Former MLB infielder and Atlanta Braves’ former coach Mike Brumley has passed away in a car accident on Saturday. He was 61. Despite playing for six teams, Brumley’s true impact came as a coach. He quickly climbed up the coaching ladder and became one of the most proficient coaches of his time. With multiple stars learning their craft under him, Brumley’s impact was huge on the sport.

Mike Brumley’s career began in 1983 after the Boston Red Sox drafted him. However, it wasn’t until 1987 that he was able to make his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs. By 1995, Brumley had been a part of the Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Red Sox, Houston Astros, and the Oakland Athletics. 

However, after retirement, Brumley predominantly worked with the Atlanta Braves. It was there that Brumley developed a bond and close relationship with multiple players. Austin Riley was one of those players. Riley told reporters that he got a text on Sunday at 2:30 am informing him of the news. The Braves star hasn’t slept since.  “There are very few people that have been role models in my baseball career, my dad being No.1 and Mike Brumley being No.2,” Riley said. 

The news “devastated” the star. He revealed that he had worked with Mike Brumley earlier in the week when his team visited the Orioles. The two used to have conversations regularly. As a result, it was a bittersweet moment for Riley when he hit his third consecutive homer yesterday. 

The star rounded bases while pointing at the sky. “He was in the back of my mind the whole time,” Riley said, adding, “Really all day and it’s just tough.” Riley was not alone, Brumley’s former team too paid tribute after his tragic passing.

Seattle Mariners remember Mike Brumley 

Brumley played in the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and was their coach for four seasons (2010 to 2013). Though he wasn’t there for a long time, Brumley had a huge impact on the team’s players. As a result, when the news of his demise spread the Mariners posted a tribute for him. In those 4 years with the Mariners, Brumley first worked as the team’s third base coach. Later he moved to the first base coach’s position.

“We are saddened by the passing of former Mariners player and coach, Mike Brumley. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and loved ones. Mike’s impact on the field, in our organization, and across baseball, was felt by generations of players,” the statement read. Other than the Mariners, Brumley also worked in the Chicago Cubs as the assistant hitting coach. However, that stint was short and he was dismissed after just one season. Thereafter, from 2018 to 2022, Brumley became the minor league hitting coordinator in the Atlanta Braves.

So with players like Dansby Swanson, Adam Duval and rest growing under his wings, Mike Brumley’s impact on baseball cannot be understated. Rest in peace, Mike – gone too soon.