It has been a record-breaking MLB season and has given many reasons for baseball to cheer too. But amidst all, a wave of shock has also gripped the community, bringing conflicting emotions to the picture. On one side, MLB is seeing a growth in stadium attendance. And the other is losing former stars, adding to the void. It was amplified by the unexpected loss of two former Cleveland Guardians players recently.
Alex Cole and Dick Tomanek are remembered fondly for their contributions to the team’s success. It has come as an enormous loss for the Guardians and their fraternity. They addressed it in a message for the lost souls. The saddened baseball community added their respects to the message while remembering the two former MLB stars.
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Cleveland Guardians Remember Their Former Players in Heartfelt Message
Whether it’s one game or 100 games, a player remains a part of any team’s history after moving away to other teams. The same is the story of Alex Cole and Dick Tomanek, who did not play long in Cleveland but contributed to the team with their efforts on the field. The Guardians reflected the same in a tweet while remembering their former players.
We are saddened to hear about the passing of two Cleveland alumni, OF Alex Cole and LHP Dick Tomanek.
Cole spent just over two seasons with Cleveland, amassing 76 stolen bases while batting .284.
Tomanek, a Cleveland area native, appeared in 54 games, mostly in relief. pic.twitter.com/zOaqiycvk9
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 19, 2023
It read, “We are saddened to hear about the passing of two Cleveland alumni, OF Alex Cole and LHP Dick Tomanek. Cole spent just over two seasons with Cleveland, amassing 76 stolen bases while batting .284. Tomanek, a Cleveland area native, appeared in 54 games, mostly in relief.”
Notably, Cole was a native of Fayetteville. He started his baseball journey with the State College of Florida. He was even picked by the Pirates but did not sign for them. The slugger eventually made his MLB debut with the Guardians, formerly known as the Cleveland Indians. Cole played for them until mid-1992, making his name because of his speed, great average, and stolen bases.
Meanwhile, his senior, Dick Tomanek, debuted with the Indians in 1953. He had a great start to his MLB career with a perfect first game but remained sidelined later on in his career. But even after it, his value on the team was immense as he added to the team’s overall strength. And as the two former stars leave aged 58 and 92, baseball has joined in with their tributes recounting their contribution to the sport.
The Baseball World Shares Its Tributes for Alex Cole and Dick Tomanek
If there is one truly passionate fanbase, it’s baseball. And it makes them value every contribution that has helped in its progress. Given Alex Cole and Dick Tomanek did the same, their loss has left the baseball world in pain.
Read More:- MLB World Mourns as Mr. Baseball’s Tragic Death at 89 Leaves a Massive Void
While reflecting on their responses, they have shared their thankful notes and prayers for the former MLB players.
RIP to both of them. Alex Cole was only 58, man. Sad.
— Across The Cavs (Offseason) (@AcrossCavs) August 19, 2023
Alex Cole was a favorite of my early fandom. Sad to hear.
— ☀️CLE🤘🏻Heathen🤓Nerd☠️ (@PJC76) August 19, 2023
RIP to these men. Not old enough to remember Tomanek, but Alex Cole helped to make the summer of ‘90 a lot of fun for the Tribe.
— Brant Starkey (@brantstarkey) August 19, 2023
More prayers continued to float in.
Thank you @CleGuardians. This means a lot to the families.
— Justin Looymans (@JLooymans) August 19, 2023
It’s another shocking loss for the baseball community. May the two players rest in baseball heaven peacefully.
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