Former Yankees All-Star Pitcher and 'Ball Four' Author Jim Bouton Dies at 80

The New York Yankee family -- indeed, the baseball family -- lost a great one Wednesday. Jim Bouton has passed away at the age of 80.

Friends of the family revealed that the pitcher-turned-scribe's death was passing by dementia.

Bouton began his MLB career with the Yankees in 1962, and he played an integral role in the team's World Series championship that season. It was his second year with the Yankees that was most impressive, as he posted a 21-7 record and a 2.53 ERA, resulting in Bouton earning his first and only All-Star nod.

After his Yankees tenure ended following the 1968 season, Bouton spent the latter part of his career with the Seattle Pilots (1969), Houston Astros (1969-70), and Atlanta Braves (1978). Bouton retired following his lone season with the Braves, where he accumulated a career record of 62-63 with a 3.57 ERA.

Bouton eventually became best known for his book, "Ball Four," which served as a tell-all from his time with the Pilots and included behind-the-scenes stories during his Yankee tenure. As a result of the book's publication in 1970, Bouton relationship with former teammate Mickey Mantle and the Yankee organization deteriorated.

Bouton would get back in the good graces of the Yankees in 1998 when he participated in that year's Old Timer's Day. Prior to that, Bouton and Mantle received some closure about the whole ordeal; Mantle died in 1995.

Bouton served as a sportscaster in New York up until 2012. His loss will be felt. You'd be hard-pressed to find a career quite like his.