Don Baylor, 1979 AL MVP with Angels, dies at 68

Don Baylor, a former Angels slugger and coach and winner of the franchise’s first MVP award, died Monday after a battle with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer. He was 68.

Baylor died while hospitalized in Austin, Texas, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

“Don passed from this earth with the same fierce dignity with which he played the game and lived his life,” his wife, Rebecca, said in a statement.

Baylor spent 19 years in the majors with six teams, including six seasons with the Angels. In 1979, he won the MVP award, helping the Angels to their first playoff appearance. Baylor hit .296 with 36 homers and 139 RBI.

He reached the World Series three straight times at the end of his career from 1986 to 1988 and won the title with the Twins in 1987.

Baylor later served as manager for the Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs. He also held other coaching jobs in the majors, in all wearing 14 major league uniforms as a player, coach or manager.

His final job in uniform was serving as the Angels’ hitting coach, in 2014 and 2015. He missed much of the 2014 season after suffering a broken leg during a freak accident during a pregame ceremony on opening day. Baylor was catching a ceremonial first pitch from Vladimir Guerrero when he twisted awkwardly and collapsed to the ground.

He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma 14 years ago, according to his family. He partnered with former Yankees pitcher Mel Stottlemyre to increase awareness and promote research into the disease.

Baylor is survived by his wife, Rebecca; son, Don Edward Jr.; brother, Doug; sister, Connie; two granddaughters Brooklyn and Nola Bee.

Arrangements have yet to be determined.

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