Mike Brumley Obituary, Death: Former Atlanta Braves Coach Passed Away in Car Accident, Austin Riley Mourns the Death of His Longtime Baseball Coach and MentorThe baseball community is mourning the loss of Mike Brumley, a highly respected coach who played a pivotal role in the success of several players including Austin Riley.
Brumley passed away in a tragic car accident on Saturday morning, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by the players and teams he impacted during his illustrious career.
Mike Brumley was more than just a coach to Austin Riley; he was a mentor and a father figure who played a significant role in shaping Riley’s career. Riley has often credited Brumley for his success, and the two shared a bond that went beyond the baseball field. Brumley’s coaching and guidance helped Riley transform his raw power into a reliable performance that earned him a spot in the major leagues. Riley has often spoken about the impact Brumley had on his life and career, and the two remained close even after Brumley left the Atlanta Braves organization.
Brumley’s tenure as the Braves minor league hitting coordinator had a profound impact on several players, including Riley. His steadfast backing and outstanding coaching were instrumental in Riley’s success, particularly during the 2021 season when Riley was included in the All-MLB first team. Brumley’s influence extended beyond the Braves organization, and he was widely respected in the baseball community for his contributions to the game and the lives he impacted.
The news of Brumley’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the baseball community, with players, coaches, and fans paying tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the sport. Riley, who had recently worked with Brumley in Baltimore, was devastated to learn of his passing and revealed that he had not slept since learning the news. Riley’s inclusion on the All-MLB first team during the previous season was made possible in large part by Brumley’s coaching, and the two shared a bond that will be deeply missed.
The absence of Brumley will be felt both inside and outside the Braves organization. He was a highly regarded individual in the baseball community, and his influence extended beyond the players he coached. Brumley’s legacy will live on through the players he taught and the enduring influence he had on baseball. Although the details of the funeral and memorial services have not yet been revealed, it is obvious that Mike Brumley will always be remembered by the athletes he taught and the lives he impacted.
Brumley’s playing career spanned eight seasons, during which he played for six different teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, and Oakland Athletics. He was a late-inning defensive specialist who could play all positions except pitcher and catcher. His most productive season came with the Detroit Tigers in 1989 when he posted career-highs in games played, at bats, runs, hits, doubles, runs batted in, and stolen bases.
After his playing career ended, Brumley went on to become a successful coach, managing the Salt Lake Stingers from 2002 to 2004 and serving as the minor league field coordinator for the Texas Rangers from 2005 to 2007. He was also the manager of the Ogden Raptors in 2008 and worked in the Los Angeles Dodgers system in 2009, overseeing all aspects of instruction in the Dodgers minor league system. In 2010, he served as the third-base coach for the Seattle Mariners before joining the coaching staff of the Chicago Cubs in 2014 as an assistant hitting coach.
Brumley’s impact on the game of baseball will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the players he taught and the lives he impacted. He will be remembered as a coach, mentor, and father figure who dedicated his life to the sport he loved. The baseball community will come together to pay tribute to a man who gave so much to the game, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
In a statement, the Atlanta Braves organization expressed their condolences to Brumley’s family and friends, saying, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Brumley. He was a highly respected coach and a beloved member of the Braves family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
As the baseball community mourns the loss of a man who gave so much to the sport, they will also celebrate his life and legacy. Mike Brumley may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. His influence on the game of baseball will continue to be felt for generations to come, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Rest in peace, Mike Brumley. Your legacy will never be forgotten.
