso Garcia, who played with Toronto from 1980 to 1986, passed away at the age of 63.

Garcia is the second Blue Jays infielder of note to pass away within the last few months, as former Toronto All-Star and Garcia's double play partner Tony Fernandez died in February at the age of 57.

After the New York Yankees traded him for a package headlined by Rick Cerrone, Garcia emerged as one of the best middle infielders in the American League in the 1980s. A .288 hitter during his seven years in Toronto, Garcia made two All-Star teams, hitting 32 home runs and stealing 194 bases while providing excellent defense. A supreme contact hitter, Garcia only struck out over 50 times one in his entire career. After leaving Toronto, he played briefly with the Braves and Expos before retiring.

In 1991, Garcia had a malignant brain tumor removed and was told he only had six months to live. The operation left him with limited speech and motor skills, but he was able to throw out a first pitch at the playoffs. Until his death, he ran a baseball camp in the Dominican Republic for children with hemophilia.

Our condolences go out to the Blue Jays and their fans, as they lost another star infielder before his time.