After dealing with kidney issues for several years, Dave received a kidney transplant in late October. Although it is unclear if the transplant resulted in any complications, it was ultimately a heart attack that took Dave’s life. He suffered the massive heart attack in the early morning of Dec. 27 at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center.
Known by his nickname, Hendu, Dave was a beloved player on every team for which he played. Best known for his game-saving home run in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series that eventually led to a comeback which sent his Red Sox team to the World Series, Dave was a major contributor no matter what team he was on. His gapped-tooth smile as well as his infectious charisma won the hearts of baseball fans all over the country.
After retiring from playing in 1994, Dave served as a broadcaster for the Mariners, the team with which he began his MLB career when he was the first draft pick in the franchise’s history in 1977. Mariners team president Kevin Mather expressed his sadness over Dave’s passing in a statement.
“On behalf of the Seattle Mariners, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to Chase and Trent and Nancy and to Dave’s many friends,” Kevin said. “He was a devoted father to his two sons and always willing to help someone in need. Dave was one of the most popular Mariners in our history, but Dave was also one of the most popular player’s in Red Sox and A’s history. He had a special ability to connect with people, both inside the game and in the communities in which he lived. I never saw him at the ballpark, or on the golf course, without a big smile on his face.”
Dave is survived by his wife Nancy and his sons, Chase and Trent, according to CNN. Our hearts go out to them during this extremely sad time.
HollywoodLifers, send your thoughts to Dave’s family during this difficult time. If you have any baseball memories you’d like to share of Dave, feel free to do so in the comments below.