Former MLB Pitcher Brad Halsey Dies At 33
Former Major League player Brad Halsey has died at the age of 33, a spokesperson confirmed.
Halsey, a lefty pitcher, reportedly died following a recreational climbing accident near his home in Texas. Brad pitched for three seasons in the majors and played for the New York Yankees, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Oakland Athletics. After being drafted and developed by the Yankees in 2002, and debuted for the team in 2004 when he was only 23.
Halsey was, according to Newsday, “the starter for the Yankees’ game against Boston on July 1, 2004, that featured Derek Jeter’s iconic dive into the stands on the third-base line after pursuing and catching a pop-up.”
Brad’s agency, O’Connell Sports, confirmed his death via Twitter after news began to spread.
“We are sorry to hear of the passing of longtime client, Brad Halsey”, the statement read. “Our thoughts & prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
We are sorry to hear of the passing of longtime client, Brad Halsey. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
— O’Connell Sports (@TOConnellSports) November 5, 2014
Brad was signed to the Oakland A’s from 2006-2008, though his only appearance with the team was in 2006. After being released from the team in 2008, Halsey played sporadically for independent leagues, including the Atlantic League (with the Long Island Ducks) and the Northern League (with the Gary SouthShore Railcats). Brad most recently had signed a minor league contract with the Yankees in 2011.
Another of Halsey’s former teams, the Columbus Clippers, tweeted their condolences and a photo tribute to Brad upon hearing of his death.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Brad Halsey, who played for Columbus in 2004,” the team wrote.
Bob Nightengale, MLB contributor for USA Today, also offered his thoughts and prayers to Halsey’s family.
Prayers go out to former pitcher Brad Halsey, 33, who died in recreational climbing accident http://t.co/b7oKcWwckG
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 5, 2014
Brad Halsey is the second young player in the majors to pass away in recent days. Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras was reported on October 2h to have died in a car accident while visiting his native Dominican Republic. His agent confirmed initial reports, saying that the player’s girlfriend had also died in the accident. Taveras was 22-years-old.
Halsey, according to the New York Daily News, “had a career record of 14-19 with a 4.84 ERA”, and also noted that Brad “made 40 starts and appeared in 88 games.”
