Former Oakland Athletics All-Star Starter Matt Keough Passes Away at 64

One of Oakland's standout young hurlers on Billy Martin's exemplary A's teams at the start of the 1980s has lost his silent battle.

Matt Keough, an All-Star in the '80s who eventually grew into a pitching guru, passed away this weekend, as announced on Instagram by his son Shane, a former minor-leaguer himself.

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My favorite place was always on your shoulders. It makes me smile knowing McCoy will be there with you; right there on your shoulders. It wasn’t always perfect but I wouldn’t change it for the world. You taught me more than you’ll ever know and I hope that I make you proud. Kick back and enjoy the eternal sunshine. Till I see you again - I love dad.

A post shared by Shane Keough (@shanekeough) on May 2, 2020 at 7:13pm PDT

Keough made the All-Star team in his second MLB season in 1978, sporting a losing record, but an exemplary 3.24 ERA. His 1979 season, however, was a disaster -- his ERA ballooned to 5.04, and his 2-17 record didn't hide any deficiencies. A lesser man might never rebound from that, but Keough thrived, posting a 2.92 mark the very next season at the age of 24, and dominating his only playoff start in the 1981 ALCS against the Yankees, despite taking the loss.

Billy Martin believed in him when he took over the helm in 1980, and Keough rewarded that faith.

A great friend lost:Matt Keough, P, brilliant scout. Thoughts to Colton, Kara, Shane, his children, nd his distinguished dad Marty, once traded for Carroll Hardy. Matt's understanding of P's was ahead of his time, our talks--even a week ago--unforgettable
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) May 3, 2020

Tragically, Keough was also the father of Kara Keough Bosworth, whose mother starred in "Real Housewives of Orange County," and who lost her son during childbirth a month ago. We send our best wishes to the family during these exceptionally trying times.