Darren Daulton was the heart and soul of the 1993 Phillies
One of the greatest leaders in Philadelphia Phillies history has died. Darren “Dutch” Daulton passed away Sunday evening after a long battle with brain cancer.
David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Consitution first reported the passing of Daulton. The Phillies soon confirmed the news on social media.
Dutch was 55-years-old, and had battled brain cancer for five years, and was previously cleared in 2015. However, recent rumors and wellwishes expressed by former teammates brought great concern surrounding the health of Daulton.
Condolences to the family of Darren Daulton, who died tonight after a long battle with brain cancer. R.I.P., Dutch.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 7, 2017
Daulton played all but 52 of his major league games for the Phillies, and won the 1997 World Series with the Florida Marlins. Daulton represented the Phillies on three separate occasions at the MLB All-Star game as a player during his career, while hitting 134 home runs and driving in 567 runs.
He was a top-seven MVP candidate in 1992 and 1993, sending a misfit team from Philadelphia into the World Series. Leading Lenny Dykstra, John Kruk, and Curt Schilling Daulton became an instant legend in the city of Philadelphia.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of 1993 NL Champion and Phillies Wall of Fame catcher Darren Daulton. pic.twitter.com/iPHB9Rn7vg
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 7, 2017
He was the great leader of the 1993 National League champions and inducted onto the Wall of Fame in 2010.
With alumni weekend this week, the team will surely recognize one of the greatest leaders in baseball history.
This season has brought great sadness to Philadelphia with the loss of Daulton, former manager Dallas Green, Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning, and lifelong scout Ruben Amaro Sr. All three will likely be honored during alumni weekend.
Rest in peace Dutch.