Phillies players past and present are remembering the great Darren Daulton
Darren Daulton passed away Sunday evening at the age of 55 following a five-year battle with brain cancer.
Daulton played 14 seasons in Philadelphia, earning three All-Star appearances and leading the team to the National League pennant in 1993.
Phillies Chairman Emeritus Bill Giles released a statement honoring Daulton’s leadership and play on the field.
"“Darren was a true leader of men. The Phillies would not have gone to the 1993 World Series without his leadership. In addition to being an outstanding clubhouse leader, he was also a fighter. He battled through five knee operations to become an All-Star. I really enjoyed watching him for 14 years in uniform. Darren was a super human being. His teammates loved him, I loved him like he was one of my own. In fact, he called me ‘Uncle Bill.'”"
REVISED Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 @PhillyDailyNews Front Page -- pic.twitter.com/340CM0wCET
— Bob Vetrone Jr. (@BoopStats) August 7, 2017
Chairman David Montgomery also paid homage to Dutch in the team’s official statement.
"“All of us at the Phillies are saddened to hear of Darren’s passing. From the day that we drafted him until today, he constantly earned our respect and admiration as both a player and person. Darren was the face of our franchise in the early 1990’s. Jim Fregosi asked so much of him as catcher, clean-up hitter and team leader. He responded to all three challenges. One of my toughest decisions as team president was to approve his trade to the Marlins in July of 1997. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Amanda, his parents, his brother and his four children. Dutch was truly “one of a kind” and we will dearly miss him.”"
Around the world former teammates, current Phillies, and the world of baseball reacted to the passing of Dutch.
Tonight the @Phillies lost a true legend and those of us who were lucky enough to be his teammate lost a brother!
— John Kruk (@JohnKruk) August 7, 2017
Could not have asked for a better teammate and friend. Prayers for his entire family at this time. I love you Bubba!!!
— John Kruk (@JohnKruk) August 7, 2017
R.I.P. to the great Darren Daulton. A tremendous player and a special person. Epitomized leadership with his smile, work ethic & toughness
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) August 7, 2017
Why baseball is sometimes secondary....but Darren was a hero in my eyes!!!! #legendaryleader... we love you !!! Dutch
— ricky bottalico (@rickybottalico) August 7, 2017
Very sad to hear the news of the passing of Darren Daulton. He was a good ball player and a better person. RIP Dutch. #rightonfighton
— Jason Myrtetus (@jasonmyrt) August 7, 2017
I know Dad's favorite Phils team was the wonderfully wacky group of grinders in '93. Daulton was the heart/soul of that squad. #RIPDutch
— Todd Kalas (@RealToddKalas) August 7, 2017
So sad. My all time favorite. Why I chose #10 jersey. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/3BnS91rTuE
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) August 7, 2017
RIP Darren Daulton.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 7, 2017
The Phillies announced that “Dutch” passed away today at 55 after a four-year battle with brain cancer.
Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Darren Daulton today! You will be missed my friend, always enjoyed your presence at the ballpark
— Cameron Rupp (@CameronRupp) August 7, 2017
Darren Daulton was 55-years-old.