Former MLB pitcher Lee ‘Buzz’ Capra died at the age of 78 this week, his alma mater announced.
Capra, who earned All-Star honors during his four-year stint with the Atlanta Braves, passed away on Monday, according to Illinois State University. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
The Chicago-born player was selected out of Illinois State by the New York Mets in the 27th round of the 1969 Draft, before making his debut in the big leagues two years later.
After spending three seasons in New York, his rights were sold to the Braves prior to the 1974 campaign.
In his first year with Atlanta he enjoyed the greatest season of his career, making the National League All-Star team while posting a 16-8 record and winning the NL ERA title with a 2.28 mark.
In June of that season the pitcher went 6–0 with a 1.05 ERA, three shutouts and another complete game to set a team record with nine consecutive wins.
Ex-MLB pitcher Lee ‘Buzz’ Capra died at the age of 78 this week, his alma mater announced
Capra, who was drafted by the New York Mets before earning All-Star honors during his four-year stint with the Atlanta Braves, passed away on Monday
At the end of that year, Capra also received down-ballot Cy Young and MVP votes on the back of his tremendous start to life with the Braves.
In the end, though, an arm injury would ultimately bring his career to a disappointing end.
Following his All-Star campaign, Capra made just 62 more appearances before retiring after being released by the Braves in 1978.
Capra went on to coach baseball at Northeastern Illinois University and for several minor league organizations, including the Braves, Mets, Expos, Phillies and White Sox.
‘Buzz is a legend in our program and one of the best baseball players to ever wear a Redbird uniform,’ ISU head baseball coach Steve Holm said after the death of Capra, who led his alma mater to the 1969 National Baseball Championship.
‘He was a Hall of Famer, national champion, longtime MLB professional and coach and his legacy in the game of baseball will live on. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and former ISU teammates at this difficult time.’
Visitation for Capra will take place on Monday May 18 from 3pm until 8pm and again on Tuesday from 10am until the time of funeral service at 11am at Cumberland Chapels in Norridge, Illinois.
