Don Cooper, World Series-Winning White Sox Coach, Dies at 70
The Chicago White Sox announced the passing of their longtime pitching coach, who spent 33 seasons with the organization.
Don Cooper, a revered figure in baseball and the Chicago White Sox's pitching coach for the 2005 World Series championship team, has died at the age of 70. The franchise confirmed his death on Wednesday afternoon, releasing a statement that honored his extensive contributions and extended condolences to his family and friends.
Cooper dedicated 33 seasons to the White Sox organization, serving as a coach from 1988 to 2020. He spent 18 full seasons as the major-league pitching coach, a tenure that cemented his status as one of Major League Baseball's longest-serving coaches in that role.
"Don Cooper spent 33 seasons as a coach in the White Sox organization from 1988-2020, including 18 full seasons as the major-league pitching coach," the team's statement read. "Cooper served as the pitching coach for the 2005 World Series champion club, which became the first team since the 1928 Yankees to toss four consecutive complete games in a single postseason. Forever in our thoughts."
His family announced on Facebook that Cooper "died peacefully" on September 22, and that funeral arrangements would be communicated once established. The family statement also highlighted his "fierce passion for baseball" and the "unbreakable love for his family and friends," adding that he was always available to offer advice and encouragement.
Before his lengthy coaching career, Cooper played professionally. He was selected by the New York Yankees in the 17th round of the 1978 MLB draft. He also played for the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays before returning to the Yankees in 1984. In 44 major league games as a player, he posted a 1-6 record with a 5.27 earned run average.
Cooper transitioned into coaching in 1988, beginning as a minor league pitching coach for the White Sox. He later served as the club's minor league pitching coordinator from 1993 to 2002 before being promoted to major league pitching coach in 2002. He remained in that position until his departure from the organization in 2020, which coincided with the dismissal of manager Rick Renteria.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby, and their three children: Jaime, Luke, and Kate.